The needs for the Los Angeles Chargers are clear — and many — in the 2026 NFL Draft.They need to reinforce their offensive line after they lost all three of their interior starters from 2025 this offseason. They signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to replace the retired Bradley Bozeman, but questions still remain at both guard positions even after signing Cole Strange as a stopgap.Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane could fill that void, but there's a good chance he'll be off the board by the time the Chargers pick at No. 22. The defensive line is another area of concern, particularly as Khalil Mack just turned 35 two months ago and has contemplated retirement the last couple offseasons.
And USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis pointed out in his latest mock draft that the Chargers also need to get younger in the secondary.On the eve of the NFL draft, here is what the experts think the Chargers will do with the No. 22 overall pick:2026 Chargers mock draft roundupNo. 22USA TODAY Sports: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, ToledoESPN: DT Peter Woods, ClemsonThe Athletic: CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseeNFL.com: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, MiamiCBS Sports: IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&MUSA TODAY Sports: "The Bolts have a few areas to address but certainly need to get younger and better on the back line – particularly when Derwin James is deployed as a nickel. A 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball seems like a good fit for a team that also prizes physicality." — Nate DavisCBS Sports: "The Los Angeles Chargers continue to patch up quarterback Justin Herbert's offensive line after he was the most hit and pressured quarterback of the 2025 NFL season.
Chase Bisontis earned third-team All-SEC honors in his final season with Texas A&M. His skill set can fit any blocking scheme, something new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will love." — Garrett PodellAll the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. Check out the latest edition: Expect big week of NFL draft trades.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chargers mock draft picks for first round ahead of 2026 NFL Draft