The Los Angeles Chargers are in a tough position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Joe Hortiz took the No. 22 pick late in the first round, when almost everything becomes unpredictable. Although the Chargers front office has a solid idea of which players could be first-round draft prospects, there is no way to know what the teams picking ahead of them will do when the time comes.
Additionally, the Chargers only have five overall selections in the three-day event starting on April 23. Still, the Chargers are assembling their draft board, and some players who meet specific requirements will certainly stand out on draft day. But who could it be?
Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports predicted that two players who could become "surprise" selections by the Chargers at age 22 are offensive guards Emmanuel Pregnan and Chase Bissontis. Both are viewed as potential second-round picks, but as mentioned, the Chargers' needs could push either prospect late into the first round.
"After Ioane, Emmanuel Pregnon and Chase Bissontis are neck-and-neck to finish as OG2, and both could fall in the bottom of the first round," Pauline wrote. "The landing spot for both players is between the 26th and 38th selections, unless the Los Angeles Chargers surprise with the 22nd selection."
"The Chargers' depth chart is weak and could use an upgrade this season, as well. After cutting Mekhi Becton in the offseason, we told a story basically game Since the Shrine Bowl last January, the team extended Trevor Penning to one year ($4.5 million) and signed free agent Cole Strange (two years, $13 million). They will address the guard position in the draft; It's just a matter of when."
Pauline continues on Chargers' OG depth
The Chargers have already put Pregnon through an individual workout, and Poulin called him "definitely a Harbaugh-type blocker." He added that the Chargers are also "taking a close look at Bisontis."
After No. 22, the Chargers do not have any other draft selections until the 55th overall pick, when both Pregnon and Bisontis are expected to come off the board. Thus, if the Chargers really want to emerge from the draft with one of those two guards, they will have to reach up a bit, or possibly trade down a bit, to get more picks while still landing one of their top targets.
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