2026 NFL Draft: Gavino's final 7-round projections for the Chargers

Round 3, No. 86, WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma

The Chargers like the receivers on their roster, but I think they make one more move to get a guy who offers speed and yards after the catch to fit into McDaniel's offense. While undersized at 5-foot-9, Burks is a lightning-fast vertical threat with 4.30 speed who offers a dynamic weapon to stress secondaries and create explosive plays. He finished his college career at Purdue and Oklahoma with 151 receptions for 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns. Burks hasn't been a returner since 2022, but he has the skillset to do so and push Derius Davis, who has the dealt with injuries, for the starting job.

Round 4, No. 123, DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

The Chargers draft another former Sooner here. The defensive tackle room is sharp as is, but it is missing one element and that is pass rush juice. Halton is a relentless, gap-shooting disruptor who leverages an elite first step and twitchy athleticism to get to opposing quarterbacks from the interior. At the combine, he clocked a 4.82s 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical, ranking him among the most athletic defensive tackles. In his final two seasons at Oklahoma, Halton recorded 8.5 sacks and 59 quarterback pressures.

Round 4, No. 129 (Acquired via Bears), OL Brian Parker, Duke

The Chargers solidify their offensive line with the selection of Parker. Despite starting 33 games as an offensive tackle at Duke, Parker showed the ability to excel at center at the East-West Shrine Bowl, a position where the Bolts need a backup to Tyler Biadasz. His flexibility to play tackle is invaluable for a Chargers team that struggled when starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt were sidelined in 2025. Parker also excels in zone-blocking looks due to his quick first step and lateral movement skills, so he would be perfectly suited in McDaniel's offense.

Round 6, No. 204, S Dalton Johnson, Arizona

The Chargers could close out their draft class with a tight end or a cornerback. But they add depth to the safety room and get someone with special teams upside. Johnson, who was a part of a loaded Arizona secondary, is an instinctive, high-motor safety with 4.41 speed and possesses the versatility to align at different spots. He had a productive college career with 286 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles. It's also worth noting that Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller was in attendance for Arizona's Pro Day.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Who Gavino has Chargers selecting with 6 picks