The Los Angeles Chargers have approached the offseason as expected, focusing on additions that align with their recent coaching and front-office philosophies. They secured former Dolphins guard Cole Strange on a two-year, $13 million contract, rejoining him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and adding a player with experience in McDaniel’s offensive system. Additionally, they signed ex-Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar to a three-year, $24.3 million deal, making him the highest-paid blocking tight end in the NFL. These signings reflect head coach Jim Harbaugh’s preference for a physical style of offense and highlight the team’s connections within Baltimore’s network but do not drastically adjust the Chargers’ 2026 NFL draft approach.
Holding the 22nd overall pick, the Chargers find themselves in a position that demands thoughtful choices. Their interior offensive line struggled last season, and while recent free agency moves addressed some areas, ample room for improvement remains. As a result, mock drafts for Los Angeles largely revolve around reinforcing the offensive line, but the team retains flexibility in its selections without being tied to a singular position focus.
Guard Olaivavega Ioane of Penn State as a Practical Choice
Tim Crean of ClutchPoints advocates for the Chargers selecting guard Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State at No. 22 overall. Crean’s perspective is that Los Angeles needs immediate help on the interior line to better protect quarterback Justin Herbert and boost the run game. Ioane, regarded as the best true guard prospect in the draft, fits these practical needs without the need for overcomplication.
The Chargers’ interior line performed poorly last season, often appearing soft and prone to disruption. McDaniel’s offense relies on creating advantageous angles and using motion to strengthen run plays, but these schemes falter without competent guard play. Ioane’s size, power, and physical style align with the kinds of linemen favored by Harbaugh. After investing heavily in tackle Joe Alt, adding Ioane could provide the stability necessary to relieve Herbert from constant protection pressures and allow the offense to function more reliably. While interior linemen may not garner headlines, solidifying this position is crucial for a team with playoff aspirations.
Alabama Tackle Kadyn Proctor Offers Versatility
ESPN’s Jordan Reid projects Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor as a compelling draft target for the Chargers. Opinions among scouts vary; some see Proctor as first-round talent, while others classify him as more of a Day 2 prospect. Another consideration is Proctor’s potential positional shift in the NFL, as many evaluators believe he could move inside and play guard.
If Proctor transitions to guard, he would still provide valuable depth and insurance at the tackle position—a critical concern given injuries to Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater last season. This flexibility reduces risk, as Proctor’s ability to fill multiple roles protects the line from further instability. His size and strength fit the power-oriented style Harbaugh prefers, and while some doubt his immediate impact, pairing him with veterans like Strange and Kolar creates room for development without expecting him to shoulder the entire offensive line burden immediately.
Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks Presents Elite Talent
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein suggests the Chargers might select Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round. Banks is viewed as one of the most physically gifted players in the draft, though concerns linger about his durability. Despite the Chargers’ more pressing need on offense, choosing a player of Banks’ caliber could be justified by his potential to dominate inside and disrupt blocking schemes, thereby improving the defense’s overall effectiveness.
Zierlein’s projection reflects the idea that front offices sometimes act beyond immediate positional needs when a luxury talent is available. The Chargers have already begun addressing offensive line weaknesses through free agency and could opt to prioritize a high-impact defensive lineman if Banks is still on the board at pick 22. Such a move would emphasize acquiring elite players who can influence the game in fundamental ways, rather than adhering strictly to conventional need-based drafting.
Interior Defensive Line Strengthened by Peter Woods
Yahoo Sports analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald link Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods to the Chargers, suggesting the team may prioritize selecting the best available talent rather than merely filling a roster gap. Woods entered the year as a potential top pick and, although last season was disappointing for both him and Clemson, his ceiling remains significant.
Woods’ skill set complements edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and offers a disruptive presence inside the defensive front. Unlike a pure nose tackle or one-gap specialist, Woods can create problems across a range of defensive fronts, which would benefit the Chargers’ pass rush by freeing up teammates like Tuipulotu. Selecting Woods would indicate a commitment to bolstering the defensive trenches while continuing to address offensive line concerns through other avenues.
What Lies Ahead for the Chargers
The Chargers face an important balancing act heading into the 2026 NFL draft. Their offensive line remains a tangible weakness that requires a concrete solution, but they also appear willing to avoid reactive drafting driven by short-term panic. The choice to pursue a player like Peter Woods would demonstrate dedication to acquiring top-tier talent regardless of immediate positional urgency, signaling a strategic focus on building a strong foundation on both sides of the ball.
Following the NFL Combine, league analysts generally do not anticipate the Chargers targeting wide receivers or flashy skill players early in the draft. Instead, the emphasis remains on strengthening the offensive and defensive lines—areas where impact is realized even before the ball is snapped. The signings of Strange and Kolar, while understated, reflect this philosophy of pragmatic roster improvement rather than glamour. At pick 22, the Chargers seem poised to continue this trend, seeking players who address critical functional needs and help transform a good team into a consistent contender.
