{"id":501271,"date":"2026-02-24T16:11:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/501271\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T16:11:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:11:08","slug":"chargers-get-aggressive-in-mel-kiper-jr-s-nfl-combine-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/501271\/","title":{"rendered":"Chargers Get Aggressive in Mel Kiper Jr.\u2019s NFL Combine Mock Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> hit the NFL combine with plenty of obvious needs, meeting targets and prospects to watch<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh headed to free agency, the Chargers will target edge rushers<\/a> heavily, as expected.<\/p>\n

But the offensive line in front of Justin Herbert is a priority, too, if not tops on the list of needs. Guard Mekhi Becton is a cut candidate, center Bradley Bozeman was before his retirement<\/a> and guard Zion Johnson is a free agent who might not be back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED: The Chargers Officially Need a Center: Draft Prospects Who Could Start for LA in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

As expected, NFL mock drafts are all over this.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And that includes the legend in the space: Mel Kiper Jr.<\/p>\n

Mel Kiper\u2019s NFL combine mock draft gets the Chargers a win<\/p>\n

Kiper just dropped his first mock draft<\/a> of the NFL combine season and Chargers fans might not be all that shocked to see the name listed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As usual by now, it\u2019s Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of the Chargers’ offensive line woes can be traced back to injuries to tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. But the interior had its own problems. Zion Johnson (now a free agent) and Mekhi Becton both struggled at guard. GM Joe Hortiz has to do something to prevent all these hits quarterback Justin Herbert is taking every Sunday, and Ioane has a great combination of sheer power and agility. He hasn’t given up a sack since 2023. Plus, Ioane could help open some rushing lanes for Omarion Hampton in the back’s second year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olaivavega Ioane is probably the best puller in this class, regardless of position, and he just makes everything look easy. Another plug-and-play guy from the start. pic.twitter.com\/drLSTxZwQU<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Doug Farrar \u270d (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

RELATED: Chargers Draft Trends: How Los Angeles Has Attacked the NFL Combine for Edge Rushers<\/a><\/p>\n

This is likely the route the Chargers will need to go. Comboing Olaivavega as a Day 1 starter with at least one big-name interior signing (Tyler Linderbaum, anyone?) is the smart move.<\/p>\n

Adding to this strategy is the idea new coordinator Mike McDaniel has made it clear he wants Herbert to play less hero ball and enjoy more easy throws, which will reduce hits too. It\u2019s a winning idea, to say the least.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Also notable that\u2019s tucked into Kiper\u2019s writeup? Omarion Hampton, who has gone overlooked as held back by last year\u2019s bad line. The first-rounder was healthy for nine games last year and averaged 4.4 yards per carry, tallying 545 yards and four scores.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Better health luck and a seriously improved offensive line could mean Hampton doesn\u2019t just avoid a sophomore slump, but enjoys a massive second-year outburst.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI<\/a> \u2014<\/p>\n

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