Los Angeles Chargers upgrade the trenches, give Justin Herbert a unique weapon following trade in 7-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers overhaul the trenches to help their championship hopes in the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Sep 6, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) runs on the field before a game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium.
Sep 6, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) runs on the field before a game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers head into the 2026 NFL Draft in an interesting position. They are a good team that still needs a couple of pieces to get the group over the top. If they were able to put together a good haul, it would be huge for their championship aspirations.

My latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft began with an interesting trade back option. From there, it was about upgrading the trenches on both sides of the football. The draft haul also included a new interesting target for quarterback Justin Herbert.

– The Los Angeles Chargers trade the No. 22 selection to the Cleveland Browns for the No. 39, the No. 107, and the No. 146 selections

Round 2, Pick 39: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

After the trade back, the Chargers were still able to get an upgrade in the middle of their defense. Miller is as strong as a bull with good overall movement skills. The upside that Miller brings to the table is extremely high.

Round 2, Pick 55: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky

For a running scheme that wants to be physical and play downhill, Farmer is an offensive guard who can come in and play early. He is a massive interior presence who creates some absurd movement at the point of attack. In the right situation, Farmer has a chance to be a really good football player.

Round 3, Pick 86: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

With his smaller frame and length, Height won’t ever be much of a factor on obvious running downs. He can, however, get after the quarterback, which will always be valuable. The Chargers would be wise to add the young depth at EDGE with Khalil Mack on a short-term deal.

Round 4, Pick 107: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

While Rivers is an undersized cornerback, he makes up for it with his short-area quickness and physicality. There is a chance that he is able to stick on the outside due to those overcompensating traits. At worst, Rivers is a potential starting nickel with a man coverage skill set.

Round 4, Pick 123: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Stribling put together a great end to the 2025 season after transferring over from Oklahoma State. He is a strong wide receiver who is surprisingly good after the catch. Even if Stribling never becomes a difference maker in a room, his skill set should provide him a solid floor to build on.

Round 5, Pick 146: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

With the injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt last season, the Chargers would be best served to get some insurance on the roster. Bowry is a very gifted athlete who has some nice developmental upside to work with. He just needs to play with more aggressiveness and continue to get stronger.

Round 6, Pick 204: Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

At 6-3, 311 pounds, and over 33-inch arms, Barrett is incredibly difficult to move at the point of attack. There is nothing flashy about his game, but he is very efficient. There is clearly a role for him on early downs.

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