2026 Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 5 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 5 selections and critical needs at Offensive Tackle, Defensive Line, Wide Receiver. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #22 - Los Angeles Chargers: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
Rank: #22 overall | Grade: B+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Philadelphia addresses their most pressing need with David Bailey, a quick-twitch athlete whose deep bag of pass-rush moves projects immediately to obvious passing situations. Bailey's 14.5 career sacks across Stanford and Texas Tech validate his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks, even if his 250-pound frame limits his every-down potential. The Eagles are adding a designated pass-rusher who can wreak havoc on third downs.
The Fit:Bailey's smooth change-of-direction skills and multiple pass-rush moves—hand swipe, rip, ghost rush, inside spin, long-arm—give Philadelphia exactly the edge-rushing versatility they need. His good bend cornering at the top of the rush creates nightmares for tackles who can't match his lateral agility, and his effectiveness as a looper in line games adds scheme value. The run-defense limitations mean rotational usage initially, but his Josh Uche-like upside makes the investment worthwhile.
Scouting Report:If David Bailey was off the board, Los Angeles Chargers could target similar Edge Rushers in the first round range.
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Pick #56 - Los Angeles Chargers: Domonique Orange, Defensive Line, Iowa State
Rank: #54 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Buffalo addresses their fourth-ranked need with AJ Haulcy, a tackling machine whose unconventional path—from overlooked Texas high school star through New Mexico, Houston, and now LSU—has only added to his production resume. Haulcy's 98 tackles in 2023 ranked fourth nationally in solo tackles per game, while his five interceptions in 2024 tied for the Big 12 lead. The Bills are adding a ballhawk who creates turnovers in bunches.
The Fit:Haulcy's physical presence and ability to work downhill near the line of scrimmage make him an ideal low-hole strong safety in Buffalo's Cover 3 scheme. His accumulated six career forced fumbles demonstrate the aggressive punch-out mentality that creates short fields, while his competitive temperament shows up in critical moments—his two-interception game at TCU earned Big 12 DPOW honors. The single-high coverage limitations are real, but his box-safety role maximizes his skillset.
Scouting Report:If Domonique Orange was off the board, Los Angeles Chargers could target similar Defensive Lines in the second round range.
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Pick #87 - Los Angeles Chargers: Omar Cooper Jr, Wide Receiver, Indiana
Rank: #88 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Miami doubles down on defensive line by adding Darrell Jackson Jr, whose massive 6-5, 337-pound frame and three-school journey have finally produced an all-conference caliber nose tackle at Florida State. Jackson's powerful bull rush and ability to cave pockets when he maintains proper pad level create immediate run-stuffing impact, while his Bobby Bowden Leadership Award recognition despite a 2-10 team record speaks to his character. The Dolphins are stockpiling interior mass.
The Fit:Jackson's sheer size commands double-teams and his strength to hold point of attack makes him ideal for gap-occupying nose tackle duties in Miami's defense. His ability to disrupt passing lanes with his length adds subtle value beyond run defense, even if the raw technique and limited lateral mobility mean development is needed. The transfer history through three programs raises red flags, but his perseverance and physical tools translate to rotational nose tackle contribution immediately.
Scouting Report:If Omar Cooper Jr was off the board, Los Angeles Chargers could target similar Wide Receivers in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #122: Jamari Johnson (Tight End, Oregon) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #204: Carver Willis (Offensive Tackle, Washington) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Los Angeles Chargers Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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