2026 Draft Superthread And Draft Prospect Discussion

[gzubeck]

Here…all the linemen you could ever want…and more..

(JUNE 2ND) CHARGERS TRADE 2027 1ST AND WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON TO PHIL FOR WR AJ BROWN AND PICK 98

CHARGERS TRADE 22 TO MIA FOR PICK 30 AND PICK 75 (3RD)(MIA HAVE 4 3RDS)

30 CB CHRIS JOHNSON SDSU
55 EDGE DERRICK MOORE MICH
75 G KEYLAN RUTLEDGE G TECH
86 DL DARRELL JACKSON FL ST
98 G/OT BRIAN PARKER DUKE
123 ILB HAROLD PERKINS LSU
204 TE TANNER KOZIOL HOUSTON

This does not excite me at all. and could be destructive if it doesn't work out.

This would only happen if all the players we want are gone off the board at #22. How about we give them our third and we get pick #43. So we would have #30, #43, #55 plus our 4th and 6th.

[Jack Burton]

This does not excite me at all. and could be destructive if it doesn't work out.

This would only happen if all the players we want are gone off the board at #22. How about we give them our third and we get pick #43. So we would have #30, #43, #55 plus our 4th and 6th.

What’s “destructive” about it?
I’m sorry you’re not “excited” by the mock.

Pick 22 =780
Pick 30 620 + Pick 75 215 = 835
The Chargers are getting great value by adding pick 75. See above math.
I have no idea how anyone would think adding pick 43 is legit. That would be trading 835 for 1090. MIA would never do that.

[Riverwalk]

McDaniel doesn't value Gs,….to?

He drafted Jonah Savaiinaea in Rd 2, number 37 overall last year.

He also pursued FA guards…Connor Williams, 2 yr $14M in 2022; James Daniels 3 yr $24M in 2025, and a couple others.

So your opinion doesn’t match reality. Perhaps you think that because Hortiz hasn’t signed one of the middle to more expensive FA Guards thus far but that could be because they either weren’t scheme fits, he’s targeted someone with a first or second round pick, they are still fishing, or other circumstances beyond Mike’s control.

[electricgold]

I have finally realized the same thing. Ioane could change their minds if he was there though but I think they prefer to use first on more premium positions...edge. WR, CB,

I just cant get into McDonald, really uninspiring to me to use our first on a run stuffer over edge...or at least a DT that can rush the pocket from inside. I mean I know he is a good player but not a very exciting pick and I think we need a 3rd edge rusher more, the defense got a lot better when they had a 3rd rusher and Mack is 35

Agree! It's funny how past draft busts can be such a turn off for potential future draft picks, but I feel the same way. After TT drafted Tillery a DT drafted later in the first round still gives me pause on drafting a DT later in the first round! Same with OG and the Fluker pick!

However, if we do draft McDonald, or a DT and they turn out to be a game wrecker, good enough for me.

[Xenos]

Here are Popper’s Day 2 PON choices depending on who we pick in round 1.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...g-board-day-2/

Earlier this month, we took a look at 14 prospects who could make sense for the Los Angeles Chargers at pick No. 22 in the first round.

With the NFL Draft now exactly four weeks away, we are going to broaden our board and dive into some Day 2 options. The Chargers hold pick No. 55 in the second round and pick No. 86 in the third round.

Unlike the first two years under general manager Joe Hortiz, the Chargers are entering this draft with some pretty pressing needs. In 2024 and 2025, Hortiz did well to build depth through free agency, and the Chargers were positioned to be flexible early in the draft. The Chargers are not positioned the same way in 2026.

Though they signed former Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika on Wednesday, they still need to add a guard in the first two days of this draft. The Chargers also need to draft an edge rusher somewhere in the first three rounds to replace Odafe Oweh, who left in free agency.

With those needs in mind, we will focus our Day 2 board primarily on edge rusher and guard. We will also have some names at two other positions: receiver and cornerback. The Chargers could leave this draft without additions at either position, but some additional competition would be helpful for the roster.


Guard
We laid out the dream scenario for the Chargers in our Mock 2.0 that was published earlier this week: Penn State guard Vega Ioane falling to 22. Ioane is Dane Brugler’s top-ranked guard. He started at left guard for the Nittany Lions last season. If the Chargers can draft Ioane in the first round, their offensive line improves dramatically. Currently, Trevor Penning and Awosika are the options at left guard.

