Omar Navarro

We're down to 16 days until the draft.

The Bolts head into the2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh, with five selections starting with No. 22 overall.

Take a look at who draft analysts have the Chargers selecting in the draft as of early April.

The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed below represent those of individual authors and do not represent the opinions or policies of the Chargers' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives.

Peter Schrager,ESPN-OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Miller started every single game over his four years with Clemson (54 starts). And for a Chargers offensive line that was ravaged by injuries last season, taking the quintessential iron man of this tackle class at No. 22 makes sense. Miller could provide depth behind Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and even slide inside to guard.

Tyler Dragon,USA Today- EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Last updated: April 7, 2026

PROJECTED TRADE: Chargers trade down to No. 24 with the Cleveland Browns

The Chargers lost Odafe Oweh, who thrived as their third edge rusher, in free agency. Los Angeles needs to find a long-term replacement for Khalil Mack. The Chargers traded a couple picks down and got a player who fills an area of need. Parker is a powerful edge rusher and stout run defender with impressive size.

Nick Baumgardner,The Athletic- EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Mesidor also comes with some injury baggage, especially for an older player. But he's going to arrive in the NFL ready to roll as a three-down edge who is terrific versus the run, while mixing power and savvy as a pass rusher. He'll compete for time on day one.

Pete Prisco,CBS Sports- DL Caleb Banks, Florida

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Adding him to Jamaree Caldwell would give them a nice, young inside duo. Banks just has to stay on the field since injuries have slowed his career.

Chad Reuter,NFL.com- EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Last updated: April 3, 2026

PROJECTED TRADE: Chargers trade down to No. 24 with the Cleveland Browns.

Khalil Mack re-upped for one year in March, but the team must find a future starter. Howell might need some time to develop into an every-down player, but he should improve the Bolts' pass rush from the jump.

Second round (No. 55):DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma

Third round (No. 86):OG Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, Field Yates,ESPN- EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Last updated: April 2, 2026

This is a bit of a projection, but the 20-year-old Faulk has untapped potential (seven sacks the past two seasons). I see elite strength, movement and length along with alignment versatility on the D-line.

Second round (No. 55):G Jalen Farmer, Kentucky

Third round (No. 86):CB Malik Muhammad, Texas

Josh Edwards,CBS Sports- EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Last updated: April 2, 2026

Khalil Mack is not going to play forever. While Los Angeles has found a viable performer in Tuli Tuipulotu, the team needs more at the position in the short and long term. Keldric Faulk is a young player who could learn behind Mack and then take over when the time is right. Faulk can set the edge and potentially grow as a pass rusher.

Gilberto Manzano,Sports Illustrated- WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Last updated: April 1, 2026

The Chargers' biggest need is at guard, but all the best available linemen play tackle, and the team doesn't need help there with the return of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. L.A. should pivot and give Justin Herbert another weapon. Boston has good size at 6' 4" and 209 pounds to play X receiver and complement Ladd McConkey, who's better suited playing on the inside.

Nick Shook,NFL.com- WR Omar Cooper, Jr., Indiana

Last updated: April 2, 2026

As much as the Chargers need depth, they can't afford to spend another first-round pick on an offensive lineman. They also can't afford to take a swing on an oft-injured receiver. So they land on Cooper, a great run-after-catch target who could make for a frightening duo with Justin Herbert.

Tom Fornelli,CBS Sports- DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Last updated: April 2, 2026

The Chargers got mauled along the lines of scrimmage last year, in large part due to injury, but it's hard for me to believe Jim Harbaugh watched it happen all season long and won't use a first-round pick on improving one of his lines.

Bruce Feldman,The Athletic- G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Last updated: April 1, 2026

No NFL head coach loves physicality like Jim Harbaugh, and with guards Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton gone, the Chargers sorely need help in the trenches. The 6-4, 320-pound Penn Stater who everyone calls "Vega" should be a good fit. He's a pure guard and is in the road-grader mode. He got himself in better shape in 2025 and showed a lot of improvement. According to PFF, Ioane didn't allow a single sack or QB hit in 311 pass blocking snaps.

Vinnie Iyer,Sporting News- EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Last updated: April 1, 2026

The Chargers know that Khalil Mack is coming back, but they lost Odafe Oweh in free agency. They need to boost their pass rush opposite Mack for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary and Faulk is a solid big option for the job.