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The Los Angeles Chargers managed another 11-6 season in 2025, but lost in the wild card game for the third time in four years. As they look to get over the opening round hump, the NFL Draft has come just in time.
The Chargers have just five picks in 2026, three below the average. Thankfully for Chargers fans, they still retain a pick in each of the first four rounds. This allows them to compensate for a lack of quantity with quality.
In a division filled with the 14-3 Denver Broncos and the ever-dangerous Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers have a tall task ahead of them once again. With offensive and defensive holes in mind, they have five chances to fill them.
The Sporting News is tracking each of the Chargers' 2026 NFL Draft selections, from the first through the seventh round.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2026
Who did the Chargers draft?
The Chargers will select five players in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick No. 22:
- Round 2, Pick No. 55:
- Round 3, Pick No. 86:
- Round 4, Pick No. 123:
- Round 6, Pick No. 204:
MORE 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFTS:
- SN's complete 7-round projections
- NFL mock draft with trades
- Quarterback-only mock draft
- NFL player comparisons for Round 1 picks
- Expert mock drafts from Mel Kiper Jr. and more
Chargers NFL Draft needs
- Fill the pass rushing gap: The chargers had one of the best defensive units in the NFL last season, but free agency has created a gap. Odafe Oweh was the Chargers' primary edge rusher in 2026, and had three sacks in their playoff loss to the Patriots. Now with the Commanders, the Chargers have huge shoes to fill to replace Oweh's production.
- Add a receiver: Passing was not actively negative for the Chargers in 2025, but it was par for the course, finishing 18th. With the chance to create an above average team of receivers, the Chargers may look to capitalize by adding a receiver in the draft. It may not come on Day 1, but there are still high-upside receivers that could be available on Day 2.
- Offensive line: The O-Line was quite the strength for the Chargers in 2025, but several members are departing. This creates a few openings, notably at OT. To keep up this level of production, the Chargers may need to target a replacement tackle in the draft.
Chargers mock draft 2026
Here's a look at who the Chargers may select, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | College |
| 1 | 22 | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 2 | 55 | Keionte Scott | S | Miami |
| 3 | 86 | Chandler Rivers | CB | Duke |
| 4 | 123 | Jude Bowry | OT | Boston College |
| 6 | 204 | Nadame Tucker | EDGE | Western Michigan |
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.
MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:
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