LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Chargers took a scattered approach in the 2026 NFL draft, a strategy that earned a “C” grade from EasySportz’s in-house NFL analyst in its team-by-team evaluation.
Los Angeles opened in the first round with defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor and followed with center Jake Slaughter in the second, addressing both lines early but without a clear positional emphasis.
The Chargers added wide receiver Brenen Thompson, defensive back Travis Burke and defensive lineman Genesis Smith in the fourth round, continuing a mixed approach across multiple position groups. They followed with linebacker Nick Barrett in the fifth and closed with offensive lineman Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey in the sixth.
EasySportz’s analyst noted the class lacked a cohesive strategy, with the team “all over the place” in addressing needs rather than building around a defined identity. The report highlighted Mesidor’s upside along the defensive front but questioned the overall fit and long-term impact of the group.
National evaluations reflected similar concerns, with analysts pointing to inconsistent value and a lack of immediate difference-makers despite solid individual selections.
Overall, the Chargers’ draft was viewed as uneven and uncertain in direction, reflected in the analyst’s C grade.
