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LA Chargers add much-needed protection for Justin Herbert, gift the defense impact size in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 6:54 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are on a great trajectory under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and quarterback Justin Herbert has mostly been outstanding so far in 2o25. As long as those two are in place, this organization has a chance to be really successful. The team has had to deal with some poor injury luck this season, which has limited this team at times.

In order to improve the depth of this Chargers roster, the 2026 NFL Draft class offers a unique opportunity. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the top priority was protecting Herbert as well as possible. From there, adding some much-needed defensive reinforcements was also very important.

Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock

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

Despite a really underwhelming season for the Chargers, Ioane has been a really good player for the Nittany Lions. He was a standout in 2024, but he has been a dominant player this season so far. At 6-4 and 328 pounds, he clearly has cut some bad weight off his frame. It has allowed Ioane to take his game to the next level.

Excellent work from the Penn State offensive line on this Nicholas Singleton (#10) long run. Two critical backside cutoffs from LT Drew Shelton (#66) on DT Derrick Harmon, and LG Olaivavega Ioane (#71) on LB Bryce Boettcher. pic.twitter.com/4RGbpAdBrZ
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) June 6, 2025

Round 2, Pick 55: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

There may not be a better run stopping defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft than McDonald. At 6-3 and 326 pounds, he is an immovable object at the point of attack. While his upside as a pass rusher might not be immense, his role on early downs is incredibly valuable.

There may not be a better run stopping DT in the 2026 NFL Draft class (if he declares) than Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald (#98). He has some incredible power at 6-3 and 326 pounds. McDonald continues to get better each week. pic.twitter.com/vkzmKyyPxJ
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) November 6, 2025

Round 3, Pick 86: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Lee is a physical cornerback who plays with a feisty demeanor. He is going to make his living beating up wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, and he has very nice upside as a press man cover cornerback. The former Kansas State standout may be a little scheme specific, but he is quite good in that role.

Round 4, Pick 123: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

Shelton hasn't been as good this season as he was back in 2024, but he still has the building blocks to develop into a starter down the road. With the injuries to both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt this season, adding resources into that room is a necessity. Shelton should be able to compete as a swing tackle early on in his career, softening the blow for that type of injury.

Round 6, Pick 201: Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa

There isn't anything flashy about Llewellyn as a pass rusher, but he is a very smart football player. He is going to make a living off of his ability to soften angles and play with a hot motor. Combine that with special teams, and Llewellyn should have a shot to stick on a roster.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 10, 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.

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