Chargers 2026 Draft Preview: Five Positions That Need Immediate Help

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the Los Angeles Chargers have been busy reshaping their roster through free agency. But even after bringing back several familiar faces and adding new talent on both sides of the ball, the Bolts still have gaps that must be addressed in the draft.

Here are the five positions that remain priorities for general manager Joe Horitz heading into April 25.

The offensive line needs attention, particularly at guard. While Cole Strange appears locked in as the starting right guard after being re-signed, the left guard spot lacks competition. Trevor Penning was also re-signed, but the team must add someone to push him or serve as a reliable backup. Options beyond the first round include Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon, and Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge.

On the defensive side, the edge rusher position presents perhaps the most pressing need. The Chargers lost Odafe Oweh to Washington and must find a long-term successor to veteran Khalil Mack, who was retained on a one-year deal. The ideal candidate can contribute immediately and eventually take over as the premier pass-rusher. First-round possibilities include Clemson's T.J. Parker, Miami's Akheem Mesidor, and Auburn's Keldrick Faulk.

Cornerback has some solid pieces in Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart, but the room could use another high-upside player who gives defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary flexibility in his schemes. Early options include Tennessee's Colton Hood, Clemson's Avieon Terrell, and San Diego State's Chris Johnson.

The defensive tackle rotation took hits in free agency, with Da'Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia departing. While the team signed Dalvin Tomlinson, he's primarily a run-stuffer. The Chargers could use more interior pass-rush ability and have been connected to first-round prospects like Florida's Caleb Banks and Clemson's Peter Woods.

Finally, the wide receiver corps has some intriguing talent but lacks a true game-breaker with speed who can create after the catch. With offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel now running the offense, finding a dynamic playmaker could elevate the entire passing game. However, with other needs more acute, the Chargers may wait until later rounds to address this position.

The draft will reveal how GM Joe Horitz prioritizes these needs, and with 10 picks in this year's draft, the Chargers have ammunition to address multiple holes.