2026 Draft Superthread And Draft Prospect Discussion

[Charge!]

IMHO, this is going to be a heavy defensive draft. They are going to give O'Leary talent to help him break in as a new 1st year DC and set him up for success in his 1st year. Last couple of years the defense was the strength, and the offense was lagging behind. This year it going to be the opposite. I don't think the defense is going to be lagging behind like the offense, but I do believe it may take a step backwards. I mean let's be honest, this is O'Leary's 1st job as a DC in the NFL.

Last couple of years Minter and the D staff were able to work with less and I think McD could do the same if he had to. IMHO, they are going to improve the offense with a majority of free agents while maybe adding a few defensive players and then draft defense to round out the defense.

this draft is strong and deep on DL/DE and WR!

[Boltnut]

Several TEs I want for Oronde, McD and Herb available in the low 100s (rd4).

Matt Miller just mocked Caleb Banks to us @ #22 with Sadiq, Hunter, and McDonald available. Then he mocked Pregnon to us @ #55 with my guy Hecht and Bisontis available.

Solid but debatable, Matt.
Nutty we gotta keep armwrestling until late April to get this right.

I'm a little leary of taking a DT in the 1st round. Do they make the impact of an OT or DE? Or even a WR or CB...?
Only 2 of the 11 DT's chosen in the first 3 rounds... had a higher PFF score than Teair Tart in 2025. And 2025 was considered a strong class @DT.
Only Walter Nolan had a higher PFF score than DT Tim Settle... and Settle isn't the top DT free agent for 2026.
I count 7 DT's with better pff scores than Settle/Tart. So it's not crazy to think we could get a very good DT for $7m or less.

I know a lot of TPB members are looking for an in-line TE. I'd rather have a receiving TE. I think 2 receiving TE's would stress a defense... especially in McD's offense. TE's Michael Trigg and Eli Stowers are like 240 lb WR's. And either one could assume the slot with a simple shift.

1st: Best pass rusher and/or edge setter. TJ Parker, Akheem Mesidor, Zion Young, Gabe Jacas
2nd: After getting a free agent OC and LG, finalize the most needed upgrade. Brian Parker, Jake Slaughter, Connor Lew.
3rd: Keenan rides off into the sunset. Get another weapon. Doesn't have to be a WR. In fact, we already have good/young WR's. TE Michael Trigg or Eli Stowers. It will drive DC's crazy! Every play is a run/pass possibility... just like McD likes it. Catch the defense with the wrong personnel on the field... and no opportunity to substitute.
4th: I think this is the sweet spot for LB. Maybe Aiden Fisher slides here. Maybe we're looking for a Kyle Luois type...?

OL: Slater, Edwards, McGovern, Paker, Alt
DL: Tart, Settle, Caldwell, Hand, Eboigbe

Trencher4Life

[Maniaque 6]

this draft is strong and deep on DL/DE and WR!

It's why I would go OL in the first
Could I ask for a Von Miller at 55 with that ?

[Chargers8491]

It's why I would go OL in the first
Could I ask for a Von Miller at 55 with that ?

If the Chargers re-sign Zion and then sign another starting caliber RG I doubt, they are going to draft an OG in the 1st rnd. IMHO, that doesn't make sense. They either wasted a draft pick or wasted money on vet. Only one OG is going to play unless there is an injury whereas you could either draft a DT, Edge, or CB in the 1st rnd who will see playing time whether there is an injury or not because they rotate these positions.

[wu-dai clan]

Boltnut I am sure we are both looking at big boards with EDGE & DT ranked near #22.

Are you sure you don't like any of these dudes at #22, even Peter Woods ?

I personally would want elite pass rush juice over other types.

[Maniaque 6]

I think the Chargers are in a position to choose a very good T in 1st round
If he could help at G for a certain time and be the swing T ?

[wu-dai clan]

I think the Chargers are in a position to choose a very good T in 1st round
If he could help at G for a certain time and be the swing T ?

Caleb Tiernan. There's talent, and position flexibility.

[Boltnut]

Boltnut I am sure we are both looking at big boards with EDGE & DT ranked near #22.

Are you sure you don't like any of these dudes at #22, even Peter Woods ?

I personally would want elite pass rush juice over other types.

If it's pass rush juice you want... then gotta go DE over DT.

Peter Woods: 562 snaps, 14 pressures
Caleb Banks: 96 snaps, 3 pressures
Kayden McDonald: 342 snaps, 10 pressures
Lee Hunter: 421 snaps, 25 pressures

TJ Parker: 548 snaps, 41 pressures
Akheem Mesidor: 648 snaps, 55 pressures
Zion Young: 511 snaps, 52 pressures
Gabe Jacas: 529 snaps, 41 pressures

[wu-dai clan]

If it's pass rush juice you want... then gotta go DE over DT.

Peter Woods: 562 snaps, 14 pressures
Caleb Banks: 96 snaps, 3 pressures
Kayden McDonald: 342 snaps, 10 pressures
Lee Hunter: 421 snaps, 25 pressures

TJ Parker: 548 snaps, 41 pressures
Akheem Mesidor: 648 snaps, 55 pressures
Zion Young: 511 snaps, 52 pressures
Gabe Jacas: 529 snaps, 41 pressures

Soooo what round was Maxx Crosby drafted in ?

Gimme Dame in that round.

[wu-dai clan]

Beyond solid!!! I would jump at Millers picks.

In reality, Banks won't be there at 22 and Pregnon won't be there at 55

OK. CBF. I recently saw a scouting report that says Pregnon's zone blocking is a plus. Is he ready or do we have to wait and wait ala Zion ?

[Topcat]

It's why I would go OL in the first
Could I ask for a Von Miller at 55 with that ?

Agree...let's quit messing around and just draft the best combo pass pro and run blocking G in round 1...THEN go D-line in round 2, since it's so deep...double dip with an OC or OT in round 3 or 4...ALSO, sign Lindy or McGuv and another solid FA G...

[Topcat]

Soooo what round was Maxx Crosby drafted in ?

Gimme Dame in that round.

Here u go...and BTW...look who we got instead of Maxx...womp, womp:

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