ESPN predicts big things for Chargers rookie in 2026

ESPN predicts big things for Chargers rookie in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Chargers will enter the 2026 season knowing that they have to take advantage of having one of the better quarterbacks in football.

But to do that, Justin Herbert has to be protected, as he was sacked 54 times in 2025. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt set to return from injury, that will help. However, depth has been an issue, hence why the franchise took Jake Slaughter in the second round of the NFL Draft.

And for ESPN's Field Yates, he thinks Jake can be an instant starter for Mike McDaniel's offense. "Every one of Slaughter's 2,053 college snaps came at center, but he projects to play right away at guard for the Chargers after they signed center Tyler Biadasz in free agency," Yates wrote . "Slaughter is tough and rugged while possessing the lateral quickness to excel in a zone-blocking scheme.

He's one of four linemen the Chargers drafted and should make an instant impact. " MORE: Browns' rookie WR gets stunning comparison from Todd Monken Can Slaughter be a Day 1 starter? Slotting in at left guard, there's every chance that Slaughter, if he has a good training camp, that come Week 1, he'll be in the lineup tasked with protecting Herbert.