Surprise need the Chargers could address in the 2026 NFL Draft
The trenches should be the priority for the Los Angeles Chargers, but they could surprise us all by targeting this one position.
The Chargers have primarily been projected to take an interior offensive lineman, edge rusher, or defensive tackle with their first-round pick in the upcoming draft. However, if the Bolts go in a different direction altogether, a position they could target is safety, which Bleacher Report's Alex Ballantine tabbed as their "surprising" need . Derwin James has just one year left on his contract.
Tony Jefferson is 34 years old and Elijah Molden took a step back last season. That could make the Chargers a sneaky home for either Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Neither are graded as highly as Caleb Downs, but both carry first-round grades.
New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary has served as a safeties coach before so he could love the versatility that Thieneman brings to the table. Derwin James has only one year remaining on his current contract. Finding an heir apparent now would allow a rookie to develop alongside him before potentially taking over the lead role.
Furthermore, Elijah Molden saw a dip in performance last season and Tony Jefferson isn't getting any younger. Defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary previously served as the Chargers' safeties coach, so it's a position he covets and I'm sure he would be ecstatic to get his hands on one of the top players at the position to bolster his unit. Ohio State's Caleb Downs is the No.