Chargers failed Justin Herbert during playoff loss to Patriots and a new 2026 NFL mock draft has them making it up to him

The Chargers must do everything in their power to improve their offense, giving Justin Herbert the best chance to secure a playoff win, and a new mock draft has them doing just that.

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Chargers QB Justin Herbert
David Butler II-Imagn Images

It may be a new year, but the Los Angeles Chargers’ season ended similarly to recent years without QB Justin Herbert picking up a playoff win.

Many have begun to coin Herbert as the best QB in the NFL without a playoff win. Certainly not a nickname anyone wants to have. The Chargers’ offensive line was ineffective throughout the team’s wildcard round loss to the New England Patriots. It’s time for the team to go all in on protecting its QB. 

A new 2026 NFL mock draft has the Chargers doing just that. The team uses its first round pick to select one of the top offensive linemen in the draft class. 

Chargers select Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane in a new 2026 NFL mock draft

“The Chargers’ ability to fight through their insane number of injuries on the offensive line and win double-digit games, while making the playoffs, is pretty remarkable. They will have their star tackle duo back on the field in 2026, but adding more talent around them remains a priority. Ioane from Penn State can start at either guard spot right away and help the Chargers protect their most important asset, Justin Herbert.” – New A to Z Sports 3-round mock draft

Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On the bright side, the Chargers should have its star tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back in 2026. So that means they need to target upgrades to the interior of its offensive line. 

The top interior linemen for many in the 2026 draft class is Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane. He would be a day one starter at either guard spot for the Chargers and would give the team three first-round selections on the offensive line. 

This would also allow the Chargers to spend a portion of its projected cap space on a free agent center this offseason. Multiple solid options are currently set to hit free agency, such as Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens and Connor McGovern of the Buffalo Bills. 

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