Of course, Ioane might very well be off the board by the time the Chargers are picking in the first round. They need to have contingency options in the second and third rounds. Here are some options.

Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Bistontis is Brugler’s No. 2 guard and No. 43 overall player. He started at left guard for the Aggies last season, and I think his athleticism and movement skills will fit into offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing scheme. Will Bisontis be there at No. 55 for the Chargers? Should they consider taking him at No. 22 in the first round? Can they trade back either later into the first or into the second and still land Bisontis while picking up some additional capital? All important questions when considering Bisontis.

Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
As the No. 79 overall player, Pregnon is firmly a Day 2 player on Brugler’s board. He is big and powerful with heavy hands, and he has a sudden get-off as a run blocker, especially when pulling. But I would characterize his movement skills as more explosive than smooth. He has the athleticism to get to space, but he is not always consistent in fitting up blocks when he gets there. Pregnon is an aggressive finisher in the run game.

Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
If the Chargers miss out on Ioane and Bisontis, Farmer is probably my favorite fit among the remaining Day 2 guards. I see plus movement skills with the capability to reach-block in outside zone schemes. He tested off the charts at the combine, and he takes great angles as a run blocker. Farmer is a weapon as a puller. He shows an athletic base in pass protection. Farmer has decent play strength, but it is clear the Chargers are prioritizing range and athleticism over power at guard in this new offense. Farmer is Brugler’s No. 81 overall player.

Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
Schrauth is a functional mover with good eyes and awareness in pass protection. I think he lacks some power and pop in the run game, and he struggles to fit up against twitchier players, especially when climbing to the second level. Injuries will be a factor with Schrauth, as he missed time in 2024 with an ankle injury and suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2025. He’s No. 89 on Brugler’s list.

Other options: Gennings Dunker, Iowa (No. 84 overall); Kage Casey, Boise State (No. 98)


Edge rusher
If Ioane is off the board at No. 22, the Chargers should have plenty of options at edge rusher in the first round. We touched on a number of those prospects in our Round 1 big board, including Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Clemson’s T.J. Parker. If the board falls this way, I think the Chargers would be best served taking edge in the first round and addressing guard on Day 2.

However, if the Chargers do not take an edge in the first round, they will need to fill this need on Day 2. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu are a solid duo. But last year proved that the Chargers require three quality edge rushers to bring their scheme to life. New defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary will be running the same system as Jesse Minter.

Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Jacas was my pick at No. 55 in Mock 2.0. I love his violent play style, and I could see the Chargers being intrigued by the way he destroys blocks as a pass rusher and run defender. Of course, the Chargers could seek a different body type to complement the power of Mack and Tuipulotu. But physically imposing players like Jacas tend to have more potential for immediate impact at the next level. Jacas is Brugler’s No. 57 overall player.

Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Speaking of different body types, Crawford is a smaller speed rusher who can bend and close on the quarterback. He does not have the size to consistently set the edge in the run game, so he profiles more as a known passing-down player — at least early in his career. But that skill set would fit into the current room. Crawford plays with an excellent pass-rush motor. As Brugler writes, “His effort consistently pops.” Crawford is Brugler’s No. 67 overall player.

Keyron Crawford is more of a lean, speed rusher who would be good in known-passing situations.Justin Ford / Getty Images


Romello Height, Texas Tech
Though Height is a very slender edge rusher at 234 pounds, he has real juice. He is slippery and deceptive as a rusher. He looks to be shot out of a cannon coming off the ball, especially when pressing to the outside shoulder of tackles. Brugler put it best: “Height doesn’t have the size that teams desire for an edge player. But keeping him blocked is easier said than done.” Height is Brugler’s No. 80 overall player.

Other options: Derrick Moore, Michigan (No. 52); Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (No. 68); LT Overton, Alabama (No. 78); Malachi Lawrence, UCF (No. 93)


Cornerback
Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are all returning in the Chargers’ cornerback room. That is a viable trio, and with Derwin James Jr. continuing to play often in the slot, the Chargers have three capable starters for two outside spots in what should be their most-used package. Still, Benjamin St-Juste left in free agency. And I think the Chargers need a little more competition at this position. I could see them taking a cornerback at any point on the first two days of the draft. Some names for Day 2:

Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Abney shows the instincts and trigger that will fit well in some of the zone looks in O’Leary’s scheme. He is quick to diagnose from off alignments, and he flies downhill to make tackles in space. As Brugler writes, Abney is a “little bit of a wild defender.” But I think the Chargers can harness this play style. Abney is Brugler’s No. 59 overall player.

