Los Angeles Chargers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For theLos Angeles Chargers, the biggest need is an obvious one: Interior offensive line.

The Chargers had the worst offensive line in football last year by multiple metrics. As a result, LA's set to have three new starters along the interior of its O-line. New additions Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange are penciled in at center and right guard, respectively. There's a vacancy at left guard that could be filled in the draft.

MORE:Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Chargers for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

New York Giants

Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Tennessee Titans

Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Miami Dolphins

De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New York Jets

Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

10. New Orleans Saints
    
    Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft best prospect fit: Edge Derrick Moore, Michigan

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

The Chargers need more difference-makers on defense, especially in the pass rush, as they can't rely on Khalil Mack continuing to produce late into his 30s. It may seem uninspired to pair a former Wolverine to Jim Harbaugh's squad but Moore would be an intriguing option in Round 2 who wins with speed-to-power and an improving bag of pass rush moves.

MORE:2026 NFL Draft: Finding the perfect prospect for every team

Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft trade candidate: RB Kimani Vidal

Per USA TODAY'sJack McKessy:

Vidal proved he has what it takes to be a starting running back in the NFL with his 10-game performance as Los Angeles' starter in 2025. With Omarion Hampton set to return to his starting job after an injury-marred rookie campaign, the Chargers could look to move Vidal to a team more in need of running back help.

Advertisement

MORE:One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draft

Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft Picks by round

• No. 22 (1.22)

• No. 55 (2.23)

• No. 86 (3.22)

• No. 123 (4.23)

• None

• No. 204 (6.23)

• None

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Los Angeles Chargers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions