Jim Harbaugh may have found the Chargers' next O-line star

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and for the Los Angeles Chargers, Jim Harbaugh worked to add a unique selection of college talent to the team's roster, the kind of players that have the potential to make it in the big league.

Harbaugh knows a lot about college talent, thanks to his time as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. So, don't doubt his abilities when it comes to NFL Draft selections.

For their first selection, the Chargers went with University of Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick. Mesidor, a 270-pound defender, was a solid choice to beef up the team's edge rusher room, but there's another Harbaugh pick that's getting attention.

Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic has a feature out on Monday, May 11, naming the best value picks in the 2026 NFL draft. In the piece, he names the Chargers' No. 117 pick, offensive tackle Travis Burke, as a huge value to the team.

Jim Harbaugh was wise to lap up this Chargers rookie

"A classic Jim Harbaugh offensive tackle prospect, Burke (nearly 6-foot-9, 325, with 34 1/4-inch arms) brings a downright nasty attitude in the run game," he states. "One of the most assertive run blockers in the 2026 class, Burke should be an immediate swing tackle and could develop into a future starter."

Burke was absolutely a steal for the Chargers. With Memphis, he started in 11 games during the 2025 season at right tackle, so he's healthy and fresh off a full season of playing. He ranked top 10 in the FBS among tackles with at least 500 snaps in Pro Football Focus' offense and run block grade in 2025, according to Chargers team research.

It was a bit of a surprise to see Burke still available by the No. 117 pick, and Harbaugh was smart to lap him up. With the right coaching from Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel, he could be the team's next breakout superstar.