Devin Moore, Florida
Moore is 6 feet 3 and has the size to play physical press coverage at the line of scrimmage. He also looks comfortable in zone coverage, including in the deep part of the field as an outside Cover 3 defender. “He plays with patience and control to stay on top of routes, both underneath and vertically,” Brugler writes. Moore is Brugler’s No. 73 overall player.

Chandler Rivers, Duke
Rivers was my pick at No. 86 in Mock 2.0. He is going to be one of my draft darlings as we continue through this process. Rivers is versatile and a true playmaker in multiple phases. I could see him fitting into numerous roles within O’Leary’s scheme — outside, nickel, safety. I love him as a blitzer, too. “Rivers turns you off with his size, but then immediately draws you back in with his on-field play,” Brugler writes. He is Brugler’s No. 88 overall player.

Other options: Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 50); Treydan Stukes, Arizona (No. 77); Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 90)

Receiver
The Chargers have a quality collection of young receivers, from Ladd McConkey to Tre’ Harris to Quentin Johnston to KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The big question I have when it comes to receiver with McDaniel: Does he feel like there is a missing ingredient to complete this room?

The one piece I keep coming back to is an explosive yards-after-the-catch weapon. McConkey can certainly do some of that. Derius Davis is another potential fit, though he struggled with injuries in 2025. There are two prospects in this range that I think can fill this potential hole.

Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State
Thompson was my pick at No. 123 in Mock 2.0. He is Brugler’s No. 74 overall player, and he could very well be off the board on Day 2. As Brugler notes, Thompson led the SEC in receiving yards last season. He ran a 4.26 40 at the combine, and I think he provides more than just pure speed. I see some nuance in his route running. “He is a smaller target but creates big plays at every level of the field,” Brugler writes.

Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Branch has the potential to be a YAC monster in the NFL. Georgia used him often as a pre-snap move piece and also got the ball in his hands on screens. As Brugler writes, Branch’s “manufactured touches allowed him to show off his catch-and-burst ability.” He is a challenge to bring down in the open field. I like his contact balance. He was an elite tester, running a 4.35 40-yard dash and jumping 38 inches in the vertical leap. Branch and McDaniel seem like a perfect match. He is Brugler’s No. 75 overall player.

[Boltjolt]

Here…all the linemen you could ever want…and more..

(JUNE 2ND) CHARGERS TRADE 2027 1ST TO PHIL FOR WR AJ BROWN.

DRAFT
CHARGERS TRADE WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON TO PHIL FOR PICK 98.
CHARGERS TRADE 22 TO MIA FOR PICK 30 AND PICK 75 (3RD)(MIA HAVE 4 3RDS)

30 CB CHRIS JOHNSON SDSU
55 EDGE DERRICK MOORE MICH
75 G KEYLAN RUTLEDGE G TECH
86 DL DARRELL JACKSON FL ST
98 G/OT BRIAN PARKER DUKE
123 ILB HAROLD PERKINS LSU
204 TE TANNER KOZIOL HOUSTON

For a guy who is yelling for a WR, thats an odd mock from you lol. Not a bad one, its decent but not what id expect from you.

[Jack Burton]

For a guy who is yelling for a WR, thats an odd mock from you lol. Not a bad one, its decent but not what id expect from you.

I got my WR on June 2nd in a trade after my mock.
He’s a really good, proven WR too!

But you like that mock right?
Use those picks and make a mock with them.

[Bolt4Knob]

Here are Popper’s Day 2 PON choices depending on who we pick in round 1.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...g-board-day-2/

Trade down, get Bisontis -- more picks
stack the roster -- too many older players on one year deals

[DerwinBosa]

What some scouts are saying about this wide receiver class. From what they're saying, after Carnell Tate is gone, don't bother drafting a wide receiver in the first round.

Part 1, WR: Who's the next star wideout?

Bob McGinn's 42nd draft series begins. One scout doesn't give a damn what Carnell Tate ran. One scout sees JSN in Makai Lemon. But in 2026? Mining for A-level talent is complicated.

Maybe someone in this year’s class of wide receivers will emerge from mid-round anonymity to become stars a la the Rams’ Puka Nacua and the Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown. That seems as possible as having one of the group’s nominal leading prospects achieve greatness.

