Could Indiana Edge Mikail Kamara Emerge as a Fit for the Chargers?

The Los Angeles Chargers lost a key piece of their defense when star pass rusher Odafe Oweh signed with the Washington Commanders on a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed in free agency. As a result, adding a young edge rusher through the 2026 NFL Draft appears to be a priority for the Bolts.

Although Los Angeles re-signed future Pro Football Hall of Famer Khalil Mack to a one-year, $18 million extension, adding another pass rusher alongside him and Tuli Tuipulotu would help address the remaining void. In that scenario, Indiana's Mikail Kamara could be a logical fit on Day 3, depending on how the rest of the board falls.

The 24-year-old, Ashburn, VA native spent the first two seasons of his career at James Madison, posting 65 total tackles (35 solo), two passes defended, 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles over that span, while earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023 as a sophomore.

Kamara transferred to Indiana as a junior, where he earned first-team all big 10 and third-team All American in his first season with the Hoosiers after posting 47 total tackles (19 solo), one pass broken up, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles.

This past season, Kamara helped lead Indiana to a national championship, earning Defensive Player of the Game honors. He finished his senior year with 34 total tackles (12 solo), one pass defended and two sacks.

Kamara also posted a 77.7 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, ranking 133rd among 852 qualifying edge rushers. His 78.4 pass-rush grade ranked 122nd with 47 total pressures, while his 78.8 run-defense grade ranked 105th at the position.

He measured in at six-foot-one, 265 pounds with 31 3/8-inch arms, 9 5/8-inch hands and a 77 1/8-inch wingspan. At Indiana’s Pro Day, Kamara posted a 4.90-second 40-yard dash, a 1.70-second 10-yard split and a 4.75-second shuttle, along with a 34-inch vertical and a nine-foot-one broad jump.

Kamara relies on explosiveness and leverage to consistently create disruption as a pass rusher, using a quick get-off, low pad level and refined hand technique. He wins by beating blockers to the corner, while mixing counters and active hands to generate steady pressure. His flexibility helps him bend tightly around tackles and finish plays in the backfield, and his motor shows up through relentless pursuit and effort.

For Los Angeles, Kamara profiles as a developmental edge who can contribute early on passing downs while he adjusts to the next level.