Essentials Inside The Story
- Penn State guard projected first round to replace Becton.
- Oregon guard targets potential Zion Johnson vacancy in Round 2.
- Michigan tackle reunites with Jim Harbaugh to bolster defensive interior.
Changes were made to the offensive coaching staff of the Chargers after a first-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots, and the team must do a better job protecting Justin Herbert. Help is needed on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and the Chargers may need another pass rusher.
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NEEDS
Interior Offensive Line
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Los Angeles Chargers OTA May 27, 2025 El Segundo, CA, USA Los Angeles Chargers guard Mekhi Becton 73 during organized team activities at The Bolt. El Segundo The Bolt CA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20250527_jhp_al2_0042
As I reported from Shrine Bowl practices, the belief in the league is that the Chargers will cut Mekhi Becton, who was horrendous after signing a lucrative two-year deal with the team last March. Center Bradley Bozeman also struggled, while 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson is scheduled to be a free agent.
Interior Defensive Line
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 12: Defensive Tackle Jamaree Caldwell 99 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the game warm up prior to the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Miami Dolphins, on Sunday October 12, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 12 Chargers at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25101200161
Jamaree Caldwell turned out to be a steal, as the third-round pick from the 2025 draft played beyond anyone’s expectations. Help is needed in the form of a two-gap end.
Pass Rusher
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ATLANTA, GA Ð DECEMBER 01: Los Angeles linebacker Khalil Mack 52 signs autographs following the conclusion of the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons on December 1st, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 01 Chargers at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241201025
Khalil Mack is slated for free agency, while Bud Dupree is a potential cap casualty. If neither returns, the team will need someone to pair with Tuli Tuipulotu. Kyle Kennard, selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft, played in just five games as a rookie and did not post a sack.
MOCK DRAFT
ROUND 1: Olaivavega Ioane/G/Penn State
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Penn State OL Olaivavega Ioane
Credits: X/TheChargersWire
Ioane is large and powerful, and he can move. He blocks with a nasty attitude and is the talented type of blocker that Jim Harbaugh lined up at Michigan.
ROUND 2: Emmanuel Pregnon/G/Oregon
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Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Credits: X/Texans_Thoughts
If the Chargers lose Johnson in free agency, they may have to double-dip at guard. Pregnon is not far below Ioane on my board, and you can make the argument that he’s better at blocking in motion than the Penn State junior.
ROUND 3: Ray Benny/DL/Michigan
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December 31, 2024: Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny 26 rushing on defense during an NCAA, College League, USA football game between the Michigan Wolverines and Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. /CSM Tampa United States – ZUMAc04_ 20241231_faf_c04_132 Copyright: xMikexJanesx
I grade Benny as a fourth-round prospect, but he’s an athletic defensive tackle with the ability to be a two-gap lineman. The fact that he played for Harbaugh at Michigan won’t hurt his cause.
ROUND 4: R Mason Thomas/Edge/Oklahoma
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October 11, 2025: Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas 32 rushes the quarterback during the Allstate Red River Rivalry game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. / CSM Dallas United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251011_zma_c04_153 Copyright: xFreddiexBeckwithx
Thomas is a fierce, nasty edge rusher who is coming off a terrific season. He has the body type and playing style that scream OLB in a 4-3 scheme.