Like most positions in a draft lacking star power, the wide receivers will challenge scouting departments to make keen evaluations and unearth players in the third-to-sixth rounds that might well turn out to be better pros than those selected in the top 100.

“There’s a decent amount of depth but there’s no real stud,” an executive in personnel for an AFC team said. “Carnell Tate might be the first receiver taken but he wasn’t even the best receiver on his team in college.”

Tate played three seasons at Ohio State, the last two in a secondary role to the estimable Jeremiah Smith. He’ll probably become the Buckeyes’ sixth first-round wide receiver in five drafts, all with Brian Hartline coaching the position.

Over the years, Penn State was known for producing linebackers, Miami for running backs, Iowa for tight ends and Wisconsin for offensive linemen. Under Hartline, a crafty wide receiver himself in Columbus who caught 344 passes from 2009-’14 for the Dolphins and Browns, Ohio State became a wideout factory.

Hartline’s first-round pupils include Garrett Wilson (5-11 ½, 184, 4.40) and Chris Olave (6-0 ½, 185, 4.45) in 2022, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6-0 ½, 197, 4.52) in 2023, Marvin Harrison (6-3, 209, no 40) in 2024 and Emeka Egbuka (6-1, 202, 4.48) in 2025. Their draft slot, in order, was 10^th, 11^th, 20^th, fourth and 19^th.

Jameson Williams (6-1 ½, 180, no 40) played his first two years at Ohio State before transferring and playing one season at Alabama. He was the 12th choice in 2022.

Terry McLaurin (6-0, 207, 4.30), a third-round choice in 2019 with two Pro Bowls, also benefited from Hartline, who in December was hired to coach South Florida. All except Harrison have forged excellent starts to their pro careers.

“I could see why he could recruit and why they could relate to him coaching them,” an executive said. “He’s just a cool guy to talk to. Step 1, though, they got top-3, top-5 receivers every year. It’s not like he had the 300^th-rated receiver and made him into a first-rounder. With the guys they had it’s not that hard to coach them.”

Nobody in the scouting fraternity is saying this is 1990 or 2008, when not one wideout graced the first round. But no one foresees a first round approaching the last six drafts when an average of 5.3 were selected.

“You just don’t see first-rounders,” said another scout. “They just don’t jump out. Mike Evans is a blue player. None of these guys are really blue.

“You’ve been able to get running backs and receivers down the line for years because it’s not a hard position to play. The hard positions are corner, pass rush, offensive tackle, quarterback. Wide receivers and backs, my God, there’s production all over the place.

“A lot of guys don’t have the stats. But you watch all their targets and plays and you go, ‘Gee, this guy just needs to get the ball more.’ There’s a lot of good receivers in this draft.”

Another long-time evaluator labeled Tate the lone legitimate first-round player at the position.

“These Denzel Boston’s and KC Concepcion’s and Antonio Williams’s of the world, they’re just guys,” he said. “Even Makai Lemon, he’s a little guy, a tough guy, but he’s not a No. 1 (receiver). I like Tate the best of all of them but he’s good, he’s not great. After Tate, in other years they would be second-, third- and fourth-rounders. There’s nothing out there.”

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. CARNELL TATE, Ohio State (6-2, 192, 4.44, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s really, really good,” one scout said. “It’s just unbelievable how these (Ohio State) guys come out. If you watch the way he runs routes then you know that he’s ready. You can tell, with (Brian) Hartline working with them, they’re getting quality work. I saw him run by this guy, I saw him run by that guy. He runs by whoever he needs to get past.”

