Familiar Offensive Lineman Linked to Needy Chargers in Latest NFL Mock Draft

There’s been a lot of emphasis this offseason on the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line and with very good reason. Pro Football Focus ranked it the third-worst unit in the league in 2025, with substantial injuries to left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt (pressed into duty at Slater's spot) a huge reason for its struggles.

Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt (76) gets carted off against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The team was also hampered by poor interior play, and the three main starters are no longer with the organization. Center Bradley Bozeman retired, and former first-round draft choice Zion Johnson is now a member of the Cleveland Browns. Finally, 2025 free-agent disappointment Mekhi Becton is currently looking for a new team after he was released by the Bolts.

Guard Olaivavega Ioane has been a popular pick for the Bolts

For lack of a better word, noted college football writer Bruce Feldman of The Athletic went “chalk” when it came to the Bolts’ first-round selection. Penn State interior blocker Olaivavega Ioane has been a name often mocked to the Chargers. Of course, it’s also a pick that makes a lot of sense.

“No NFL head coach loves physicality like Jim Harbaugh,” said Feldman, “and with guards Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton gone, the Chargers sorely need help in the trenches. The 6’4”, 320-pound Penn Stater who everyone calls “Vega” should be a good fit. He’s a pure guard and is in the road-grader mode. He got himself in better shape in 2025 and showed a lot of improvement. According to PFF, Ioane didn’t allow a single sack or QB hit in 311 pass blocking snaps.”

Penn State blocker could upgrade the Chargers’ ground game

There was also this from NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. “Prototypical guard for physical run schemes with thick limbs, a broad frame and plus core strength. Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams. He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking.”

Zierlein added this. “However, he lacks athleticism and foot quickness to operate effectively as a move blocker. He pass sets with good posture and a firm punch and can anchor against power. Though quicker at a lighter weight in 2025, he will struggle with twitchy interior defenders who cross his face in the run game and attack his edges in protection. Despite scheme dependence, Ioane projects as an early starter with a high floor.”

Olaivavega Ioane draws high praise from a collegiate coach

Feldman also referenced this opinion. “He grew on me,” said a Big Ten D-line coach who faced Ioane in each of the past two seasons. “He’s your typical right guard in the NFL and I think he’ll have a good career. He is athletic. In that (Penn State under then-OC Andy Kotelnicki) system, it’s hard to project their guard with all their unbalanced formations and motioning guys and motioning him sometimes. He’ll fit in a pro-style/gap-scheme offense but he’s versatile enough to play in a West Coast, outside zone scheme.”