How Chargers can earn 'A' grade in the 2026 NFL Draft

Find the EDGE

The Chargers must address the reality that Khalil Mack is on a one-year, $18 million contract and will be 35 years old this season. While Tuli Tuipulotu has emerged as a premier starter, the loss of Odafe Oweh in free agency has left a major void in the long-term rotation in the positional room. If the Bolts pass on a guard in the first round, they should have options like Clemson's T.J. Parker, Miami's Akheem Mesidor or Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas. But the Day 2 edge rushers of Michigan's Derrick Moore, Illinois' Gabe Jacas, Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton and Ohio State's Caden Curry are also great options.

Get a weapon for Mike McDaniel

McDaniel’s system thrives on yards-after-catch (YAC) and speed. While the Chargers have Ladd McConkey, they lack a true field-stretching "X" receiver or a hybrid gadget player. Given their needs, drafting one in the first round would be a luxury. But they have been linked to some Round 1 targets like Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. Beyond the ones for pick No. 22, guys like Georgia's Zachariah Branch, Oklahoma's Deion Burks, North Dakota State's Bryce Lance or Clemson's Antonio Williams would move the needle.

Get another stud in the secondary

Hortiz has a proven track record of identifying solid defensive backs late in the draft. In his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Hortiz found pro-ready players in the secondary on Day 3, with those being cornerbacks Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still in 2024 and safety R.J. Mickens this past year. I do think defensive back is a sneaky need that could be addressed earlier than expected. But if they take care of the other things mentioned above, I'm a firm believer that Hortiz would hit on a secondary player late. Arizona's Dalton Johnson is a name to remember. Safeties coach Adam Fuller attended their Pro Day.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: How the Chargers can ace their draft haul