2026 Chargers draft class superlatives: Best scheme fit, value pick
Rather than grading each pick, here are some standouts from the Chargers' rookie draft class in a couple of different categories.
The Chargers took eight players in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are many who believe draft grades are foolish because if the player who received a “D” turns out to be an All-Pro, it doesn’t necessarily correlate with the letter grade given. So rather than going through all of that, why not hand out some awards in a different fashion?
Best value pick: OT Travis Burke The Chargers landed a high-upside, long-armed tackle out of Memphis in the fourth round via trade-up. Burke brings elite size and length at 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds. He’s a solid athlete with the skillset to develop into a reliable swing tackle, giving L.
A. valuable insurance and competition behind Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. The eyebrow-raiser: EDGE Akheem Mesidor At 25 years old, Mesidor was one of the oldest first-round picks in recent memory, but turn on his tape and the explosiveness jumps off the screen.
He possesses a pro-ready first step, a diverse pass-rush arsenal, and the quickness to stress offensive linemen. The Chargers needed another refined element on the edge after losing Odafe Oweh in free agency, and Mesidor slides in as a natural third rusher and sub-package specialist alongside Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack. Best scheme fit: WR Brenen Thompson Thompson is the ideal weapon for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme, which prioritizes pre-snap motion and yards-after-catch potential.