Los Angeles Chargers trade for multiple Day 2 picks, upgrade the trenches, and offensive speed in latest 7-round NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the Los Angeles Chargers some much needed trench help.
The Los Angeles Chargers didn’t have the end to the 2025 season that many had hoped for, but their future under head coach Jim Harbaugh is still very bright. Quarterback Justin Herbert feels like one big offseason away from finally getting over the hump. It will all depend on how well this Chargers front office does over the next few months.
The 2026 NFL Draft is going to offer a huge opportunity for this team to potentially take that next step. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the priority was to keep Herbert as clean as possible. Upgrading the trenches was something that needed to happen, and was accomplished in this exercise after an early trade back.
The Los Angeles Chargers traded the No. 22 and a 2027 seventh round selection to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 34 and the No. 65 selections
Round 2, Pick 34: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
At 6-3.5 and 330 pounds, Hunter is an impressive defensive tackle that brings a ton of size and movement skills to the table. After being a good player at UCF, Hunter morphed into a difference maker during his first season at Texas Tech. If you need a playmaking nose tackle, Hunter is the player for you.
Round 2, Pick 55: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
After time at Wyoming and Oregon, Pregnon has slowly developed into a good offensive guard prospect. With his combination of size, power, and experience, there is a good chance that Pregnon eventually becomes a starter. While his ceiling isn’t incredibly high, Pregnon’s floor projects him as a quality football player.
Round 3, Pick 65: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
If not for the injury during the season, there is a possibility that we could be discussing Lew as a late first round player. Some lucky team is going to get a tremendous value with Lew, whose football is very much in front of him. He has “future starting center” written all over him.
Round 3, Pick 86: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
While Height is a smaller EDGE defender, he has an appealing blend of speed and bend to develop into a designated pass rusher. His lack of power will limit him in the run game, but as long as he can get after the quarterback, he brings a lot of value. If you are going to be a niche player, that’s a good niche to have.
Round 4, Pick 123: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Payne is a massive safety at 6-3 and 210 pounds, offering some intriguing upside for a defense. He has had experience as a deep safety, box player, as well as in the slot. Even if Payne ends up becoming a role player and outstanding special teamer, he is worth the valuation.
Round 6, Pick 203: Barion Brown, WR, LSU
There is a strong argument that Brown is the fastest player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. With his background as a return man, there is a lot of value to be had. If Brown ever develops as a wide receiver, there is a chance that he becomes a massive steal in this class.
Round 6, Pick 214: Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
As a smaller tight end, there is a legitimate projection for Kanak to develop into a fullback on the next level. While that is a niche position in today’s NFL, Kanak provides a ton of special teams value and upside as a mismatch player in the passing game. That brings an intriguing floor to the table.
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