Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers add impact players to the trenches, plug several key holes in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 5:11 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are an organization is a very interesting spot heading into the offseason. They have a good roster on paper, a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, and a proven commodity at head coach in Jim Harbaugh. The problem is that something just feels like it is missing something. It will be up to the Chargers front office to try and find an answer to whatever is missing with this team.

In the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the Chargers yearned to strengthen the trenches on both sides of the football. The defense also got a major upgrade in the secondary, plugging several major holes. It would be an extremely interesting hole to try and get over the top.

Round 1, Pick 22: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

At around 6-6 and 335 pounds, Banks is a freaky athlete with a world of potential. There are some legitimate concerns surrounding Banks's durability and consistency that he will need to answer for. The thought of adding a talent like Banks to the Chargers' front seven is an extremely interesting proposition. If he is able to tap into his ceiling, Banks has very real Pro Bowl potential.

Florida DT Caleb Banks got better each day at the 2026 Senior Bowl. Movement skills at 6-6 and 335 pounds are rare. We have still only gotten glimpses into just how good Banks could be. pic.twitter.com/gnVIEWYzBj
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 31, 2026

Round 2, Pick 55: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M

Bisontis is still going to need to upgrade his run blocking, but he is one of the better interior pass protectors that you are going to find. The Chargers are going to need to continue to upgrade the offensive line in front of quarterback Justin Herbert. There should be an immediate opportunity for Bisontis to slot in as a starter early on in his NFL career. This is a higher floor acquisition.

Round 3, Pick 86: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

Long-limbed and extremely rangy, there may not be a better true free safety in the 2026 class than Smith. With that athletic skill set, it could allow someone like Derwin James to freelance even more underneath. While Smith isn't much of a tackler, his coverage upside is tremendous. That unlocks so many possibilities for a defense.

Round 4, Pick 123: Dametrius Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

When you look at Crownover, it certainly looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. At nearly 6-7 and 331 pounds, the former Aggies right tackle is a former tight end, showcasing an appealing combination of length and light feet. If you can get the most out of Crownover, you could be looking at a future starter down the road.

Texas A&M OT Dametrious Crownover is far from perfect, and still very much developmental, but the tools are obvious. Can’t teach that size/length… especially with notable foot quickness.

Big upside if he lands with the right coaching staff. Feels like a Jeff Stoutland dream. pic.twitter.com/ucg0vYr7H6
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 29, 2026

Round 6, Pick 203: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming

Gyllenborg did not have the 2025 season that most hoped for, but he is still a very talented overall player. At over 6-5 and 255 pounds, Gyllenborg can really run. While he will never give you a ton as a blocker, the vertical element is a very interesting weapon for an offense in a compartmentalised role.

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

More must-reads: