Breaking down Chargers' picks in The Athletic's 7-round mock draft
Breaking down what one of the highly touted draft analysts is thinking for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler released his new seven-round mock draft on Wednesday . Brugler pays close attention to fit (scheme and culture) and draft trends, visits, and workouts more than his own personal opinions. With that, let's break down what one of the highly touted draft analysts is thinking for Los Angeles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 1 | EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami Khalil Mack was re-signed to a one-year deal. But with Mack at the tail end of his career, the Chargers need to find a long-term answer opposite Tuli Tuipulotu. There are concerns regarding Mesidor's age (25), but it just means he will enter the league with a high-level technical refinement and is pro-ready.
In his final season at Miami, Mesidor posted dominant numbers, including 12. 5 sacks (tied for 2nd in the FBS) and 17. 5 tackles for loss.
Round 2 | OL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon The Chargers have Trevor Penning currently as their starting left guard after he was re-signed. However, they need to add a player capable of seeing the field in their rookie season. Pregnon could be that guy.