2026 NFL Draft: 5 positions the Chargers still need to address

The Chargers were fairly active over the past month, bringing back some of their own players while adding a few on both sides of the ball through free agency.

Despite the slew of additions, the Bolts still have some positions that must be addressed in the draft, which is less than two weeks away.

Here are the top five:

Guard

The Chargers signed Cole Strange, who is likely going to be the starting right guard. On the other side, Trevor Penning was re-signed, but the team needs to add someone to compete with him for the starting job. If Penn State's Vega Ioane is off the board, they could turn their attention to Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon or Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge.

Edge rusher

The Chargers lost Odafe Oweh, who ultimately signed with the Commanders. Khalil Mack was retained on a one-year deal. This position needs a player who will be the successor to Mack and be able to contribute from Day 1. In Round 1, Los Angeles could go with someone like Clemson's T.J. Parker, Miami's Akheem Mesidor or Auburn's Keldrick Faulk. On Day 2, Michigan's Derrick Moore, Illinois' Gabe Jacas, Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas, and Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton are some intriguing options.

Cornerback

The Chargers have a solid core in Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart. But this group would benefit from another high-upside corner for defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary to utilize. The first round should offer players like Tennessee's Colton Hood, Clemson's Avieon Terrell, and San Diego State's Chris Johnson. Day 2 and 3 guys that would fit include Arizona State's Keith Abney, Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds, Georgia's Daylen Everette, Washington's Tacario Davis, and Arkansas' Julian Neal.

Defensive tackle

The Chargers lost Da’Shawn Hand (Falcons) and Otito Ogbonnia (Cowboys) in free agency. They kept Teair Tart and signed one interior defender, Dalvin Tomlinson, who is more of a run-stuffer. The room could use more pass rush juice. They've been linked to some presumed first-rounders like Florida's Caleb Banks and Clemson's Peter Woods. Players who would make sense beyond that are Oklahoma's Gracen Halton, Missouri's Chris McClellan, Texas A&M's Tyler Onyedeim, and Michigan's Rayshaun Benny.

Wide receiver

I'm intrigued to see what the wide receivers currently on the roster can do under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The missing piece is a wideout with speed who is good after the catch. Top players at the position, like Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. But I think they're better off addressing some of their other glaring needs first. Georgia's Zachariah Branch, Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson, and Oklahoma's Deion Burks are some potential options.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 positions the Chargers must address in the draft