The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with five picks over the three-day draft.
The Chargers used their first pick Thursday night to select Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 22. In Friday’s second round, they shipped away their original pick at No. 55 to the New England Patriots to move down to No. 63 and add extra picks in the fourth and sixth rounds. With the 63rd pick, they took Florida’s Jake Slaughter, a college center who they announced as a guard.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Chargers pick.
Round 1No. 22: Akheem Mesidor, edge, MiamiHow he fits
The Chargers had a huge need at edge rusher after Odafe Oweh left in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders. They re-signed Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu is under contract. But they were missing a third edge to bolster the pass rush, particularly in known-passing situations. The Chargers’ defense was at its best last season when Mack, Tuipulotu and Oweh were all on the field together. Mesidor fills that hole, and he is a player who can make an impact immediately. Mesidor is physical and violent both as a run defender and pass rusher. Mack is also entering his age-35 season. The Chargers now have an exit plan for life after Mack. — Daniel Popper
Dane Brugler’s analysis
From Brugler’s Top 300 rankings: Along with his urgent upfield quickness, he has aggressive, well-timed hands and a deep bag of rush moves, which allows him to vary his attack and create challenging angles for blockers. He is a physical run defender with adequate play strength, although he can get stuck on blocks and needs to continue maturing his escape maneuvers.
Grade: A-Daniel Popper’s analysis
Los Angeles Chargers select Miami’s Akheem Mesidor with No. 22 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Round 2No. 64: Jake Slaughter, G, FloridaHow he fits
The Chargers listed Slaughter as a guard, which displays his versatility, but Slaughter is the team’s future starting center. But if Harbaugh and company believe he can make the slight transition in year one, it’s a smart move. Slaughter (6-5, 303) twice earned second-team All-American honors and started 33 games at Florida. He’s a physical, powerful run blocker who fits what the Chargers want from their offensive line.
Dane Brugler’s analysis
From Brugler’s Top 300 rankings: Slaughter doesn’t have overwhelming traits, but he consistently does his job using controlled movements, stout strength and veteran processing skills. With his makeup, he should compete for starting center snaps as a rookie.
Grade: B-minusRound 3
No. 86
Round 4
No. 123
No. 131 (from New England)
Round 6
No. 202 (from New England via Pittsburgh)
No. 204