2026 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Chargers choose offensive lineman

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks out during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama With the 22nd pick, the Los Angeles Chargers drafting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a continued investment in attempting to protect their franchise, Justin Herbert. While the Chargers already possess one of the league’s best tackle duos (when healthy) in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the 2025 season exposed a catastrophic lack of insurance when both starters suffered season-ending injuries.

Proctor, a massive 6-foot-7, 350-pound “people mover,” offers the rare athletic profile to either reinforce the interior as a dominant guard or serve as a high-upside swing tackle. Jim Harbaugh continues to be a coach who will emphasize a running game while attempting to set his quarterback up for success. The pick of Omarion Hampton as well as spending in free agency last year for Mekhi Becton (even though it did not work out) and this year for Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, and Charlie Kolar continues to show that desire to solidify their running game to help Justin Herbert.

Strange may set a floor for production at Guard, but the potential upgrade that Proctor presents can eventually lead to All-Pro consideration. The re-signing of T. J.

Penning and Trey Pipkins also set a floor for production at Swing Tackle that Proctor could upgrade immediately. Harbaugh hired Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator this offseason, doubling down on his desire to have an explosive offense based in the run game. Proctor’s size, athleticism, and strength should help him develop into an elite Guard with already plus pass protection and the traits to dominate in the run game.