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The 2026 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and the Chargers enter the event with the No. 22 overall pick.
At this point, the Bolts are putting their final touches on their draft boards and analysts are putting together their final mock draft ahead of the big weekend.
Los Angeles has several needs to address via the draft, but the experts' final predictions have the team prioritizing a defensive end in the first round.
Here are the latest mock draft projections from experts.
"Beyond identifying a potential successor for 35-year-old Khalil Mack, the Chargers demonstrated last year that their defense works best when they have a formidable third edge rusher in their rotation. With Odafe Oweh off to Washington, Mesidor can step in to keep Mack fresh with his pro-ready approach to pass-rushing."
"Receivers go back to back at No. 21 and No. 22, and I love the fit of KC Concepcion in Los Angeles. He has earned comparisons to Jaylen Waddle, and guess who just thrived in Mike McDaniel's offense? Jaylen Waddle. Plugging Concepcion into the slot would be a great help for Justin Herbert."
"An abundance of offensive linemen still on the board would thrill the Chargers’ brass, given the team’s pursuit of more talent up the middle. Proctor could potentially stick on the perimeter, but his issues against power and moments getting locked out would be mitigated at guard, which would be perfect for Los Angeles. Regardless, Proctor’s 86.1 overall PFF grade should cement him as a bona fide first-rounder, with the potential to be taken much higher than this."
"No one prioritizes the line of scrimmage like Jim Harbaugh, and this is the perfect draft to add reinforcements up front. Mesidor gets dinged by some because of his advanced age — he just turned 25 — but remember, this is a Chargers squad that just re-signed 35-year-old Khalil Mack. Clearly, the Chargers understand that age is not as important as production. Mesidor certainly offers that, generating 52.5 tackles for loss and 32.5 sacks over his college career — most among this year's top-rated defensive linemen, including his more celebrated former Miami teammate Rueben Bain."
"With his age (25 years old) standing as the lone real concern in Akheem Mesidor’s draft profile, the Los Angeles Chargers may not view it as a drawback at all. In fact, for a team looking to compete now, a more seasoned rookie with proven production could be exactly what they’re after.
"Mesidor brought a disruptive presence that consistently showed up during his time at Miami. Lining up with Rueben Bain Jr., he was a constant problem for opposing offenses, living in the backfield and impacting both the run and pass game. Mesidor has already shown he can produce at a high level, and in a system that values toughness and physicality, he could step in early and make an immediate impact on the defensive front."
"Do the Chargers reach for the next best guard option here? To me, that would be Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon. Instead, they continue to bolster their run defense with Parker, a rugged player who might not have high sack producing upside but is a strong run defender who will help set the edge in the run game and give the Chargers another player with that skill set that’s not Khalil Mack. Parker’s hard working style will give him fans, and the fact he can also kick inside on pass rush downs to open up creative defensive packages is a bonus."
"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."
SB Nation didn't provide a write-up of its selection, but in this mock, the Chargers opt to focus on bolstering the defense after prioritizing the offense in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers mock draft roundup: Latest expert predictions for the Bolts
Continue reading...
At this point, the Bolts are putting their final touches on their draft boards and analysts are putting together their final mock draft ahead of the big weekend.
Los Angeles has several needs to address via the draft, but the experts' final predictions have the team prioritizing a defensive end in the first round.
Here are the latest mock draft projections from experts.
USA Today: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
"Beyond identifying a potential successor for 35-year-old Khalil Mack, the Chargers demonstrated last year that their defense works best when they have a formidable third edge rusher in their rotation. With Odafe Oweh off to Washington, Mesidor can step in to keep Mack fresh with his pro-ready approach to pass-rushing."
CBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
"Receivers go back to back at No. 21 and No. 22, and I love the fit of KC Concepcion in Los Angeles. He has earned comparisons to Jaylen Waddle, and guess who just thrived in Mike McDaniel's offense? Jaylen Waddle. Plugging Concepcion into the slot would be a great help for Justin Herbert."
PFF: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
"An abundance of offensive linemen still on the board would thrill the Chargers’ brass, given the team’s pursuit of more talent up the middle. Proctor could potentially stick on the perimeter, but his issues against power and moments getting locked out would be mitigated at guard, which would be perfect for Los Angeles. Regardless, Proctor’s 86.1 overall PFF grade should cement him as a bona fide first-rounder, with the potential to be taken much higher than this."
FOX Sports: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
"No one prioritizes the line of scrimmage like Jim Harbaugh, and this is the perfect draft to add reinforcements up front. Mesidor gets dinged by some because of his advanced age — he just turned 25 — but remember, this is a Chargers squad that just re-signed 35-year-old Khalil Mack. Clearly, the Chargers understand that age is not as important as production. Mesidor certainly offers that, generating 52.5 tackles for loss and 32.5 sacks over his college career — most among this year's top-rated defensive linemen, including his more celebrated former Miami teammate Rueben Bain."
Pro Football Network: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
"With his age (25 years old) standing as the lone real concern in Akheem Mesidor’s draft profile, the Los Angeles Chargers may not view it as a drawback at all. In fact, for a team looking to compete now, a more seasoned rookie with proven production could be exactly what they’re after.
"Mesidor brought a disruptive presence that consistently showed up during his time at Miami. Lining up with Rueben Bain Jr., he was a constant problem for opposing offenses, living in the backfield and impacting both the run and pass game. Mesidor has already shown he can produce at a high level, and in a system that values toughness and physicality, he could step in early and make an immediate impact on the defensive front."
Yahoo Sports: DE TJ Parker, Clemson
"Do the Chargers reach for the next best guard option here? To me, that would be Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon. Instead, they continue to bolster their run defense with Parker, a rugged player who might not have high sack producing upside but is a strong run defender who will help set the edge in the run game and give the Chargers another player with that skill set that’s not Khalil Mack. Parker’s hard working style will give him fans, and the fact he can also kick inside on pass rush downs to open up creative defensive packages is a bonus."
ESPN (Peter Schrager): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
"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."
SB Nation: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
SB Nation didn't provide a write-up of its selection, but in this mock, the Chargers opt to focus on bolstering the defense after prioritizing the offense in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers mock draft roundup: Latest expert predictions for the Bolts
Continue reading...
