Los Angeles Chargers draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions

The Los Angeles Chargers managed another 11-6 season in 2025, but lost in the wild card game for the third time in four years. As they look to get over the opening round hump, the NFL Draft has come just in time.

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In a division filled with the 14-3 Denver Broncos and the ever-dangerous Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers have a tall task ahead of them once again. The Chargers swapped their second-round pick for three of the Patriots’ later-round selections after selecting DE Akheem Mesidor in round one and Florida OL Jake Slaughter in round two. L.A. later traded their last, remaining second-day pick to Cleveland for three third-day selctions. 

The Sporting News is tracking each of the Chargers’ 2026 NFL Draft selections, from the first through the seventh round. 

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2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2026

Who did the Chargers draft?

The Chargers will select nine players in the 2026 NFL Draft: 

• Round 1, Pick No. 22: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
• Round 2, Pick No. 63 (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida
• Round 4, Pick 105 (from Browns): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
• Round 4, Pick No. 117 (from Texans): Travis Burke, Memphis, OL
• Round 4, Pick No. 131 (from Patriots): Genesis Smith, DB, Auburn
• Round 5, Pick No. 145 (from Browns): 
• Round 6, Pick No. 202 (from Patriots):
• Round 6, Pick No. 206 (from Browns):
   

MORE 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFTS:

• SN’s complete 7-round projections
• NFL mock draft with trades
• Quarterback-only mock draft
• NFL player comparisons for Round 1 picks
• Expert mock drafts from Mel Kiper Jr. and more

Chargers NFL Draft needs 

• Fill the pass rushing gap: The chargers had one of the best defensive units in the NFL last season, but free agency has created a gap. Odafe Oweh was the Chargers’ primary edge rusher in 2026, and had three sacks in their playoff loss to the Patriots. Now with the Commanders, the Chargers have huge shoes to fill to replace Oweh’s production.
• Add a receiver: Passing was not actively negative for the Chargers in 2025, but it was par for the course, finishing 18th. With the chance to create an above average team of receivers, the Chargers may look to capitalize by adding a receiver in the draft. It may not come on Day 1, but there are still high-upside receivers that could be available on Day 2.
• Offensive line: The O-Line was quite the strength for the Chargers in 2025, but several members are departing. This creates a few openings, notably at OT. To keep up this level of production, the Chargers may need to target a replacement tackle in the draft. 

NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs

Chargers mock draft 2026 

Here’s a look at who the Chargers may select, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN’s Vinnie Iyer. 

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The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.

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