Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chargers 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Jim Harbaugh keeps Justin Herbert clean, improves defensive strength, and more in recent scenario

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 11:45 PM ET

Making moves in the offseason to protect Justin Herbert, improve defensive depth, and simply get stronger need to happen for Jim Harbaugh's team. The Los Angeles Chargers are not playing up to standard on a regular basis, so let's take a look at a potential mock draft scenario for 2026 that would help them get better immediately.

Chargers 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft entering bye week

Round 1, Pick 22: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

Find new ways to protect your quarterback. Justin Herbert is on pace to take the most pressure in league history due to the injuries along the unit and lackluster planning for the interior of the OL. Mekhi Becton hasn't worked out, and Trevor Penning probably won't solve any problems in the starting lineup, either. Ioane has consistently risen up draft boards and should go in round one.

Round 2, Pick 55: Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas

Love the power and speed combo here. The Chargers lack that when it comes to proven pass rushers on their roster at the moment. At his peak, Rhodes shows some of the most electric glimpses of any defender in this entire class. The value and need blend here makes all of the sense in the world.

Arkansas edge rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr is 6'6"/275
and leads the SEC in pressures. Wouldn't surprise me if he declares as a true junior pic.twitter.com/QxoasbGSKg
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 22, 2025

Round 3, Pick 86: Dontay Corleone, IDL, Cincinnati

Getting size in the middle of the defense is a must this offseason for Los Angeles. Corleone helps that cause immediately and can be a future starter at nose tackle for many defenses around the NFL. For the Chargers, stopping the run and generating a push from their interior has killed their momentum defensively at times this season.

Round 4, Pick 123: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Where Rivers lack size he makes up for it with effort, grit, and instincts. The smaller cornerback projects to play in the slot in the pros and would make plenty of sense to add to a Jesse Minter defensive unit that wants to play with aggression. Not to mention, this would allow Derwin James and/or Elijah Molden to both roam a bit more for the Bolts secondary.

#Duke went cross-country and got a win at Cal yesterday, and senior CB Chandler Rivers got a pick in the W

Rivers is undersized, but I love the way he plays. My kind of corner. Toughness and instincts for days. Great in zone coverage. Natural ballskills. Good football player. pic.twitter.com/l9CYYUzH9q
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) October 5, 2025

The Chargers roster has notable holes, and their embarrassing loss in Week 11 proved that much. Harbaugh and the Bolts front office need to find ways to address those needs aggressively during the upcoming draft. Both sides of the football need upgrades. Let's see how they navigate it.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: