The Los Angeles Chargers could use some extra capitol in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As things stand currently, Los Angeles owns just five total picks. It has one in each of the first four rounds, then another in the sixth. The Chargers traded their fifth-round pick for edge rusher Odafe Oweh last year, and also delt their seventh-rounder for defensive back Elijah Molden back in 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers Predicted to Trade Back in First Round With Chicago Bears
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay released a new mock draft on Wednesday, which featured the Chargers trading their 22nd overall selection to the Bears in exchange for the 25th and 129th picks. McShay sent safety Dillon Thieneman to Chicago at No. 22, and had Los Angeles taking cornerback Chris Johnson at 25.
“The Chargers have more pressing needs at IOL, IDL, and edge—I get it. But with Vega Ioane off the board and the considerable depth at defensive tackle on day two, this feels like a spot where they can pivot. I’ve gone with Keldric Faulk here in the past, but this time I’m leaning Johnson in a bit of a surprise pick that would elevate a cornerback room that’s solid but unspectacular. Donte Jackson was the top performer in that group last season, while Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart—both 2024 fifth-round picks—continued to develop. Adding Johnson, who is generating more buzz in league circles than people probably realize, would give the Chargers an immediate upgrade and long-term stability at the position in a division featuring Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, and now Fernando Mendoza. As for why Johnson over Colton Hood, who ranks higher on many boards, it comes down to scheme fit. DC Chris O’Leary leans heavily on zone-match concepts, which align perfectly with Johnson’s strengths: quick processing, man-zone versatility, ball skills, and physicality in the run game.”
The 129th pick acquired by the Chargers in this scenario would come in the fourth round, just six selections after the 123rd selection they already have. Even moving back from 22 to 25, Los Angeles would land one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class with Johnson, who ranked first at his position in athleticism score during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Remaining Chargers Draft Needs
GettyChargers general manager Joe Hortiz.
If Los Angeles does take a cornerback in the first round, it could go a variety of different directions afterwards. The Chargers could use an early pick on a wide receiver, adding another playmaker to the mix with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
However, the most obvious route to take is at offensive guard. They added Cole Strange during free agency, but could still use an upgrade over Trevor Penning at left guard. That would also give them some much needed depth in case of injuries, which decimated L.A.’s offensive line last season.
Other positions the Chargers could address include edge rusher and safety. They need to replace the production left behind by Oweh, and star Derwin James is entering the final year of his contract. Although they added Charlie Kolar in free agency, the Chargers may also look to add another tight end to pair with him.
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