Experts lean heavily defensive for the Chargers' first-round pick. Will they bolster the pass rush or solidify the interior?
It has been a month since my last mock draft roundup, and we're a heck of a lot closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, which means we might actually have some good information to go off of this time.
Let's see who the experts think the Los Angeles Chargers will select with the 22nd overall selection in the 1st round:
Mel Kiper (March 17): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
It's worth noting here that Kiper has been mocking Peter Woods to the Chargers for over two months now.
Field Yates (March 24): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Bucky Brooks (March 24): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Eric Edholm (March 19): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
This is another pick that hasn't changed in two months, so this is where I will remind you that these guys are scouting the skills of college players but also have an ear to the ground for intel that could help guide their mock drafts.
Pete Prisco (March 23): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Todd McShay (March 23): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Chad Reuter (March 20): Chad Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Worth noting that Reuter projected the Chargers to trade down from 22nd to 24th in the 1st round, moving up in the 4th round and adding a 5th rounder in the process, before picking Bisontis.
The Athletic staff (March 19): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Tom Fornelli (March 18): Karden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Okay, I think that's enough. Let's talk.
That's nine recent mock drafts from some of the most respected names in the game and all but one picked them saw the Chargers adding a player to the defense. Most of them see the Chargers adding a defensive lineman or edge rusher, I'm assuming to help replace Odafe Oweh's production and/or to create a backup plan for Khalil Mack's eventual departure/retirement.
I'm not draft expert, but I still think the Chargers have Nadame Tucker targeted in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team actually had a writeup on their own website about how Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary unlocked Tucker's potential last season, with quotes from Tucker himself about both O'Leary and new chargers linebackers coach Sean Spence.
If the team has a need at EDGE, why wouldn't they use an early pick on a different area of need (like WR1 or offensive guard) and select Tucker later?
Also, while I respect Field Yates, I think this version of the Chargers is very focused on the present and thinking less about a future without Derwin James. Using a 1st round pick to draft his eventual replacement when the team has obvious needs left on the roster and a warm seat under GM Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh feels like a foolish move.
Either way, this is a huge (and entertaining) departure from the previous roundups, when most everyone assumed the Chargers would select OG Vega Ioane from Penn State in the 1st round before he shined in his pro day and started moving up draft boards.