Why Olaivavega Ioane Might Be Exactly What the Chargers Need

The Los Angeles Chargers need to improve the interior of their offensive line, and with the 22nd overall pick, Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane looks like the perfect selection to fill the team’s biggest need.

The six-foot-four, 328-pound guard was named first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten in 2025 after not conceding a single sack and allowing just four pressures across 311 pass-blocking snaps. His 87.0 pass-blocking grade ranked 20th out of 686 eligible guards, according to Pro Football Focus, while his 80.0 overall grade ranked 13th. Ioane allowed just three sacks in his college career—all of which came in 2023—and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.

Ioane’s pass protection is his bread and butter. He has immense lower-body strength and a sturdy base, allowing him to anchor against bull rushes. He also has elite hand placement, so he rarely loses reps once he locks onto a defender. Despite his physicality, he is a disciplined player, committing just two penalties over 2,022 career snaps.

Against the run, he faces some limitations when blocking in space, which may impact his effectiveness in an outside zone-heavy scheme. He lacks ideal lateral quickness, which becomes evident against three-techniques who can beat him across the body. When matched up with speed-reliant rushers, he can struggle to recover and appear labored in pursuit. Additionally, while his hand timing is a strength in pass protection, it can prove vulnerable in the run game.

The Chargers’ top offseason priority is strengthening the interior offensive line to better protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Ioane would immediately slide in as a starter, and it is difficult to imagine the pocket being any worse than it was for Los Angeles last season.

Beyond his physical tools, Ioane brings a professional mindset and a high football IQ that should help him adjust quickly to the professional level. He is highly coachable and carries a strong work ethic and relentless motor, so the Chargers should be licking their chops if the opportunity arises to select him with the 22nd overall pick.

Offensive lineman rarely generate significant draft-day buzz and often do not receive the spotlight they deserve, but building a reliable front has long been a proven formula for sustained success in the NFL. Ioane may not be the flashiest selection, yet his blend of size, strength and elite production suggests he could become a cornerstone and provide long-term stability along the interior.