Functioned as the No. 3 wideout as a true freshman before starting 26 of 29 games in 2024-’25, missing three because of injury. “He’s got the reach and length (31 ¾-inch arms) and strength to compete well for the contested ball,” a second scout said. “He snaps off his breaks, finishes routes, finishes catches. He ran a lot of intermediate routes. He’s like a 4.55 guy but I don’t care what he runs. He’s so good that it doesn’t matter. He had Jeremiah Smith, two pretty good tight ends and a good quarterback but he was good last year and the year before.” Finished with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards (15.5-yard average) and 14 touchdowns. “He’s a No. 1 receiver,” a third scout said. “Hands are excellent. He’ll be a high-volume receiver in the NFL. I don’t think he has explosive speed but he can separate at the top of routes. He has really good short-area burst to separate and get open.” Won academic honors all three years. “I don’t think he’s a first-rounder,” said a fourth scout. “No, he’s not Garrett Wilson. He’s a little less than (Chris) Olave. You look at Marvin Harrison and Tate, they don’t have a lot of speed. He just doesn’t have explosion. Every time he gets deep it’s either a blown zone coverage or it’s against a bad corner. Those kind of guys, they come to this level and the DBs are so much better. Catches the ball OK. Goes down pretty easy. Not the biggest guy. He definitely doesn’t have the traits of a No. 1 receiver.” Four-star high-school prospect from Chicago. “I like him but I don’t in any way see a top-10 pick,” said a fifth scout. “Not overly explosive but a smooth-moving dude. Great hands. I had him at 4.5. All the best receivers are 4.5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 4.52. Puka Nacua is 4.6. Davante Adams (4.55). Who’s the last 4.3 that’s a great receiver? Tyreek Hill? It’s amazing. We make such a big deal out of 40 times with receivers but then just go down the list of great receivers. None of them ran 4.4, 4.3. A.J. Brown (4.51). Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.60). CeeDee Lamb (4.48).”

2. MAKAI LEMON, Southern Cal (5-11, 193, 4.53, 1-2): One of the most versatile receivers in the draft. “I think he’s a first-round pick,” one scout said. “Got a little bit of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to him. The body control and natural ball instincts are similar. He’s just real smooth. He’ll probably start out in the slot.” The shortest of the top eight wideouts and had the smallest hands (8 ¾ inches). “He’s an overachieving type,” said a second scout. “Got to give him credit for the production, and he’s tough as hell. He’s strictly a slot guy. I don’t think he’s really a top athlete with his movement, flexibility. Similar to like an Amon-Ra St. Brown. Same school, kind of plays the same position, moves a little bit like him. I didn’t think Amon-Ra would have the career he’s had. He might be a top pick but he’s just kind of a scrappy guy. Not in any way is he some sort of elite talent.” Played sparingly as a true freshman in 2023, when he also played briefly at cornerback. Finished with 137 catches for 2,008 (14.7) and 14 TDs. “Very effective in and out of breaks,” a third scout said. “He can do all the short-to-intermediate stuff and then he’s got enough juice to go down the seam and to the corner. Just makes a lot of catches. Has very good hands. He’s more of a slot-Z kind of receiver who can do some dirty work. He had kind of a wonky combine interview thing but I think people will overlook that. He just was kind of spaced out.” Returned 32 kickoffs for a 23.5 average (27.1 in 2024) and six punts for 11.8. “He’s a really good player but first round seems (high),” a fourth scout said. “He ended up running better than I thought. Just kind of average size, average speed. You don’t see those guys typically going in the first round.” From Los Alamitos, Calif.

3. JORDYN TYSON, Arizona State (6-2, 203, no 40, 1-2): Fourth in the nation in yards per catch (21.4) as a freshman at Colorado in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL late in the season and transferring. “He’s really good,” one scout said. “Somebody needs a receiver, you’re gonna look hard at him. I’d say he’s 20 to 30. He blocks. He can run great routes. He has great hands. He’s just a competitor. He’s fast and can hit the home run. He’s the whole package.” For the Sun Devils, he returned to play in three games as a sophomore before suffering a broken collarbone in 2024. He sat out three games in 2025 with a hamstring injury and still hasn’t worked out for scouts. “He’s the best receiver in the draft,” said a second scout. “His Achilles heel is just the durability. He’s had something every year. He’s not soft. It’s legit injuries. At minimum, talentwise, he’s a No. 2. He’s a starter. He has it all: size, athleticism, hands, route-run detail. Has run after the catch. He’s fast enough.” Finished with 158 catches for 2,282 (14.4) and 22 TDs. “I don’t think he has first-round traits,” said a third scout. “He’s got adequate size and adequate speed. He’ll catch the heck out of the ball. There were times he would disappear, and then all of a sudden he and (Sam) Leavitt would get together and they’d go boom-boom-boom and score. But there’s nothing about him that’s exceptional. All this first-round talk, I don’t see it. To me, to be in the first round you’ve got to have something special about you. There’s nothing physically about him – size, speed, anything – that sticks out. And he’s been hurt. He was an enigma to me.” Three-star recruit from Allen, Texas. “You can see the quick twitch and the movement, and he can run,” said a fourth scout. “But this guy is one of the most noncompetitive receivers I’ve done in a while. Body catcher even when it’s not contested. I’ve never seen anybody catch slants and just slide to the ground like this guy does. It’s nuts. He’s just not a tough dude. He doesn’t make catches when bodies are around him. Very inconsistent. And Hines Ward coaches him, which is crazy. Because I know no way Hines is saying, ‘This is what we need here.’ I don’t like him at all. He gets hurt all the time and I don’t think he’s very tough.” Ward is completing his second season as the Sun Devils’ wide receivers coach. Tyson’s brother, Jaylon (6-6, 215), was drafted No. 20 by the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024 and is averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds this season. Added a fifth scout: “If he’s healthy he’s really, really good. But they don’t come out of there (ASU) real tough. He’s going to have to show me he can be tough.”

