Los Angeles Chargers overhaul their defense, give Justin Herbert a new best friend in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Los Angeles Chargers get a defensive makeover in latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a dominant victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. As Jim Harbaugh’s team continues to get healthier, they have a chance to be a dangerous group down the stretch of the season. Quarterback Justin Herbert has mostly been very good, and when he is, the Chargers are very difficult to beat.
Like every team in the free agency era, there are naturally going to be some holes in your roster. The Chargers are no different. When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chargers have very clear needs on their roster, continue to improve the defense, and keep adding talent around Herbert. That was the mission in the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 20: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There isn’t a bigger riser in the 2026 EDGE class than Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. The former Stanford transfer is expected to get drafted very early once April comes around. He is an incredibly twitchy athlete who can consistently win on the outside shoulder. There are high-end traits to become a dynamic weapon while getting after the passer.
Round 2, Pick 52: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
At 6-4 and 305 pounds, Miller is a really difficult player to move at the point of attack. He also has some nice movement skills, although Miller hasn’t actualized that talent into backfield production just yet. There is still plenty of growth potential there, and landing in the right situation is going to matter a lot. If he isn’t at least a solid starter down the road, something bad happened.
Round 3, Pick 84: Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama
While Brailsford is a smaller center at around 6-2 and 285 pounds, he has a lot more power than you would anticipate. The former Washington transfer is also a really smooth mover, which creates some scheme versatility. His size will limit him to just playing center, but he could end up being the long-term fixture with quarterback Justin Herbert. This is a friendship that could end up being very important for the future of the organization.
Round 4, Pick 120: Lander Barton, LB, Utah
From a physical perspective, there isn’t a lot not to like about Barton. He is tall, long, and extremely versatile. There are some durability concerns, but Barton looks like a future starting linebacker who can play multiple positions. That makes him a valuable commodity for an NFL defense.
Round 6, Pick 201: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Prysock is a massive cornerback at around 6-4 and 200 pounds, as well as boasting impressive length and functional athleticism. As a taller player, there are some limitations from a change of direction perspective, but that physical profile offers some developmental upside. There is also a world where Prysock eventually moves to safety.
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