Chargers handed outstanding NFL Draft grade
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Chargers received an outstanding grade for their NFL Draft, with top picks Akheem Mesidor, Jake Slaughter, and Brenen Thompson likely to start in their rookie season. This draft class is crucial for the team's success in 2026.
Key points
- Los Angeles Chargers received an outstanding NFL Draft grade
- Top draft picks include Akheem Mesidor, Jake Slaughter, and Brenen Thompson
- All top picks may start or be key players in their rookie season
- Draft class is important for the team's success in 2026
Chargers handed outstanding NFL Draft grade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Most teams want to come out of the NFL Draft having multiple players be starters in their rookie season, and for the Los Angeles Chargers, they might have.
With Akheem Mesidor, Jake Slaughter, and Brenen Thompson, the franchise's top three draft choices, there is a good chance that come Week 1, all of them will be either starting or at the top of the rotation for Jim Harbaugh's team.
That would be a good outcome for a Chargers team under pressure to deliver in 2026, but the draft class can help.
And for CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, he's given L.A. an A grade for their draft haul.
More:Bills gain plaudits for underrated draft selection
Chargers face defining 2026 season
It is Year 3 for Harbaugh in L.A. The Chargers have had back-to-back 11-win seasons, but Justin Herbert has yet to win a playoff game.
That has to change in 2026.
With Mike McDaniel calling the plays, this looms as Herbert's best chance to have the sort of season and year many have expected him to have since being drafted.
Of course, time will tell, but Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs, and time is running out for him to shift the narrative around him. The 2026 draft class could help push the Chargers into the postseason yet again, but once there, Herbert has to deliver.
Will he?
More NFL news:
- Analyst has incredible scouting report for 1 Ravens draft selection
- Chiefs' Andy Reid offers eyebrow-raising comparison for rookie RB
- Analyst reveals surprising choice for favorite Chiefs draft selection
- Steelers owner reveals another Aaron Rodgers future deadline
- Raiders' Fernando Mendoza reveals ideal mentality ahead of rookie season
Q&A
What grade did the Los Angeles Chargers receive for the NFL Draft?
The Los Angeles Chargers were handed an outstanding grade for their NFL Draft.
Who are the top draft picks for the Chargers in 2026?
The top draft picks for the Chargers are Akheem Mesidor, Jake Slaughter, and Brenen Thompson.
Will the Chargers' draft picks start in their rookie season?
There is a good chance that all three top draft picks will either start or be at the top of the rotation in their rookie season.