4. DENZEL BOSTON, Washington (6-3 ½, 210, no 40, 2): Backed up for two seasons before starting all 25 games in 2024-’25. “He reminds me of Nico Collins with the body when he came out (in 2021, third round),” one scout said. “He’s probably going to have that same kind of developmental process. He’s more of a second- or third-round guy. He has length, size and really good speed. I’d estimate 4.45. He was a downfield threat for them. He was used so much down the field that you didn’t get to see a lot of that (inside). He’s got good hands but I don’t think they’re great. He’s got work to do there, but there’s only so much work you can do. Just like speed. If a guy doesn’t have great hands he’s never going to be super consistent at the next level. He is explosive off the ball. You can feel it when he’s in the game.” Finished with 132 catches for 1,781 (13.5) and 20 TDs. “He’s an X receiver,” a second scout said. “OK speed. He’s really more of a 50-50-let-me-outrebound-the guy. Body position, basketball player type guy. He’s a real starter.” Also a punt returner, bringing back 25 for an 8.5 average and one TD. “He’s got a little bit of Mike Evans in him but he’s just not as fast down the field,” said a third scout. “He’s got a lot of talent. He’s big and strong, runs good routes, great hands, separates, he’s physical. He’s probably like Tate in the speed department but I like him as a receiver better than Tate. He knows how to get open, set guys up, stop and start, good route runner. He doesn’t have the extra gear but he’s a really good possession receiver.” From South Hill, Wash.

5. KC CONCEPCION, Texas A&M (5-11 ½, 196, no 40, 2): Voted the Aggies’ most valuable player in 2025. “He can play Z but he’s really outstanding with the ball in his hands,” said one scout. “He can motor. He was very productive at NC State and left for A&M. Made some big plays for them. He is super explosive. If he’s your third receiver you’re really excited. If he’s your 2 you’re hoping he can grow into a good 2.” Won the Paul Hornung Award in 2025 as the nation’s most versatile player. Besides playing wide receiver, he finished fourth in FBS punt-return average with 18.2 in 2025. In all, he brought back 30 punts for 16.7 and two TDs. As a receiver, he caught 185 passes for 2,218 (12.0) and 25 TDs. As a rusher, he carried 70 times for 431 (6.2) and three scores. “He’s almost like a gadget guy, the way they play him,” another scout said. “It’s going to be a while before he’s anything. Looks like a track guy. You can tell he can run when things are free. They scheme him up for his production. Doesn’t catch the ball well. Lot of drops around a lot of bodies. Doesn’t have catch radius. They do this slip-screen stuff with him and he has no run after the catch.” Three-star recruit from Charlotte, N.C. “He’s a slot,” a third scout said. “Quick, explosive. He can run, catch and he’s competitive. He’ll be pretty good.”

6. CHRIS BELL, Louisville (6-2, 222, no 40, 2-3): Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 22 at SMU and underwent season-ending surgery. “With a different team and without an injury he’d be higher than where he’s going to go, which is probably third round,” said one scout. “He’s really gifted. He’s a big receiver. He was on his way to a really strong year when he got hurt. He’s smarter than people think.” Played extensively in the final three of his four seasons, finishing with 151 catches for 2,166 (14.3) and 12 TDs. “He is a good player,” said a second scout. “One of the things we’re still checking out is, physically, I think he can play more than one spot. But, mentally, can he? He’s got some physical run after the catch. Like when he’s up and running you see some speed. But he won’t be able to run because of the injury. If healthy, I don’t see him as a first-round player. But if the mental completely checks out, I think he’s a second-round player.” Three-star recruit from Yazoo City, Miss. “I’m not a fan,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t separate. He’s got some deep burst but underneath he doesn’t separate. He’s kind of hit or miss. He makes some plays. He can run after the catch when it’s clean and he’s catching it on the move. He’s not real athletic and he’s not real fast. I thought he was overrated by people that liked him.”

