2026 Draft Superthread And Draft Prospect Discussion

[Chargers8491]

Love Trigg's YAC and tackle-breaking...what round would you suggest we take him in?

I'm guessing 4th rnd without a 5th rnd pick or hope he makes it the 6th rnd. Somewhere on day 3...lol

Trigg and Hurst both in the 6th rnd would be nice.

[wu-dai clan]

WHAT IS YOUR 3 CONE ??

[CanadianBoltFan]

A guy on reddit did a nice job categorizing Charger draft targets. Make sure you hit the "read more" link

https://www.reddit.com/r/Chargers/co...ayers_to_keep/

[DerwinBosa]

I don't really get into the combine, and I think so many overreact to the 40 times and other testing results. I remember last year there were many on this forum who lost interest in Harold Fannin, Jr. because he ran a 4.71 in the 40. This past season, as a rookie, all he did was catch 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns while playing for the Cleveland Browns and their ridiculous quarterback situation. That was a little bit better than Elijah Arroyo, a tight end favorite on this board, who ended up with 15 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown as a rookie with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Then there was Tyler Booker, whom some on here were saying should fall out of the first round after he performed poorly at the combine. He ended up going 12th overall and had a good rookie season for the Dallas Cowboys. Can the guy play or not? That's all I care about, and I don't think the combine testing results should dissuade anyone after they've seen him perform on the field. The game films showing the way the player performed against the level of competition provide the best information.

Anyway, the medical part of the combine is what I consider the most important. Here are some thoughts about that from Dane Brugler at The Athletic.

Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

Often labeled the “other” Miami pass rusher, Mesidor played his way out of Bain’s shadow this season. But scouts are eager to see his testing numbers and how they compare with the tape that says he is a first-round pick. Mesidor has had multiple injuries to his feet, so his medicals will be critical.

Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Jackson was a record-setting high school sprinter in California and a former five-star recruit. But a major knee injury sidetracked his football trajectory, so scouts are eager to hear what NFL team doctors say about his health. How much of that world-class speed does he still have?

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

First and foremost, how is the health of his knee?

He is more than a year removed from the ACL injury he suffered in January 2025, so teams will have a good understanding of his recovery. Is he far along enough in his rehab timeline to work out in Indianapolis? If not, will he work out at his pro day? The combine should provide answers to those questions about a player in the running to be CB1 in this class.

Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

Rutledge is an old-school, throwback blocker who wants to manhandle the guy in front of him. Scouts want to see how his testing numbers match up, but more importantly, they want team doctors to give two thumbs up on his medicals. After the 2023 season, Rutledge was involved in a serious car accident that required multiple foot/toe surgeries (doctors even considered amputation at one point).

The injury didn’t stop him from becoming an All-American, so hopefully, there aren’t any long-term concerns.

[Chargers8491]

I don't really get into the combine, and I think so many overreact to the 40 times and other testing results. I remember last year there were many on this forum who lost interest in Harold Fannin, Jr. because he ran a 4.71 in the 40. This past season, as a rookie, all he did was catch 72 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns while playing for the Cleveland Browns and their ridiculous quarterback situation. That was a little bit better than Elijah Arroyo, a tight end favorite on this board, who ended up with 15 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown as a rookie with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Then there was Tyler Booker, whom some on here were saying should fall out of the first round after he performed poorly at the combine. He ended up going 12th overall and had a good rookie season for the Dallas Cowboys. Can the guy play or not? That's all I care about, and I don't think the combine testing results should dissuade anyone after they've seen him perform on the field. The game films showing the way the player performed against the level of competition provide the best information.

Anyway, the medical part of the combine is what I consider the most important. Here are some thoughts about that from Dane Brugler at The Athletic.

Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

Often labeled the “other” Miami pass rusher, Mesidor played his way out of Bain’s shadow this season. But scouts are eager to see his testing numbers and how they compare with the tape that says he is a first-round pick. Mesidor has had multiple injuries to his feet, so his medicals will be critical.

Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Jackson was a record-setting high school sprinter in California and a former five-star recruit. But a major knee injury sidetracked his football trajectory, so scouts are eager to hear what NFL team doctors say about his health. How much of that world-class speed does he still have?

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

First and foremost, how is the health of his knee?

He is more than a year removed from the ACL injury he suffered in January 2025, so teams will have a good understanding of his recovery. Is he far along enough in his rehab timeline to work out in Indianapolis? If not, will he work out at his pro day? The combine should provide answers to those questions about a player in the running to be CB1 in this class.

Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

Rutledge is an old-school, throwback blocker who wants to manhandle the guy in front of him. Scouts want to see how his testing numbers match up, but more importantly, they want team doctors to give two thumbs up on his medicals. After the 2023 season, Rutledge was involved in a serious car accident that required multiple foot/toe surgeries (doctors even considered amputation at one point).

The injury didn’t stop him from becoming an All-American, so hopefully, there aren’t any long-term concerns.

In regard to the combine, I look at the times and see if it matches what's on tape or in our case what's on the highlights...lol.

[Lone Bolt]

Messidore older...and multiple foot injuries? I like the kid...but do not draft for me...

[CanadianBoltFan]

Messidore older...and multiple foot injuries? I like the kid...but do not draft for me...

I like him a lot ...he is a Canadian...a Hurricane...but the age backs me off from him as our first rounder also

[Bolt4Knob]

I like him a lot ...he is a Canadian...a Hurricane...but the age backs me off from him as our first rounder also

At his age and a first round pick -- I think you are looking at basically one contract and thats it since he will have just turned 25 at the time of the draft. First round picks are 4 years plus option - so 30.

Now if a third round pick - for sure - take the good 4-5 years and call it good. Think for a first rounder ,would want a bit longer term potential.. Good player though

[wu-dai clan]

He's too old.

As though it's a 16 year old pitching in the Little League World Series.

[Boltinloudguy]

Messidore older...and multiple foot injuries? I like the kid...but do not draft for me...

He’s not a no draft for me. If they were to trade back to 27 or so and grab 2 extra 4ths. I’d be ok with it.

I hoping they trade back to 27 and take G Chase Bisontis. Ideal fit at LG for McDaniel scheme.

[YAC]

He's too old.

As though it's a 16 year old pitching in the Little League World Series.

There are three reasons scout folk consider age. It's the second and third reasons that matters most and fans sometimes miss.

What's that YAC, you ask?

-The notion that the player has already maxed out, no further upside. Other prospects competing for the same pick might be a tad inferior, maybe, but have more room to grow.
-The prospect leveraged his experience to bully college kids, but will lose that advantage at the next level.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Apparently Joe Hortiz does his official combine presser at 10 am eastern tomorrow.