The Los Angeles Chargers are considering a shift in strategy for their upcoming selections in the NFL Draft, with a focus on tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a potential first-round pick. The draft is scheduled for April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh, and the Chargers hold the 22nd overall selection. The team is weighing its options after a season where quarterback Justin Herbert faced significant pressure, leading to discussions about bolstering the offensive line.
General Manager Joe Hortiz and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged that the Chargers did not always maximize Herbert’s capabilities during the 2025 season. Despite securing 11 wins for the second consecutive year, the team experienced another disappointing playoff exit in the AFC wild-card round. The offensive line was heavily impacted by injuries to key players Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who suffered season-ending injuries.
As the Chargers prepare for the draft, there is optimism surrounding the return of Slater and Alt, expected to be ready by the start of the 2026 season. However, the need for additional offensive line support remains critical. Analysts speculate that the Chargers could prioritize an offensive lineman with their first-round pick, a conventional approach given their recent struggles.
Potential Picks and Strategic Moves
The Chargers currently possess five draft picks, including three in the early rounds. With the draft combine underway in Indianapolis, the team is assessing its needs and potential players to target. Sadiq, a dynamic tight end from Oregon, stands out as a player who could enhance the Chargers’ offense. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 245 pounds, Sadiq is viewed as a dual-threat option, capable of effectively blocking while also contributing as a receiver.
Prominent draft analysts, including Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com, have suggested that Sadiq could be the Chargers’ top pick, particularly with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s emphasis on finding versatile playmakers. This strategy may lead the Chargers to pivot away from selecting an interior offensive lineman in favor of adding a tight end who can provide Herbert with another reliable target.
Other potential candidates for the Chargers’ first-round pick include offensive linemen Olaivabega Ioane from Penn State and Caleb Lomu from Utah, as well as linebacker Zion Young from Missouri.
Second and Third Round Insights
Should the Chargers choose to focus on enhancing their offensive line later in the draft, they might look to select Chase Bisontis, an offensive lineman from Texas A&M, with their 55th overall pick. At 6 feet 5 inches and 315 pounds, Bisontis is recognized for his strong physical presence. Analysts believe he could be a valuable addition if he remains available.
In the third round, the Chargers may consider Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech as a viable option for bolstering their offensive line. Additionally, they might explore the possibility of selecting a linebacker or the best player available to maximize their draft strategy.
The Chargers’ fourth-round pick, 123rd overall, could see them targeting defensive tackle Gracen Halton from Oklahoma. Despite being labeled as “undersized,” Halton possesses agility and quickness that would contribute positively to the team’s defensive depth.
The Chargers will not have picks in the fifth and seventh rounds, having traded those selections in previous deals. However, they hold a sixth-round pick at 203rd overall, where they could find value in defensive back Devon Marshall from North Carolina State, particularly after the success of previous sixth-round cornerbacks.
As the Chargers navigate a pivotal offseason, their draft decisions will be closely watched, especially with the aim to improve their offensive capabilities and overall team performance in the upcoming season. With the draft combine and free agency period just around the corner, the Chargers’ strategy will begin to crystallize, shaping their roster for the future.
