Should the Chargers draft Monroe Freeling?
NFL analyst Adam Rank released a mock draft on Tuesday, April 14, that centered around what every team SHOULD do during the 2026 NFL Draft. With this premise, he had the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Although this makes sense, it wouldn’t be ideal.
First off, it’s important to consider the theme behind this mock draft. Most people are thinking: Should do? Isn’t that what every mock draft is based on? Rank recognized the ambiguity behind this topic and explained the difference before getting into the article.
“While most people are out here trying to figure out what teams are going to do, I don't roll that way,” Rank wrote. “I like to tell the teams what they SHOULD do -- similar to what I do in the fantasy space.”
With that in mind, Freeling still isn’t the ideal selection. The value at pick 22 is amazing - he’s a fringe top-15 pick - but the Chargers simply don’t need an elite tackle. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are arguably the top offensive tackle tandem in the league when healthy.
Those last two words are imperative. Alt and Slater both struggled with injuries in 2025, which was a key reason the Chargers lost in the playoffs. They need to find suitable backup options, but that’s a task they can tackle on day two or three.
The year one fit for Freeling is enticing… but does he have a future after that?
It would behoove Freeling to sit and develop for a year before starting in the NFL. He has every tool - he’s athletic, strong, and has a mauler mentality - but he doesn’t have a future on the Chargers. Alt and Slater are both under 28 years old and the team hasn’t shown any desire to move on from them. This is exemplified when looking at their contracts. Slater signed a four-year, $114 million extension and Alt’s still on his rookie deal. Both are on the books until 2029 at the minimum.
Instead of adding Freeling, opting for a guard, wide receiver, or edge rusher would be far more impactful for their future. These three positions all have elite top-end options that would be an outstanding pick at 22.
Overall, Monroe Freeling is an intriguing fit for the Chargers, but he shouldn’t be their selection at pick 22. There simply isn’t a future for him on the team with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on the roster - even when considering injuries. It would be more beneficial to add another position in round one.