Jim Harbaugh is prioritizing defensive grit by stockpiling stout run-stuffers. Discover how these trench-heavy draft picks reveal a strategic blueprint designed to dominate the line of scrimmage.
The Los Angeles Chargers made some bold moves in the NFL draft. The moves give a window into what Los Angeles' team building strategy consists of and what they are trying to build for the 2026 squad and future seasons.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is particular about everything perhaps even including his preference between chicken and steak. Whether or not Harbaugh's superstitions have any merit is unclear, but what is for sure is that everywhere he's gone he has won. Chargers fans learned more about his process in this year's NFL draft.
On SI's Thomas Martinez discussed some of the Chargers' draft picks and the ramifications that come with them. Here's what Martinez had to say about what the selections indicate.
"New Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary will have much of the 2025 defense returning to fold for his first chance to call plays in the NFL. The two biggest additions are first-round pick Akheem Mesidor and free agent defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. One of the key roster additions that reveals how the Chargers defense is designed to be played is actually fifth-round pick, defensive tackle Nick Barrett.
What clues can we determine from a fifth-round pick? Barrett is a strong and stout run defender, much like the majority of the other defensive linemen on the roster. The Chargers did not add a pass-rushing defensive tackle this offseason. This is a strong indication of two concepts that will carry over from Jesse Minter's defense. The first being, in known passing situations, they will rely on their three edge rusher NASCAR packages to get pressure. The second point is they are trying to create a stout gap occupying front to allow the off-ball linebackers extra time to read and react."
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after a play during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesThere are other takeaways from the Chargers draft, but one clear one is the team's need for playmaking on the defensive line and the overall emphasis on its importance. The free agent addition of Tomlinson from the Cardinals does strengthen the defensive interior, but the draft selections of Miami edge Akheem Mesidor and South Carolina defensive lineman Nick Barrett put the team in a good position up front. Those moves compliment well the decision to re-sign star edge rusher Khalil Mack.
The Chargers entered the draft with needs on the offensive line. That said, it's clear that they were not willing to neglect the other side of the trenches. Los Angeles will hope to make a statement there up front in 2026.