For what feels like the 20th straight season, there was a lot of offseason optimism for the Los Angeles Chargers and what they could accomplish under head coach Jim Harbaugh and star quarterback Justin Herbert. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know things have not gone according to plan, even with the addition of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

The Chargers now sit at 0-5, and the conversation has quickly shifted from Super Bowl expectations to the long-term outlook for this team. It might feel early for some, but Los Angeles is getting dangerously close to purely looking to the future.

That means looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft.

With both the college and NFL seasons right around the midway point, this is a perfect time to take a look at some of the top 2027 NFL Draft prospects who could interest the Chargers when April finally rolls around. That means it’s mock draft time, with a 7-round edition courtesy of the mock draft simulator at AtoZSports.com.

As the 2026 season winds down, the draft order will be determined by records, and things will get a lot closer to reality. For now, the draft order is based on the current Super Bowl odds, which still have Los Angeles sitting ninth in the pecking order.

Here is the 7-round mock draft for the Chargers, the players they select, and some key context to know about each of these talented prospects.

Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick No. 9: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Stewart returned this past weekend after being suspended for some on-field antics. There are still questions surrounding off-field issues and the back injury he dealt with this past offseason. Even so, this is a potentially elite football player at the NFL level.

At 6-5, 245 pounds, Stewart possesses a rare blend of closing speed and bend. If he finally hits his ceiling at the next level, he should be a perennial 10-sack player.

Round 2, Pick No. 45: Anthonie Knapp, OG, Notre Dame

After starting at left tackle for Notre Dame in his first two seasons, Knapp has moved inside to left guard this season. His game has reached a whole other level.

The 6-4, 305-pounder is a mauler at the point of attack with tremendous weight room strength. His ability to reset the line of scrimmage has been fantastic for a Notre Dame run game that keeps getting better each week. With a nasty demeanor, a heck of a snatch trap, and good overall foot quickness, Knapp has the upside to become a Pro Bowl guard down the road.

Round 3, Pick No. 73: Tavion Gadson, DT, Kentucky

Gadson is a tremendous athlete who is just starting to tap into his potential. His technique is still a little shoddy at times, but he has rare movement skills for a defensive tackle. It will all come down to how well he takes to NFL coaching to unlock those athletic gifts.

Round 3, Pick No. 100: Isaiah Sategna, WR, Oklahoma

Sategna, who started his career at Arkansas, is one of the fastest players in this class and has been a dynamic deep threat for the Sooners over the last couple of years. He has made a ton of plays even with poor quarterback play. A more consistent vertical presence on the outside would be a nice addition for Herbert and the Chargers offense.

Round 4, Pick No. 111: DJ McKinney, CB, Notre Dame

I personally think McKinney is going to come off the board before this, but the former Colorado transfer is one of the more talented cover men in the 2027 NFL Draft. He has also shown improved physicality as a run defender and when working the perimeter against the screen game.

McKinney has played both boundary and field cornerback in college. That gives him a ton of positional versatility as an outside corner at the next level.

Round 5, Pick No. 146: Drew Azzopardi, OT, Washington

The former San Diego State transfer is tall and long, with the ideal frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His game is similar to Roger Rosengarten, who also played at Washington and was a Day 2 pick by the Baltimore Ravens a couple of years ago. Both bring smooth feet and overall athleticism. The key for Azzopardi will be adding strength to his profile.

Round 7, Pick No. 228: David Oke, DT, Arkansas

The former Stephen F. Austin transfer carried a lot of expectations into the 2025 season. However, a preseason injury really hurt his overall hype.

With limited exposure this past offseason, Oke has quietly played good football for the Razorbacks. He’s a bit undersized for an interior defender, but he has a really good first step and is flexible. That could give Los Angeles some intriguing interior rush potential at the next level.

Round 7, Pick No. 251: Jontez Williams, CB, USC

Williams began his career at Iowa State, where he earned All-Big 12 honors. He has been USC’s best defensive back during the 2026 season so far.

He’s not a big kid, so he might be relegated to nickel in the long term. Still, Williams is feisty and has the movement skills to be a rosterable player for the foreseeable future. If the Chargers end up in rebuilding mode, a class like this would give Harbaugh plenty to work with.