FlurrySports projects three possible Los Angeles Chargers draft targets with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Florida’s Caleb Banks.
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Under Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers got back to the playoffs, but for the second straight season, they were unable to get past the Wild Card round. That has seemingly been the hump that they cannot get over, as with Justin Herbert, the Chargers continue to underperform after having sky-high expectations in the offseason. Now with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and sophomore running back Omarion Hampton, it looks like Los Angeles can once again get to the playoffs, but is it enough to get them to the Divisional Round?
When looking at the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers have several holes that they need to address. With their first pick in the draft at number 22, they are likely going to pick a player from either side of the line of scrimmage. Defensive line looks to be the bigger need. Outside of the trenches, at some point in the draft, the Chargers need to pick up another weapon for Herbert, while the defensive secondary could also use some help.
The Los Angeles Chargers draft strategy is interesting because it appears that the team is only a piece or two away from really being contenders. Still, they must find those right pieces. Want more draft analysis? Check out our final 2026 NFL Mock Draft here!
Los Angeles Chargers Draft Targets at No. 22
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
While it appears that the consensus thinks that the Chargers go offensive line here, there is still a pretty big need for them on the defensive line. That leads to Los Angeles selecting the best defensive tackle available at the pick. One of the options to fill that role is Florida’s Caleb Banks. At 6-6, 330 pounds, Banks is a mammoth of a player who will succeed in taking up multiple blockers and plugging running lanes. Even after breaking his foot last season, Banks is projected to be a first-round pick given his strength and long arms. He has shown a great ability to keep offensive linemen from getting into and under him, winning battles at the line of scrimmage with a strong first punch.
Drafting Banks gives the Chargers a major weapon for a division loaded with strong run games, with a great Broncos offensive line, Ken Walker with the Chiefs and Ashton Jeanty with the Raiders. Banks is a freak, so taking a shot on him even after the foot injury makes a lot of sense for a team looking to get to their second Super Bowl.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If they don’t like the defensive line prospects available at the 22nd pick, it is nowhere near out of the realm of possibility that the Los Angeles Chargers draft focus shifts to the wide receiver room. The Chargers are no strangers to drafting wide receivers early, as they have selected Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston with premium draft capital in recent drafts. Johnston has yet to break out, so seeing Denzel Boston on the board may be enough for the Chargers to move on from him. Boston projects to be a solid X-receiver in the draft, who has great ball skills and great size.
Boston appears to be a great fit in the Chargers’ offense as he has shown a great ability to win 50/50 balls and find himself in the end zone. Given Herbert’s big arm and willingness to throw into coverage, having a receiver who can go up and get the ball is a great player to have at the quarterback’s disposal.
Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
The interior of the offensive line for the Chargers was a disaster last season. That seems to be a common theme among the Chargers’ recent seasons, as it always looks like Herbert is playing through injuries. Los Angeles has a chance to change that here, though, by selecting Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon to immediately start at the guard position. Pregnon has prototypical guard size with a strong upper body and a great first punch. In the run game, he finishes blocks and loves nothing more than to pancake opposing defensive tackles.
Given the Chargers’ investment in the run game with Hampton and McDaniel, they need to solidify their offensive line to make sure that Hampton (and Herbert) are as healthy as possible throughout the season. With Chris Jones and DJ Jones in the division, winning the line of scrimmage is going to be key for the Chargers to make a big run this season.
