The Chargers finished the 2025 season at 11-6, made the playoffs for a second consecutive year, but were eliminated in the Wild Card round. GM Joe Hortiz and HC Jim Harbaugh are pushing for postseason success with a legitimate Super Bowl window around QB Justin Herbert.
After yet another disappointing first-round exit — a 16-3 defeat to the New England Patriots — the team brought in Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator and Chris O’Leary as defensive coordinator, replacing Jesse Minter, who left to become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
Note: Teams inevitably trade draft picks during the draft; I will not be. I’m standing pat and selecting based on how the roster will look today, so no free agency either.
2026 Los Angeles Chargers: Overview
SIGNINGS / EXTENSIONS:
- C Tyler Biadasz — Signed March 6; replaces retired Bradley Bozeman as the new starting center. A Pro Bowler in 2022, he’s considered a major upgrade and floor-raiser for the interior line. Los Angeles Chargers
- EDGE Khalil Mack — Re-signed on a one-year deal. He was still one of the Chargers’ best defenders in 2025; his return signals belief that the team can compete for a title. ESPN
- TE Charlie Kolar — Signed a 3-year, $24.3M deal ($17M guaranteed). Will pair with Oronde Gadsden to give the team a balance of pass-catching and run-blocking at tight end. ESPN
- RB Keaton Mitchell — Signed a 2-year, $9.25M deal ($5M guaranteed). A speedster from Baltimore (4.36 40-time) who averaged 6.3 YPC over three seasons; viewed as Najee Harris‘s replacement and a fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense. ESPN
- DT Dalvin Tomlinson — Signed to a one-year deal; adds depth to the defensive line. Bolts From The Blue
- QB Trey Lance — Re-signed on a one-year deal as Justin Herbert‘s backup. Los Angeles Chargers
- LB Denzel Perryman — Returning to Los Angeles for 2026. Los Angeles Chargers
- OG Cole Strange — Signed; played right guard in Miami last season, brought in to compete for a guard spot. ESPN
- OT Trevor Penning — Extended; can play guard or tackle, provides depth. Los Angeles Chargers
- OT Trey Pipkins III — Extended on a 2-year, $10M deal as the primary swing tackle. Los Angeles Chargers
- RB Kimani Vidal — Tendered as an exclusive rights free agent; coming off a career year with 643 rushing yards. Los Angeles Chargers
DEPARTURES / CUTS:
- OG Mekhi Becton — Released March 4; saved ~$9.7M in cap space. His lone season in LA was a disappointment. Bolt Beat
- OG Zion Johnson — Signed a 3-year, $49.5M deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Chargers let him walk. Bolt Beat
- EDGE Odafe Oweh — Signed with the Washington Commanders. A fan favorite, but the Chargers opted not to give him a $100M contract. Bolt Beat
- CB Benjamin St-Juste — Signed with the Green Bay Packers. Bolt Beat
- DT Otito Ogbonnia — Signed with the Cowboys. Los Angeles Chargers
- C Bradley Bozeman — Retired in February.
TOP 15 CONTRACTS:
Going into this mock draft, I see the biggest need is an interior defensive lineman, and then a ton of depth: offensive line, wide receiver, tight end, and secondary are my targets at this point.
Los Angeles Chargers 7 Round Mock Draft: Results
#22 – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
#55 – Emmanuel Pregnon
#86 – Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
#123 – Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
#204 – Xavier Nwankpa, SAF, Iowa
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Los Angeles Chargers 7 Round Mock: Final Thoughts
I could see them try to move around the draft, but with so little draft capital, I’d struggle to see them do too much movement. If they stand pat, they set themselves up with a starter at interior defensive lineman from day one, then a ton of depth with potential to be starters in the future.
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