With limited free agency moves and just five draft picks, Joe Hortiz and the Chargers face major pressure to fill key holes at guard and edge rusher. The 2026 draft could define the team’s direction—and their success—this season.
If there was ever an offseason that screamed “build through the draft,” this is it.
General Manager Joe Hortiz and the Chargers took a noticeably measured approach in free agency this year, and that wasn’t by accident. While other teams around the league made splashy signings, the Chargers largely stayed disciplined—focusing on value deals, re-signing their own players and protecting future compensatory picks. That strategy might pay off long-term, but it’s left the roster with some very real holes heading into April.
And that’s exactly why the 2026 NFL Draft feels so important.
Let’s start with the offensive line. The Chargers have invested heavily at tackle with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, but the interior remains a glaring concern. The unit struggled last season and hasn’t been significantly upgraded this offseason. There have been hints that Hortiz and the front office may look to draft a tackle and kick him inside to guard, which tells you everything you need to know about how urgent this need is.
If you’re trying to protect Justin Herbert—especially after the hits he’s taken the last couple of years—this can’t be an afterthought. It has to be a priority.
Then there’s the edge rusher situation. Bringing back Khalil Mack was a big move, but it also highlights the lack of proven depth behind him. With Odafe Oweh no longer in the picture, the Chargers are currently relying heavily on Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu to generate pressure. That’s not a comfortable place to be in a division with elite quarterbacks.
Free agency didn’t bring in a clear answer here either, which again puts the spotlight squarely on the draft.
The reality is, the Chargers only have five draft picks this year. That’s not a lot of ammo for a team with multiple needs, which makes every selection feel magnified. There’s very little margin for error. Hortiz doesn’t just need contributors—he needs immediate impact players.
That said, this approach isn’t surprising if you’ve been paying attention. Hortiz has shown he’s not interested in quick fixes or overpaying in free agency. He’s building this roster methodically, even if it means taking a short-term hit. The Chargers have prioritized flexibility, depth and long-term sustainability over headlines.
Now comes the hard part—turning that patience into production.
The good news? This draft lines up well with their needs. It’s a deep class for offensive linemen and edge rushers, and if the Chargers hit on even two of their five picks, this roster could look a lot more complete heading into the season.
But that’s the pressure.
Because if they miss? The same questions we’re asking now—about protection, about pass rush, about depth—will follow them into the fall.
Simply put, Joe Hortiz played it safe in free agency. Now he has to get it right in the draft.