Chargers NFL Draft Tracker: Every Pick, Trade, and Instant Grade

A live-updating look at every move the Chargers make during the NFL draft.

Los Angeles Chargers logo at the NFL Draft | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the NFL draft as one of the most interesting teams in the NFL. 

After two playoff losses to start the Jim Harbaugh era, the Chargers were generally very conservative in NFL free agency and sit on droves of free cap space. Those in charge have been very open about possibly wanting to add more draft picks, meaning trades could be on the way. Mike McDaniel adds hype to a Justin Herbert offense that feels like it has a new ceiling. 

Here’s an updating look at the Chargers’ showing during the NFL draft, with the newest items listed first. 

Chargers draft Alex Harkey in Round 6 (206)

Alex Harkey | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Chargers drafted Alex Harkey out of Oregon with their second of two picks in the sixth round. He played right tackle, but measurements say he'll kick inside to guard in the pros. The Chargers won't complain about the versatility or depth if he can crack the 53.

Grade: B

Chargers draft Logan Taylor in Round 6 (202)

Logan Taylor | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chargers used the first of two sixth-round picks on Logan Taylor at No. 202. A guard out of Boston College, he was a four-year starter who, like the others, fits what Mike McDaniel wants from his scheme. He's got a good chance to fight over the summer for a spot on the 53, given how much the Chargers are overhauling in the trenches.

Grade: B

Chargers Draft Nick Barrett in Round 5 (145)

Nick Barrett | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

With their lone pick in the fifth round after some trades, the Chargers drafted Nick Barrett out of South Carolina.

Another long-term developmental player for the defense, Barrett projects as a nose tackle who could get bigger over the years before possibly moving into a rotation.

As we noted in our instant analysis, some outlets didn't love the value...but the Chargers clearly do as they load up on possible long-term solutions.

Grade: C

Chargers draft Genesis Smith in Round 4 (131)

Genesis Smith | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chargers drafted Genesis Smith in the fourth round, adding more depth to a premium position as new coordinator Chris O'Leary takes over in place of Jesse Minter.

As we noted in our instant analysis of the Chargers drafting Smith, he arrives with some serious flaws as a tackler and against the run. But the team needs long-term developmental options behind Derwin James and others and clearly liked the value.

Grade: C+

Chargers trade up, draft Travis Burke in Round 4 (117)

Travis Burke | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Chargers traded up the board and drafted Travis Burke, sending No. 123 and No. 204 to Houston for No. 117.

There, the Chargers took Burke, a massive offensive lineman who looks like he could be the future swing-tackle backup down the road after someone like Trey Pipkins leaves.

With so many picks and the dire state of the depth at tackle last year, the Chargers moved up to get a guy they clearly were worried wouldn't fall to them. That's one way to take care of Justin Herbert and show some urgency.

Grade: B+

Chargers Draft Brenen Thompson in Round 4 (105)

Brenen Thompson | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chargers drafted Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson in the fourth round, getting Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel a speedy 4.26 weapon and chess piece who can stretch the field.

Sure, the Chargers' depth chart at wideout is messy and some things will need sorted out, such as Quentin Johnston's role. But getting weapons for McDaniel so he can craft the offense is nice.

And really, it's hard to poke holes in what the team does with one of three selections in the fourth round.

Grade: B

Chargers trade with Browns during Day 2 NFL draft

The Chargers traded all the way out of the third round, sending the No. 86 pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the following selections:

• No. 105

• No. 145

• No. 206

The Chargers had entered this draft with only five picks. Now, they get more shots to improve depth across the board on what is sure to be a busy Day 3.

Chargers draft Florida OL Jake Slaughter in Round 2 (63)

Jake Slaughter | Alan Youngblood / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After the trade, the Chargers stood tall at No. 63 and drafted Jake Slaughter out of Florida.

While Slaughter fits the athletic profile coordinator Mike McDaniel's looking for, the fact he was the 90th player on PFF's big board and tabbed as a possible backup by other outlets isn't a good sign.

The Chargers needed to find starting guards. Instead, they drafted a center who never played guard.

Grade: D

Chargers trade with Patriots during NFL draft's second round

The Chargers and Patriots are back at it, trading again. The two parties involved in the now-infamous Ladd McConkey deal from years ago linked up during Friday's second round.

There, the Chargers traded down from No. 55, getting back No. 63, No. 131 and No. 202 in the process. They entered with just five picks in the draft overall, so this is them balancing things out because they like how the board continues to fall.

Chargers draft Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor in Round 1 (22)

Akheem Mesidor | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chargers attacked new coordinator Chris O'Leary's defense in Round 1, ignoring some appealing offensive options while grabbing Akheem Mesidor. An older prospect, yet productive, Mesidor had 12.5 sacks last season and projects as a versatile piece the team can move around at will.

Some will view the age as a negative with Mesidor, but the Chargers probably wanted a nice mix of upside and instant production. On paper, he's already the No. 3 in the rotation with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.

Grade: B

Chargers 2026 NFL draft picks

• Round 1 (22): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

• Round 2 (63): Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

• Round 4 (105): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

• Round 4 (117): Travis Burke, OL, Memphis

• Round 4 (131): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

• Round 5 (145): Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

• Round 6 (202): Logan Taylor, G, Boston College

• Round 6 (206): Alex Harkey, G, Oregon

Chargers original draft picks

• Round 1 (22): 

• Round 2 (55)

• Round 3 (86)

• Round 4 (123)

• Round 5 (162): Traded to the Baltimore Ravens

• Round 6 (204)

Round 7 (238): Traded to Tennessee Titans

Notes: The Chargers traded a fifth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens last season in exchange for pass-rusher Odafe Oweh. In 2024, they traded this year’s seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive back Elijah Molden. 

Chargers NFL draft needs 

Jim Harbaugh | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chargers still need to flesh out the offensive line in front of Herbert for McDaniel’s offense. 

Joe Hortiz and Co. swiped a quality starting center before free agency opened with Tyler Biadasz. But they dramatically underwhelmed at guard, with Cole Strange and Trevor Penning currently penciled in as the starters. 

Guard should be the Chargers’ top priority in Round 1, to say the very least. 

Still, the Chargers have needs at every level of the defense as they transition from Jesse Minter to Chris O’Leary as coordinator. 

On the line, they need an interior pass-rushing presence. And they also need edge rushers who can learn from and help keep Khalil Mack fresh. At linebacker, they need to think about life after Denzel Perryman. Same story at defensive back, where Derwin James needs an extension and Donte Jackson is getting up there in age. 

It would be a surprise to see the Chargers take a luxury pick, as they sort of did last year with Omarion Hampton. But the only part of McDaniel’s offense that hasn’t been touched yet is wideout, for what it’s worth. It’s easy to wonder if the Chargers might trade Quentin Johnston while moving around the draft board, if needed. 

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