7. CHRIS BRAZZELL, Tennessee (6-4, 198, 4.47, 2-3): Last season, he led the Southeastern Conference in receiving yards per game with 84.8. “He’s got good speed and he’s big,” one scout said. “He’s an X receiver at 6-4 and has good hands. Big and athletic. He goes deep. He goes up and gets the ball real strong. He’s going to be an impact guy, there’s no question. I’d take him over Boston. I’d take him over Ja’Kobi Lane.” After redshirting in 2022 and starting eight of 13 games at Tulane, he moved to Tennessee and started 21 of 25 games the past two years. Compared by one scout to Justin Hunter (6-4, 198, 4.40), another Volunteers wideout who went in the second round to the Titans in 2013. In six seasons for four teams, he had just 19 starts and 85 catches. “A lot of what Brazzell does is much like Justin Hunter coming out,” he said. “He’s a tall straight-liner who has athletic ability to tap into. Not a detailed or clean route runner. Doesn’t create lateral separation in routes and is going to have to catch through contact. I would love to have Brazzell as a role player but I don’t trust him being thrust into an offense with the vision of him being an impact player.” Finished with 136 catches for 2,072 (15.2) and 16 TDs. Best game of his career came Sept. 13 against Georgia when he hauled in six passes for 177 and three TDs. “This kind of profile usually doesn’t work out,” a third scout said. “Just a downfield, long strider, build-speed guy. Not a really good route runner because he’s tight and doesn’t separate really well. Not very strong. B hands. He’ll flash and run by a DB against Cover 0 or something but, overall, just not a polished, versatile, natural receiver. He’ll run the fastest (40 of the group). He’s a vertical guy.” Honors student from Midland, Texas, graduated in December. His father, Chris, was drafted as a wide receiver by the Jets in 1998 and played two years for Dallas and then seven more in the CFL.

8. OMAR COOPER, Indiana (6-0, 199, 4.43, 2-3): His 7-yard TD catch in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds left Nov. 8 at Penn State gave the Hoosiers a 27-24 victory and ranked as possibly the most memorable play of the 2025 season. “He’s gotten a little play because he had the big catch,” one scout said. After redshirting in 2022 and starting two of nine games in 2023, Cooper made four starts in 2024 and then 14 for the national champions in 2025. “He’s a tough guy,” one scout said. “Kind of a possession guy. He had the big play against Penn State. Overall, kind of inconsistent making plays because he’s always in traffic unless they scheme him to get open. He’s more like your No. 3-special teams type. He’s a lot better than (teammate Elijah) Sarratt but I don’t get the hype. Nothing special as far as playmaking or explosiveness.” Making 19 starts in 41 games, he finished with 115 catches for 1,798 (15.6) and 22 TDs. “He’s a really good receiver without any outstanding trait except he catches the hell out of the ball and helps your quarterback,” said a second scout. From Indianapolis. “He ran a lot faster at the combine than you would have thought on the tape,” said a third scout. “I thought he was going to be end of Day 2 but now I could see him creeping up closer to the top of the third or maybe end of the second. He’s really physical. He’s really instinctive. He’s got good run after the catch. He just not a super high-end athlete but he tested better than you would have guessed. After the top three there’s not a ton of high-end guys so some of these guys might get pushed (up in the draft).”

9. ZACHARIAH BRANCH, Georgia (5-8 ½, 176, 4.39, 3): Third-year junior caught 78 passes at USC from 2023-’24 and 81 last year for the Bulldogs. “He’s real quick and a slot,” one scout said. “Pretty good little slot but I think there’s better slot guys. He can play on the outside, too. He’ll drop some balls here and there. He shows up with the speed part.” Lightest of the top 18 wideouts and has short arms (29 3/8). “Little bit of a niche player,” a second scout said. “He’s really an inside player only. I feel he’ll be covered up outside. When you add it up and the draft’s over somebody will take the speed and the ability to be a punt returner, and you can do jet sweeps with him which ups his value.” Finished with 159 catches for 1,634 (10.3) and nine touchdowns. Also rushed 15 times for 94. As a returner, he brought back 44 punts for 13.3 and one TD and 39 kickoffs for just 19.3 and one TD. “They tried to get the ball in his hands really fast,” said a third scout. “He had like a 10-yard average. Little possession receiver. He competes, but he’d have to be a slot. He does return. He catches it (punts) OK but nothing natural on his return.” Nephew of Cliff Branch, the Raiders Hall of Fame wideout. Five-star recruit from Las Vegas. As a high-school track athlete, he ran 100 meters in 10.33, went 24-0 in the long jump and 46-4 ¼ in the triple jump.

