Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chargers Refuse to Make Same Mistake Twice in 2-Round NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Russell Baxter | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 7:30 AM ET

ESPN’s Matt Miller has returned from his fact-finding mission at the Senior Bowl. The longtime NFL draft analyst has assembled a two-round mock draft a mere 78 days before the three-day event in Pittsburgh on April 23. There’s certainly no surprise as he forecasts Heisman Trophy winner and 2025 national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Speaking of an AFC West team, the Los Angeles Chargers own the 22nd overall pick this year, and their second-round selection stands at No. 55. According to Miller, Jim Harbaugh’s team could opt for one player from Column A, and one from Column B.

All kidding aside, Miller addressed the interior of the defensive front with the addition of University of Florida product Caleb Banks. He went to the other side of the ball in the second round, opting for guard Emmanuel Pregnon from the University of Oregon. “Injuries decimated the Chargers' offensive line in 2025,” said Miller, “highlighting the lack of overall depth and long-term answers on the interior. Pregnon would be a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot.

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Only the Las Vegas Raiders’ and Cleveland Browns’ offensive fronts were ranked lower than the Chargers by Pro Football Focus in 2025. Injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt and a highly-disappointing showing by free-agent pickup Mekhi Becton all led to the low grade.

As for Banks being the choice in the first round, he could add to a defense (now under the guidance of new coordinator Chris O’Leary) that could use a big-play presence up front. “The run on edge rushers before this pick leaves the Chargers with some interesting decisions,” said Miller. “Do they add to an offensive line that was marred by injury in 2025 or try to fix a D-line that still needs a true anchor to help defend the run? With the talent that's left on the board, Banks would be very enticing as the nose tackle Los Angeles is missing.”

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“The 6’6”, 339-pounder,” added Miller, “is an aggressive bull rusher with rare first-step quickness for his size. Think Vita Vea, but with better length. Banks missed all but two games last season due to a foot injury, but his Senior Bowl performance was well-received by scouts, who saw the explosive play in the trenches that excited them entering the 2025 season.”

It’s safe to say that you can never go wrong addressing the trenches, especially in the draft. Banks and Pregnon are intriguing prospect, to say the least.

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This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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