Should the Chargers draft Emmanuel Pregnon in the first round?
The Los Angeles Chargers fell to the New England Patriots 3-16 in the wildcard round of the NFL Playoffs. It was evident on Sunday that Justin Herbert needs reinforcements on the offensive line. The Chargers can address this by selecting Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Herbert was sacked six times for 39 yards against the Patriots. This brought his total to an even 60 times in 2025, which is the most in the NFL. Starting left guard Zion Young has struggled especially, giving up two sacks last week. It would be wise to upgrade him this offseason, which Pregnon would accomplish.
Pregnon began his career at Wyoming before spending two years at USC and finishing his career at Oregon. In total, the 6-foot-5, 318 pound guard played 3,201 career snaps, spanning his four years of starting at left guard. His experience will ease the transition from college to the NFL.
Pregnon is a monster as a run blocker. He looks to destroy a defender, eliminating them from the play. He plays with great leverage and can easily displace a defender. The rep is over once his hands are latched on, making it nearly impossible for a defender to break through. Pregnon perfectly walks the line of being violent, yet not over-aggressive.
The play isn’t over when the whistle blows for Pregnon. He frequently goes until after, making the defender know who’s in control. He’s got a killer mindset and is constantly looking to impose his will on the opponent. This makes him a perfect fit for a team looking to build a culture or mentality on the offensive line, which the Chargers need.
Pregnon is more than just a mauler; he’s also stout in pass protection. He’s got an excellent anchor, which mitigates the defender's bull rush. His strike timing and accuracy are precise, which allows him to consistently disrupt the defender’s rush and slow them down. In addition, his long frame and arms give him the ability to hit the defender first and affect the timing.
The biggest problem with Pregnon is his lack of elite athleticism. He’s a great athlete, but can be susceptible to a speed rusher going across his face. This isn’t a major deal at guard, but will show up in a few circumstances. Regardless, it’s something he can work on.
Overall, Emmanuel Pregnon is a fantastic prospect who would perfectly fit in the Chargers offense. He would be a valuable protector to Justin Herebert, which he desperately needs. If available, he would be a home run selection in the first round.