What are Chargers Getting with Oregon G Alex Harkey?

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Oregon guard Alex Harkey with the 206th pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a developmental piece to their interior offensive line.

Los Angeles added significant depth at the guard position this offseason, signing Miami Dolphins free agent Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million deal that includes $7 million guaranteed, along with Detroit Lions free agent Kayode Awosika on a one-year, $2 million contract, while also drafting Florida’s Jake Slaughter in the second round and Boston College’s Logan Taylor in the sixth.

Adding Harkey further reinforces the unit, especially considering the injuries that have plagued the Chargers’ offensive line in recent years. With protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert a clear priority this offseason, the team has made a concerted effort to build both quality and depth up front.

The 24-year-old Austin, Texas native began his career at Colorado in 2022, playing just 34 snaps as a freshman before transferring to Texas State for his sophomore season in 2023.

Harkey began to emerge in 2024 as a junior, logging 876 total snaps while earning an 85.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He allowed just three sacks and 12 total pressures across 461 pass-blocking snaps, posting a 79.3 pass-blocking grade, while also recording an 84.5 run-blocking grade.

He transferred to Oregon for his senior season in 2025, where he allowed two sacks and 20 total pressures across 467 pass-blocking snaps, while committing nine penalties on 887 total snaps. Harkey earned a 65.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 209th among 632 qualifying offensive tackles. He posted a 74.4 pass-blocking grade (121st) and a 64.8 run-blocking grade (170th) at the position.

Harkey measures in at six-foot-five, 313 pounds, with 32 1/2-inch arms and 10 1/4-inch hands. According to Next Gen Stats’ prospect score breakdown, his overall score of 72 ranked seventh among guards, while his production score of 64 ranked 10th and his estimated athleticism score of 71 ranked 14th at the position.

Harkey enters the league as an experienced interior lineman who brings ideal size and functional athleticism, showing the ability to work in both gap and zone concepts while flashing mobility and balance as a move blocker. His hand usage is one of his more promising traits, while also playing with a noticeable edge through the whistle.

With his experience at tackle and underlying athletic traits, Harkey offers developmental upside as a depth piece who could grow into a starting role if he cleans up those areas.