Los Angeles Chargers take a page from HC Jim Harbaugh’s book in latest 2026 NFL mock draft that featured heavy trench emphasis

The Los Angeles Chargers went into the 2025 NFL season with a lot of optimism. Unfortunately for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s squad, the team is dealing with a long string of unfortunate injuries. That includes Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater, who is out for the season, and Joe Alt, who is banged up as well. The offensive line has really suffered. 

As players begin to get healthy, the odds are that quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers will get back on track. Regardless of whether they do or not, this is a roster that still has several areas where it can improve. We are still in the early stages of the Coach Harbaugh era, and things can still improve tremendously. The goal is to build a sustainable winner. 

In a 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft from A to Z Sports, fellow NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone and I did our best to find answers to some of the weak spots for the Chargers. With the No. 21 overall selection in the first round, DeLeone ended up picking Oregon defensive tackle A’mauri Washington. Here is what he had to say about Washington and his fit in Los Angeles. 

21. Los Angeles Chargers: A’mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

Washington just feels like a Jim Harbaugh-type player. Harbaugh loves to build through the trenches, and with Washington, he can add an explosive space eater with this pick. – DeLeone 

Big riser in the 2026 class

At 6-3 and 330 pounds, there is a lot to like about the junior defender. He is a massive interior presence that is just beginning to figure out how good he can be during his first year as a starter with the Ducks. In six games, Washington has recorded 13 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two batted passes. His presence goes well beyond the box score. 

Los Angeles is currently starting Jamaree Caldwell and Teair Tart inside at defensive tackle, and there isn’t much in terms of depth on the roster right now. Even if Washington is a bit inconsistent, he has the raw side and talent to potentially contribute early. He would, at the very least, play a substantial role. 

The Chargers weren’t done adding to the defensive line during this mock draft. With the No. 52 pick in the second round, they ended up selecting Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton. An extremely gifted pass rusher at 6-5 and 265 pounds, Dennis-Sutton has every tool you would ask for in a defensive end. Consistency has been the biggest issue with the Nittany Lion standout during his career. 

In Dennis-Sutton’s career, he has managed to record 104 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and six forced fumbles. So far in 2025, he has managed to get the quarterback down on the ground twice. There are moments of dominance, and others where Dennis-Sutton disappears. He is going to need to be the best version of himself more regularly to reach his potential.