Chargers Urged to Secure Starting Left Guard by Third Round of NFL Draft

One of the Los Angeles Chargers’ biggest needs going into the 2026 NFL Draft is a starting left guard.

The Chargers lost starting left guard Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Johnson, who the Chargers drafted with the No. 17 pick in 2022, signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Browns.

That leaves the Chargers with just Trevor Penning and Kayode Awosika as left guard options. Los Angeles traded for Penning in November following multiple injuries to the offensive line, then re-signed him to a one-year, $4.5 million contract in March. The Chargers also signed Awosika as a depth piece in March.

Securing an upgrade at the left guard position in the NFL Draft will be crucial for protecting quarterback Justin Herbert next season.

“The Chargers must come away from the first three rounds of this draft with a potential starter at left guard,” NFL insider Daniel Popper wrote. “… Hortiz and Harbaugh cannot avoid this need, and I frankly do not care if they think Trevor Penning has immense potential at left guard. I also do not care if they think offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme will elevate the protection.”

January 27, 2026; El Segundo, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel speaks at introductory press conference at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images