The Los Angeles Chargers faced a challenging 2025 season, plagued by injuries, particularly on the offensive line. This led to another wasted year for quarterback Justin Herbert as the team struggled to maintain competitiveness.
Key points
Los Angeles Chargers struggled in the 2025 season
Injuries affected key positions, especially the offensive line
Justin Herbert's prime year was wasted due to team struggles
Chargers lost to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round
Jim Harbaugh's team was battered and bruised throughout the year, losing key pieces at various positions. Injuries, especially along the offensive line, derailed another promising season for the Bolts – who were hanging on by a thread for most of the year.
It was another year of Justin Herbert's prime that went to waste, something that is surely top of mind for everyone involved with the organization.
Those issues up front were on full display in the wild-card round, when L.A. had every chance to defeat the New England Patriots on the road. Instead, they were sent packing with the hopes that the injury bug would be a little kinder next season.
The team was far from active in free agency, despite having plenty of money to spend. Conventional wisdom would point to the 2026 NFL Draft as the place to add those reinforcements, but the Chargers aren't exactly flush with draft capital.
As the AFC West loads up for another season, the Chargers are in an interesting spot. Here's what to know about the Chargers' picks, needs and a mock draft for Los Angeles ahead of the big event.
Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Q&A
What were the main issues for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 season?
The Chargers struggled primarily due to injuries, especially along the offensive line, which significantly impacted their performance.
How did injuries affect Justin Herbert's performance in 2025?
Injuries to key players and the offensive line hindered Herbert's ability to lead the team effectively, resulting in a wasted prime year.
What was the outcome of the Chargers' wild-card game against the New England Patriots?
The Chargers lost to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round, ending their playoff hopes despite having opportunities to win.
What are the expectations for the Chargers heading into the next season?
The Chargers hope to have better luck with injuries next season to improve their competitiveness and capitalize on Justin Herbert's talent.
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This section will be updated when the Chargers make their selections.
Chargers 2026 NFL Draft needs
Offensive line
It all comes down to the trenches for a Chargers team that has plenty of talent. If they can't protect Herbert, they have no chance. The Chargers need a better plan than hoping for health all season from the group up front. They need to improve the depth and search for upgrades, especially on the interior.
Defensive line
The big signing for the pass rush was bringing back Khalil Mack. The big interior addition was Dalvin Tomlinson. These are short-term solutions for a team that doesn't have many defensive line options under contract beyond 2026.
Wide receiver
Similar to Mack and Tomlinson this offseason, the Chargers' answer to fix the receiver spot last offseason was bringing back Keenan Allen. Ladd McConkey needs some help, whether that comes in the form of a receiver or tight end.
Chargers 2026 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Chargers could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft:
Round 1, Pick 30*: Edge Zion Young, Missouri
Los Angeles moved back to recoup more draft capital and get one of the highest-motor edge rushers in the top 50. Young doesn’t have elite traits but is very good at most everything a team will want from the position with a good frame at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds. He plays a game reminiscent of Za’Darius Smith and would give the pass rush a big boost.
Round 2, Pick 55: S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
The Tigers’ defensive back played in multiple systems during his college career and that makes him a versatile piece for an improving Chargers defense. He has near-linebacker size at 6-foot and 215 pounds but brings enough athleticism and ball skills to hang in coverage alongside Elijah Molden.
Round 3, Pick 86: IOL Brian Parker II, Duke
The Chargers overhauled the interior offensive line in free agency and could add even more bodies to the position in the draft. Parker is a former tackle who is better suited at guard in the NFL due to his frame but should perform well thanks to his strong hands and mean streak.
The Chargers could use more contributors off the edge as Khalil Mackcontinues to age. Height will fall due to his age and smaller frame (239 pounds) but he is bendy and productive. Los Angeles could rotate him in on third downs to be a contributor off the edge.
