Should the Chargers consider Cayden Green next offseason?
Missouri offensive tackle Cayden Green was paired with the Los Angeles Chargers in Luke Easterling’s latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft. It’s far too early for any of these mocks to be accurate, but they are still a valuable resource for fans to identify potential targets, which Green is. His pairing of versatility and amazing athleticism makes him an interesting prospect who could resurface next offseason.
“There’s nothing more important for the Chargers moving forward than keeping Justin Herbert protected and healthy, and to that end, they need to keep loading up on as much talent as possible in the trenches,” Easterling wrote. “Both tackles are elite when healthy, so if the Chargers targeted Green, he would likely slide inside to guard, where he could be even more dominant at the next level.”
As Easterling noted, the Chargers don’t need a tackle. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are arguably the top duo in the league when healthy. But that shouldn’t dissuade them from adding Cayden Green. The senior has experience at both guard and tackle, meaning he can start on the interior and provide valuable depth if Slater or Alt gets injured. This makes him an intriguing fit and someone the Chargers could target next offseason.
Green began his career at Oklahoma and played 568 snaps at left guard for the Sooners, starting five games. Then he transferred to Missouri in 2024, where he excelled and allowed only 1 sack in 809 snaps. Following this, he transitioned to left tackle and struggled to start the year, conceding a sack against Central Missouri. However, he quickly improved and grew comfortable in the new position, being named second-team All-SEC. Now, he’s not just a premier tackle in the conference, but in the entire nation.
Green’s dominant athleticism and power help him bully opposing linemen. He’s a sound pass protector and mitigates edge rushers' pass rush with his elite lateral agility and quick footwork. Additionally, his superb anchor eliminates bull rushes. He has violent hand usage and disrupts his competition’s timing by batting their hands away.
This ability also translates to the run game, where Green is a wrecking ball. The six-foot-five, 324-pound player uses every ounce of his frame and aforementioned power to pave the way for his running back, flattening any defender in his path. He excels at reaching the second level and frequently plays through the whistle.
The talent is evident, but Green isn’t a perfect prospect. The main thing he must improve is his consistency and technique as a pass protector. The flashes are there, but Green’s punch timing and accuracy are spotty, and he can struggle against technically refined pass rushers. Developing in this area is crucial to establishing himself as a first-round prospect.
There’s still plenty of time before next offseason to improve, but Cayden Green is already a promising target for the Chargers. His versatility and athleticism make him an enticing option who could ensure Justin Herbert’s health and safety for the foreseeable future.
