2026 Chargers draft class superlatives: Best scheme fit, value pick

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. Thompson’s ability to take the top off a defense or turn a quick screen into a touchdown adds a dynamic the team has lacked. In an offense built on timing and spacing, Thompson’s world-class acceleration makes him the ideal piece to stress opposing defenses.