Chargers 2026 offensive depth chart update, draft strategy

With the draft near, now is an excellent time to review the Chargers’ depth chart and determine if they need to address each position group.

First up: The offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback

Starter: Justin Herbert

Depth: Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei

The Chargers brought back Lance on a one-year deal. After stepping in as the backup throughout 2025, including a start in the regular-season finale, Lance gave the team reliable insurance behind Herbert. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is familiar with Lance from their time together with the 49ers. Uiagalelei rounds out the room after spending his rookie year on the practice squad and earning a futures contract.

Running Back

Starter: Omarion Hampton

Depth: Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson

Hampton heads into the 2026 season as the clear-cut starter and featured back after an impressive rookie year, despite suffering an injury that kept him sidelined for a few games. Behind him, the room is a well-balanced mix of complementary pieces. Mitchell, who was signed to a two-year deal, brings explosive speed and big-play ability. Vidal is coming off a career year. He offers reliable change-of-pace work and receiving skills.

Fullback

Starter: Alec Ingold

After spending the past four years with the Dolphins, Ingold joins McDaniel in Los Angeles. He excels as a lead blocker, short-yardage contributor, and reliable pass-catching option out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Scott Matlock, who served as the fullback last season, will likely revert to playing exclusively as a defensive tackle.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Ladd McConkey, Tre’ Harris, Quentin Johnston

Depth: Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Luke Grimm, Dalevon Campbell, JaQuae Jackson

The Chargers are excited about the potential of his position under McDaniel. Leading the charge McConkey, who took a step back last season due to the presence of Keenan Allen. With Allen gone, McConkey should return to his rookie-season form and then some. Johnston enters a pivotal fourth season. After a productive 2025 campaign, the team must soon decide on his fifth-year option. Johnston is also a candidate for trade. Harris should see an expanded role as well. He flashed as a rookie with 30 catches for 324 yards and impressed as a blocker. The Bolts could look to the draft to get a wideout with speed and is at their best after the catch.

Tight end

Starter: Charlie Kolar

Depth: Oronde Gadsden, Tanner McLachlan, Thomas Yassmin

Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million deal. Known as one of the NFL's premier blocking tight ends, Kolar should boost the running game. He has shown untapped potential as a pass-catcher, which McDaniel will hopefully unlock. After a solid rookie season in 2025 where he recorded 49 receptions for 664 yards, Gadsden should continue to offer reliability as a receiver. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers look to add a versatile tight end to round out the group.

Offensive line

Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, LG Trevor Penning, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Cole Strange, RT Joe Alt

Depth: Trey Pipkins III, Branson Taylor, Josh Kaltenberger, Ben Cleveland

All of the starting interior offensive linemen from this past season departed. Bradley Bozeman retired, so the Chargers signed Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal. Inked to a two-year, $13 million contract, Strange is slated to start at right guard, formerly played by Mekhi Becton. The starting left guard spot is currently up in the air. Trevor Penning is penciled in there as of now, but the Bolts will likely add one in the draft for competition at the very least. They could also draft a backup center to Biadasz, too.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers depth chart ahead of 2026 NFL Draft