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Los Angeles Chargers
2026 NFL Draft Recap: Los Angeles Chargers
Akheem Mesidor — EDGE, Miami (FL)
Selected at No. 22 overall in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Los Angeles Chargers made 8 total selections in this draft class.
SWN draft grade: B
The Chargers used eight picks on athletic playmakers and trench reinforcements, leading with Miami edge Akheem Mesidor at No. 22 to anchor Jesse Minter's defense, then adding Florida center Jake Slaughter in Round 2 to shore up the line in front of Justin Herbert.
Players to Watch
The Los Angeles Chargers' highest-impact 2026 draft picks — the rookies most likely to make immediate contributions and the ones to follow heading into training camp:
Akheem Mesidor
Round 1, Pick 22Mesidor brings a polished pass-rush move set and the kind of effort-and-frame combination that fits Jesse Minter's aggressive defensive scheme. He posted 10.5 sacks his final college season with the highest-graded pass-rush season in the ACC. Pairs with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu to give the Chargers three legitimate threats off the edge in passing situations. Expected to start opposite Mack as a rookie.
Jake Slaughter
Round 2, Pick 63Florida's center steps in to stabilize the interior of an offensive line that struggled to protect Justin Herbert in recent playoff exits. A strong, technically sound blocker who should compete for the starting job up the middle right away.
Full Los Angeles Chargers Draft Class
| Round | Pick | Player | Pos. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Akheem Mesidor | EDGE | Miami (FL) |
| 2 | 63 | Jake Slaughter | C | Florida |
| 4 | 105 | Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State |
| 4 | 117 | Travis Burke | OT | Memphis |
| 4 | 131 | Genesis Smith | SAF | Arizona |
| 5 | 145 | Nick Barrett | DT | South Carolina |
| 6 | 202 | Logan Taylor | G | Boston College |
| 6 | 206 | Alex Harkey | G | Oregon |