New Chargers Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

This is a pivotal year for the Los Angeles Chargers to take the next step under Jim Harbaugh.

After consecutive lopsided defeats in the Wild Card Round, they must make major strides to compete with the AFC's best. That starts with continuing to identify and develop talent in the trenches.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Chargers will do with the No. 22 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 22): G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

The idea of entering the 2026 season with Trevor Penning and Cole Strange—two failed first-round picks—as the Chargers' starting guards is not a comforting thought.

Considering how their offensive line collapsed last season, something else must be done to improve the unit.

Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon is a plug-and-play guard to raise the floor for Los Angeles' front five and give quarterback Justin Herbert a better chance to thrive without constantly carrying the team's offense.

"The Chargers could bypass and wait to address their interior line if the board fell this way and be justified," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "However, Pregnon's hulking frame, outstanding power and stout anchor could entice them to address a need anyway. The Chargers must replace Zion Johnson before the season and Pregnon would offer a bigger, more commanding presence while pairing with an excellent left tackle in Rashawn Slater." 

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 22): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 22): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 22): Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 22): DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 22): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 22): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 22): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Summary

After the Texans and Patriots dismantled them in the past two wild-card matchups, it's no surprise to see the Chargers projected to take an offensive lineman. They can't continue to be overmatched in the trenches if they want to contend in the AFC. Also, they can't expect Herbert to play at the highest level if he continues to take consistent punishment.