Chargers Rookie Forecast 2026
Solid Starter
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida – Round 2 
After losing Zion Johnson in free agency, Los Angeles was in need of more interior offensive line talent from the 2026 NFL Draft and they were very fortunate that Slaughter slid to them at the end of the second round. Slaughter easily could have been taken early in the second round as a top 40 prospect, so getting him at the very end was an excellent value.
Slaughter looks like a plug-and-play starter in the NFL at center or guard. The toughness is the first thing that jumps out about Slaughter, as he is a strong blocker who is tough as nails at the point of attack. He blocks hard through the whistle and mixes it up with defenders on every play. Even if he gets rocked back initially, Slaughter shows recoverability to gather his feet and balance to reengage the defenders. Against bull rushes, Slaughter generally has a strong anchor as he has developed his strength well and has quality length for a guard. He also has good technique as he plays with proper leverage. Slaughter uses his strong hands, hand placement, and upper body strength to sustain his blocks and neutralize defenders from making plays. It is rare to see a player that Slaughter is blocking get in on a tackle.
In the ground game, Slaughter can generate some movement at the point of attack. He is strong and fires off the ball. With heavy hands and upper body strength, Slaughter can push defenders backward and generate some movement at the point of attack. He torques and manipulates defenders to get some openings for his back. He can also get to blocks on linebackers and does a nice job of riding them out of a play when he gets a hold of them.
As a pass blocker, Slaughter is polished and reliable to keep his defender from getting heat on the quarterback. He is smart and adjusts well to games or stunts. Slaughter does a quality job of riding defenders around the pocket when they try to beat him with speed. In the NFL, interior speed rushers could give him some issues, as Slaughter does not have special athleticism and does not stand out for having quick feet.
Immediately, Slaughter can compete to be a starting guard or center in the NFL. After signing Tyler Biadasz, Los Angeles has a veteran starting center to work with Justin Herbert. However, they need long-term guards to emerge, and Slaughter will compete with former first-round busts, Trevor Penning and Cole Strange. Before long, Slaughter should take over as a starting center, and he looks like a safe bet to be a solid starter for the Chargers.
2025: Tre Harris, WR
2024: Joe Alt, OT
2023: Tuli Tuipulotu, DE
2022: Zion Johnosn, G
2021: Rashawn Slater, OT
2020: Justin Herbert, QB
2019: Nasir Adderley, S
2018: Justin Jones, DT
2017: Forrest Lamp, G
2016: Hunter Henry, TE
2015: Denzel Perryman, LB
2014: Jason Verrett, DT
2013: Manti Te’o, LB
Most Likely To Bust
NONE The Chargers were without a third-round pick, and I don’t see bust potential with Akheem Mesidor and Jake Slaughter.
2025: Jamaree Caldwell, DT
2024: Junior Colson, LB
2023: Derius Davis, WR
2022: None
2021: Asante Samuel Jr
2020: Joe Reed, WR
2019: Trey Pipkins, OT
2018: Uchenna Nwosu, LB
2017: Dan Feeney, G
2016: Max Tuerk, C
2015: Craig Mager, CB
2014: Chris Watt, G
2013: D.J. F,uker, OT
Potential Boom Pick
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami – Round 1 
The Chargers needed some youth on the defensive line and they snatched up Mesidor when he slipped out of the top 20. Los Angeles is in win-now mode, so Mesidor being older is not a problem as he could provide a bigger immediate impact after playing more years of college football. With Khalil Mack to learn from and draw single blocks across from him, Mesidor could provide immediate pressure on the quarterback.
In the pass rush, Mesidor is a dangerous edge rusher who shows a burst off the ball and real speed on the edge. He can fire upfield and shows an ability to bend and get underneath edge protectors to gain leverage moving upfield. Mesidor is very good at counters and has a repertoire of moves to attack tackles. Mesidor can with power as well as speed, with Mesidor showing an ability to bull rush tackles and go through them with speed and power. Mesidor lacks length, so he gets in trouble when tackles get into his chest. As a pro, Mesidor could be a solid and reliable contributor as a starting edge rusher.
As a run defender, Mesidor has some strength to set the edge, and he is not limited to being a designated pass rusher. He battles and shows the ability to handle the c-gap on some plays. However, Mesidor lacks the length, height, and weight to battle NFL offensive tackles. Hence, he could be better off being rotated a fair amount in base, as he may not have the ability to handle much larger blockers for four quarters.
The Chargers have some veteran pass rushers, but they need some young talent to emerge in the long-term. Mesidor should be getting a lot of snaps quickly to help keep Mack fresh for critical situations and Mesidor could be a boom pick for Los Angeles.
2025: Omarion Hampton, RB
2024: Ladd McConkey, WR
2023: Quentin Johnston, WR
2022: None
2021: Tre’ McKitty, TE
2020: Kenneth Murray, LB
2019: Jerry Tiller, DT
2018: Derwin James, S
2017: Mike Williams, WR
2016: Joey Bosa, DE
2015: Melvin Gordon, RB
2014: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB
2013: Keenan Allen, WR
Future Depth Player
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State – Round 4 
The Chargers have some young veteran starters at wide receiver in Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, and Ladd McConkey. However, all three of them have dealt with some injuries, so Thompson is in a good position to be a backup receiver. Thompson also has elite speed and could be used to stretch defenses vertically. With the power in Justin Herbert’s arm, Thompson could be dangerous to challenge secondaries over the top. While he may never be a starter, Thompson could be a quality depth receiver.
2024: Kyle Kennard, DE
2024: Justin Eboigbe, TE
2023: Max Duggan, CB
2022: Isaiah Spiller, RB
2021: Josh Palmer, WR
2020: Joshua Kelley, RB
2019: Drue Tranquill, TE
2018: Kyzir White, S
2017: Desmond King, S
2016: Joshua Perry, LB
2015: Darius Phiolon, DT
2014: Marion Grice, RB
2013: Steve Williams, CB
