We are only a couple of weeks removed from the 2025 NFL draft. And even though the 2026 NFL draft is still light-years away, it’s never too early to outline what the Chargers could do to keep improving their roster.
With that being said, let’s take a look at who Los Angeles picked up in the handful of draft analysts’ way-too-early mock drafts.
WR Nic Anderson, LSU
Jordan Reid: “There aren’t many clear top options in this receiver class right now, but I’m projecting a big season from Anderson. That would put him in the first-round mix. After setting the Oklahoma freshman touchdown receptions record in 2023 (10), he played in only one game in 2024 because of a quad injury and then transferred to LSU. Playing with Nussmeier at quarterback will help his profile. The Chargers could put together a solid group of young receivers in Anderson, Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris and Quentin Johnston.”
EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
Dane Brugler: “While studying the Florida defense late last season, I routinely came across Sapp standing out on the Ole Miss and Florida State tapes. At 6-2, 275, he should be the leader of the Gators’ defense in 2025.”
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Josh Edwards: “McCoy had four interceptions last season after transferring in from Oregon State. He has good size and the ball production to match. Jim Harbaugh nabs a ball hawk for the secondary in the first round.”
CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
“The Chargers didn’t select a single cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite their roster containing only one corner who placed in the top 80 in PFF overall grade last season. Only three returning Power Four cornerbacks have been more valuable than Muhammad over the past two seasons, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. He has logged 17 forced incompletions in that span, despite being targeted on just 12.1% of his coverage snaps. While not an elite athlete, Muhammad wins with his instincts and ability to click and close in coverage.”
DL Peter Woods, Clemson
Brent Sobleski: “The Los Angeles Chargers knew they had to get bigger, stronger and deeper along their defensive line this offseason. They signed Da’Shawn Hand in free agency, then added nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell during this year’s third round. While the group is better, it’s still not good enough. A prospect the caliber of Clemson’s Peter Woods can be the difference-maker the group lacks. The 6’2″, 315-pounder is powerful at the point of attack and can consistently re-establish the line of scrimmage. Even as a 19-year-old in 2024, he could be seen blowing offensive lines off the ball. Woods also presents enough versatility to play multiple techniques along a defensive front. He clearly has the play-style and mentality to fit along a Jim Harbaugh defensive front. Keep in mind, the trio of Hand, Teair Tart and Naquan Jones are all free agents after the upcoming season.”
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Kyle Crabbs: “Khalil Mack is here for a good time but not a long time. Mack will play his age-34 season on a one-year deal with the Chargers, leaving room for a new face long-term. Bailey will likely find monster production after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech. He posted more than a 20 percent pressure rate for the Cardinal in 2023 and 2024.”
EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Luke Easterling: “Khalil Mack can’t play forever, and while I’m high on 2025 fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard, the Chargers could still end up spending their top pick on another high-profile edge rusher next year. Dennis-Sutton is big and athletic, with great pass-rushing chops and athleticism/explosiveness that gives him a ton of upside.”
