ESPN's Field Yates names 2 Chargers among 'favorite picks'

Following the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN's Field Yates identified his favorite picks in every round, and the Chargers were represented by fourth-round pick Brenan Thompson and fifth-round pick Nick Barrett.

Here is what Yates said about the selection of Thompson:

If I could have picked an offensive coordinator for Thompson to begin his career with, Mike McDaniel would have topped the list. The fastest player at the combine (4.26 seconds), Thompson is a stick of dynamite in the passing game. Los Angeles will have to be careful as he was also the lightest at the combine (164 pounds), but he changes the dimensions of an offense by forcing safeties to play way deep in coverage.

Thompson was a solid pick for the Chargers because he brings game-breaking speed that perfectly complements Mike McDaniel’s offensive system. Clocking a blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash, Thompson provides the vertical and yards-after-catch threat Los Angeles has lacked.

Furthermore, he could be a high-upside return specialist. Despite having limited opportunities as a returner in college, Thompson's profile makes him an ideal candidate to revitalize a unit that finished in the bottom five for both punt and kick return yardage last season.

Here is what Yates said about Barrett:

When sizing up Day 3 picks, I like to look at prospects who can fill specific roles. Barrett won't register much in the sack department (just 2.0 in four seasons), but he's like a house to move for run blockers. He's massive, plays with a strong base and eats up blockers in a way that frees up linebackers to roam and hit. A tough L.A. defensive front should get tougher with Barrett.

The Chargers landed a high-floor rotational defensive tackle in Barrett. In his 2025 breakout season as a full-time starter, Barrett delivered strong run defense, showing the ability to clog gaps and create negative plays. Following the loss of Da'Shawn Hand and , Barrett provides reliable interior depth behind starters and .