10. BRYCE LANCE, North Dakota State (6-3 ½, 206, 4.39, 3): Redshirted in 2021 and caught just one pass over the next two seasons before surpassing 1,000 yards in 2024 ands ’25. “He was my favorite guy,” one scout said. “Good size and speed. Very smooth and polished and aware in his route running and separation. He’s coming from a program that hasn’t thrown it a lot. It did start throwing it the last few years so he’s developed in that system. I think he makes it look easy to get open and catch the ball. These kind of guys wind up being starters and No. 2’s, or at least No. 3’s.” The scout said Lance pales in comparison to Christian Watson, the ex-Bison wideout who was drafted in the second round by Green Bay in 2022. Finished with 127 catches for 2,157 (17.0) and 25 TDs to go with nine carries for 121 and two scores. “Love him,” a second scout said. “Can track the ball. Combat catcher. Really good down the sideline. Catches down the middle. He can catch.” His brother, Trey, is the quarterback drafted No. 3 overall by the 49ers in 2021. Playing for three teams, he has started six of 16 games. “He’s a big X receiver,” said a third scout. “Sometimes he gets a little soft in traffic. He’s got a big catching radius because he’s so tall. He can adjust easy. He’s fast, but there’s something raw about him. Just his running style. He’s real upright. Kind of a one-speed guy. Doesn’t really change gears.” Posted a vertical jump of 41 and a broad jump of 11-1 at the combine. Earned a master’s degree in business administration in December. From Marshall, Minn.

[Factotum]

Regarding Popper's assessment and opinion piece as posted by Xenos above, this really popped out (no pun) at me, leaving me quite bewildered!

"Unlike the first two years under general manager Joe Hortiz, the Chargers are entering this draft with some pretty pressing needs. In 2024 and 2025, Hortiz did well to build depth through free agency, and the Chargers were positioned to be flexible early in the draft. The Chargers are not positioned the same way in 2026."

Whaaaaaaat????!!!

IIRC, the new FO regime with Hortiz as new GM got in here having to deal with salary cap hell and some pretty empty shelves. Granted that the 2024 draft was a bit easier with higher selection positions but say that the last 2 drafts offered more flexibilities, other than having more draft picks I am sorry, I just can't take this guy Popper too seriously all the time. I get it, he has earned his stripes as a no nonsense, none Kool-Aid drinking beat writer and reporter but sometimes he says some pretty dumb stuff (IMO intentionally to sensationalize) but I know that he is not a dumb guy!

Just to add, I read somewhere in the comments elsewhere that all this vying for Vega is kinda reminiscent of the same when Zion was going to be drafted as a no miss pick, This has me worries even or perhaps specially if he falls to us. In all fairness, I was not following the Chargers as closely when Zion was being drafted by TT, so I may be off base on this quoting some other person's concern so I will be happy to find out what was the majority consensus in here regarding Zion back then.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Trade down, get Bisontis -- more picks
stack the roster -- too many older players on one year deals

5 picks really feels lacking. Trade down feels more necessary than ever.

Just got off the phone with my pal who is a Steeler fan, He is pumped they have 12 picks, 7 in the first 4 rounds.

Raiders have 11 picks
Chiefs have 9 picks
Broncos have 7 picks even after trading 2 for Waddle

[Bolt4Knob]

Here is the thing CanadianBoltFan why I want more picks -- is this offseason for Hortiz. Part of the reason I am not enamored with it -its just not the lack of OG, but maybe Strange, Penning and draft picks will handle it. But part of the reason I think its a D is

Jefferson - older, one year deal
Tomlinson, older one year deal
perryman, older one year deal
Mack, one year deal
kept Dupree

Donte Jackson is in the last year of his deal

With 100m in cap space
why not a Safety or LB or CB in free agency that is not older and also might be in the prime of their career
I get the NFL is full of one year contract players but this is what his EARLY free agency was based on

So more picks I think is NEEDED to bridge the gap for all these one year guys
Hell Pipkens signed a two year deal they easily can get out of
Penning, one year deal