2026 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Chargers choose offensive lineman

Q: Who did the Los Angeles Chargers draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor with the 22nd pick.

Q: What position does Kadyn Proctor play?

Kadyn Proctor plays as an offensive lineman and can serve as either a guard or a swing tackle.

Q: Why did the Chargers need to draft an offensive lineman?

The Chargers needed to draft an offensive lineman to improve protection for Justin Herbert after experiencing injuries to their starting tackles during the 2025 season.

Q: What impact could Kadyn Proctor have on the Chargers' offensive line?

Kadyn Proctor could provide immediate upgrades at guard or swing tackle, potentially leading to All-Pro consideration in the future.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks out during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

With the 22nd pick, the Los Angeles Chargers drafting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a continued investment in attempting to protect their franchise, Justin Herbert. While the Chargers already possess one of the league’s best tackle duos (when healthy) in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the 2025 season exposed a catastrophic lack of insurance when both starters suffered season-ending injuries. Proctor, a massive 6-foot-7, 350-pound “people mover,” offers the rare athletic profile to either reinforce the interior as a dominant guard or serve as a high-upside swing tackle.

Jim Harbaugh continues to be a coach who will emphasize a running game while attempting to set his quarterback up for success. The pick of Omarion Hampton as well as spending in free agency last year for Mekhi Becton (even though it did not work out) and this year for Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, and Charlie Kolar continues to show that desire to solidify their running game to help Justin Herbert. Strange may set a floor for production at Guard, but the potential upgrade that Proctor presents can eventually lead to All-Pro consideration. The re-signing of T.J. Penning and Trey Pipkins also set a floor for production at Swing Tackle that Proctor could upgrade immediately.

Harbaugh hired Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator this offseason, doubling down on his desire to have an explosive offense based in the run game. Proctor’s size, athleticism, and strength should help him develop into an elite Guard with already plus pass protection and the traits to dominate in the run game. He has been successful in both zone and gap schemes at Tackle for the Crimson Tide. The hope would be for his continued development in blocking in a zone scheme, even though his massive size does not always project as ideal for this type of scheme. The difference between other large lineman and Proctor is his clear athleticism, which was displayed in the pre-draft process. Proctor has been known to squat over 800 pounds and bench over 500 pounds. A 6’7, 354 lb. prospect with 33 ⅝” arms, Proctor was phenomenal in his testing for his size. He ran a 1.84 10-yard split as well as jumped 32.5”. Not earth shattering numbers in their lonesome, but when considering his size, are exemplary.

Teams need to be able to pass the ball also, and the Chargers ability to protect Herbert was exposed in the playoff loss to the Patriots. The Pats hit Herbert 8 times, including 6 sacks. This has to be a concern for Joe Hortiz, the Chargers’ General Manager, and the long-term success of the franchise.

If Slater and Alt are both healthy, Proctor will have the chance to find a spot replacing Zion Johnson (who left for the Browns) or Becton immediately. While the failed signing of Becton last offseason may have the front office second guessing a larger than life Guard, Proctor has shown the athleticism and durability to become a key cog in their front. It also provides some high upside insurance in-case Slater’s recovery from his patellar tendon injury takes longer than needed or necessitates a move inside.

By selecting Proctor, the Chargers wouldn’t just be drafting a backup; they would be acquiring a huge man capable of securing the franchise’s trenches for a decade, helping to ensure that the Chargers never again fall victim to a lack of depth upfront.