2026 NFL Draft Grades: Los Angeles Chargers

These 2026 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep in mind that these NFL Draft Grades are based on team needs, player value, positional value, and any trade implications. Follow @walterfootball for updates.



Los Angeles Chargers

NFL Draft Team Grade: C+ Grade

Goals Entering the 2026 NFL Draft: The Chargers will be getting their two tackles back from injury, but they need an overhaul for their interior blocking to make sure that Justin Herbert is actually shielded well this year. There are certain areas the Chargers need to upgrade on defense, namely the interior defensive line, linebacker, and cornerback.

2026 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Chargers spent a whopping four picks on offensive linemen, but they took a quick detour in the first round when they addressed the other side of the trenches with Akheem Mesidor. This wasn’t a very good pick because Mesidor is an old prospect who was able to benefit from the presence of Rueben Bain. He was a second-round prospect, so the Chargers should have traded down or targeted another player.

The first blocker was chosen with the next pick, as Jake Slaughter was targeted to play the interior. Slaughter can start at guard and center, so his versatility will be key if the Chargers have mass injuries again. Fourth-round tackle Travis Burke can play both the left and right side, so his presence will be important for the same reason. Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey were both strong values toward the end of the draft. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if one of them eventually fought for a starting job at guard.

The Chargers had some other decent picks, including fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson, a dangerous threat as a slot receiver who can replace Keenan Allen’s production. There’s also Genesis Smith, who may not have sonic speed, but possesses great instincts at the position.

I’d say the Chargers came away with a passable draft class. I would not call it great, or even good though. The Chargers had eight picks, and only one (Taylor) scored higher than a B+. They also whiffed on their opening-round choice.



NFL Draft Individual Grades:


22. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami – C- Grade

I’m not a fan of this pick. It fills a need, but Akheem Mesidor is an old prospect (25), so there’s not much upside. Mesidor was also able to ride Rueben Bain’s coattails, so there’s no way of knowing how he would have performed if opposing teams were able to focus on him.


63. Jake Slaughter, C, Florida – B+ Grade

The Chargers had a disaster of an offensive line last year. Part of that was the injury to the tackles, but the other part was poor interior blocking. This will help. Jake Slaughter is a solid prospect who is strong and athletic.


105. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State – B+ Grade

Brenen Thompson is an undersized slot receiver, but he’s a dangerous threat. The Chargers needed a receiver with Keenan Allen gone, so they had to address the position. I thought Thompson could’ve gone in Round 3, so I like the value.


117. Travis Burke, OT, Memphis – B Grade

The Chargers needed another tackle in case Rashawn Slater can’t stay healthy. Travis Burke is a huge and long tackle with upside, but has slow feet. He’ll probably be a backup, but there’s a chance he could emerge as a starter down the road.


131. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona – B Grade

Genesis Smith may not have sonic speed, but he’s an instinctive safety with great length. I had him slotted around this range, so this pick makes sense.


145. Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina – B Grade

Nick Barrett is a stout defensive tackle, but doesn’t have much quickness. He’s also raw and inexperienced. There’s some upside though, and he could potentially fill a need. I had him going around this range.


202. Logan Taylor, G, Boston College – A Grade

Logan Taylor is a strong lineman, but lacks any sort of quickness. Still, I had Taylor slotted in the fourth round, so I love the value the Chargers are getting. Even better, they’re filling a need and making Justin Herbert happy.


206. Alex Harkey, OT/G, Oregon – B+ Grade

Another lineman. Justin Herbert must be thrilled. Alex Harkey is a nasty run blocker, but must improve his pass protection. So, maybe it’s Omarion Hampton who is happier. Still, the more blockers, the better.

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