Los Angeles Chargers completely overhaul their defense and offensive line during latest 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft gifts the Los Angeles Chargers an overhaul on the defense and offensive line. It’s quite the haul.
The Los Angeles Chargers have several opportunities to add young talent to their roster in the 2027 NFL Draft, and this seven-round mock draft focuses on strengthening the secondary, improving the offensive and defensive lines, and adding depth at wide receiver and tight end.
Using the A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator, I put together a nine-player class for Los Angeles, beginning with a potential first-round difference-maker from Notre Dame and continuing with several intriguing developmental prospects on Day 2 and Day 3.
The Chargers’ biggest priorities in this projection are adding another talented cornerback, investing in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and finding young offensive weapons who can develop alongside the team’s existing core. Here’s a closer look at every selection.
Round 1, Pick No. 3: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Leonard Moore would give the Chargers a chance to add a high-upside cornerback near the top of the first round. The Notre Dame defensive back has the kind of length and coverage potential that NFL teams covet at the position, making him an intriguing option for a team looking to strengthen its secondary.
Moore’s versatility is another appealing part of his profile. If he continues to develop his technique and consistency, he could become a valuable piece in a defense that needs to match up with some of the NFL’s best wide receivers. Using a top-three pick on a cornerback would be a significant investment, but the position can make a major difference against the AFC’s elite passing offenses.
Round 2, Pick No. 35: Anthonie Knapp, OG, Notre Dame
The Chargers double down on Notre Dame talent by selecting offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp in the second round. Adding another young offensive lineman would help Los Angeles continue building protection around its quarterback while creating competition at one of football’s most important positions.
Knapp would have an opportunity to develop within an NFL offensive line room while adjusting to the speed and strength of professional pass rushers. His long-term value would depend on his ability to improve his technique, handle power at the point of attack, and become a consistent presence in pass protection. For a team with postseason aspirations, investing in the offensive line is a sensible approach.
Round 3, Pick No. 67: A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech
A.J. Holmes Jr. gives the Chargers another potential building block, this time along the defensive interior. Defensive tackles who can hold their ground against the run while contributing to the pass rush are valuable pieces, particularly for defenses that want to keep opposing offenses from consistently winning on early downs.
Holmes would provide Los Angeles with another young option in its defensive line rotation. His development against NFL-level interior offensive linemen would be a key factor in determining how quickly he could earn a regular role. A productive transition could give the Chargers more flexibility with their defensive fronts and improve their ability to generate pressure without relying exclusively on edge rushers.
Round 3, Pick No. 100: Anthony Smith, EDGE, Minnesota
The Chargers add another pass-rushing prospect with their second selection in the third round. Anthony Smith out of Minnesota would give the team another young edge defender to develop, with the potential to contribute in passing situations and work his way into a larger defensive role.
Teams can never have too many capable pass rushers, especially when facing quarterbacks who are comfortable extending plays and attacking downfield. Smith would have to prove he can consistently win against NFL tackles, but adding another edge defender gives Los Angeles another option to rotate along the defensive front and keep its pass rush fresh.
Round 4, Pick No. 105: T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
T.J. Moore is the Chargers’ first wide receiver selection in this mock draft. The Clemson product would give the offense another young pass catcher to develop, potentially helping create more competition for targets and providing another option as the receiving corps evolves.
Moore’s path to playing time would depend on how well he separates against professional defensive backs, adjusts to NFL coverages, and builds chemistry with the quarterback. The fourth round is a reasonable place to take a swing on a receiver with developmental upside, particularly for a team that could benefit from adding more depth and versatility to its passing game.
Round 5, Pick No. 140: Desmeal Leigh, OT, Youngstown State
The Chargers return to the offensive line with Desmeal Leigh from Youngstown State. After taking Knapp in the second round, selecting another tackle reinforces the idea that Los Angeles should prioritize depth and long-term stability up front.
Leigh would likely need time to adjust to the jump from the FCS level to the NFL. That transition can be challenging, particularly when facing more explosive edge rushers and sophisticated pass-rush plans. However, Day 3 picks can become valuable roster contributors when they develop steadily, and Leigh would have an opportunity to compete for a depth role while working toward a larger opportunity.
Round 6, Pick No. 207: Tyrique Tucker, DT, Indiana
Tyrique Tucker gives Los Angeles another option at defensive tackle after the earlier selection of Holmes. Adding multiple players at the same position can be useful for a defensive line that needs more rotation options and competition throughout training camp.
Tucker’s ability to handle double teams, maintain gap discipline, and contribute against the run would help determine his potential role. At this stage of the draft, the Chargers would be looking for a player who can develop into a reliable rotational defender or provide depth across the defensive interior. If Tucker can demonstrate consistency and improve his pass-rush contributions, he could make a case for a roster spot.
Round 7, Pick No. 224: Michael Masunas, TE, Texas
Michael Masunas gives the Chargers another option at tight end late in the draft. Tight ends can provide value in several areas, including blocking, short-area receiving, and red-zone situations, making the position an interesting target for teams looking to add depth without spending an early pick.
Masunas would have to show that he can handle the physical demands of NFL blocking while earning trust as a receiver. His ability to contribute on special teams could also be important as he competes for a roster spot. A seventh-round selection is a developmental investment, and the Chargers would have time to evaluate where he fits best within the offense.
Round 7, Pick No. 249: Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame
Los Angeles closes out its mock draft by returning to Notre Dame for cornerback Christian Gray. Pairing Gray with first-round selection Leonard Moore would give the Chargers two young defensive backs from the same program in one draft class.
Gray would provide additional competition in the secondary and an opportunity to develop behind established NFL players. Late-round cornerbacks often need time to adjust to the speed and precision of professional passing attacks, so special teams could be an important avenue for him to make an early impact.
Adding two Notre Dame cornerbacks also gives the Chargers multiple opportunities to improve their depth at a premium position. Gray would have to earn his place through training camp and preseason performance, but his selection adds another developmental option to the secondary.
Final thoughts on the Chargers’ 2027 NFL Mock Draft
This nine-player class puts a clear emphasis on improving the trenches and secondary while adding developmental talent to the offense. Moore headlines the group as a potential first-round starter, while Knapp and Leigh provide two opportunities to strengthen the offensive line.
The defensive front also receives attention through Holmes, Smith and Tucker, giving Los Angeles multiple options to develop along the line. Moore, Gray, and the other defensive selections would create additional competition on that side of the ball, while T.J. Moore and Masunas add potential depth to the passing game.
As with any early mock draft, the final outlook will depend on how these prospects develop throughout the 2026 college football season and what the Chargers’ roster looks like heading into the spring. This projection was created using the A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator, which allows fans to build their own draft classes and explore potential fits for their favorite teams.

