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The Chargers are predicted to take a offensive weapon in an 2026 NFL mock draft
For the first time since the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Chargers don’t have a receiver with over 1,000 receiving yards. The closest receiving option close to the mark, Ladd McConkey, was still over 200 yards away.
Justin Herbert has been in the NFL for six seasons, but has only had a 1,000-plus receiving target in half of the seasons he has played.
Keenan Allen signed with the Bolts on a one-year deal after being traded to the Chicago Bears before the start of the 2024 season. There has been no mention of the Bolts and the wide receiver engaging in contract negotiations following the loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC wildcard.
Former first-round pick Quentin Johnston will enter the fourth-year of his rookie contract and there has been no mention if Los Angeles will pick up his fifth-year option.
With uncertainty at the position, the Chargers need to revamp the wide receiver spot. With the draft coming up in a couple of months, an NFL draft analyst believes that is where the Bolts should fill the need at the position.
Going With Offensive Player In the First Round
GettyThe Chargers could add a weapon for Justin Herbert
While the 2026 NFL Draft appears to be more defensive-heavy outside of offensive linemen, there are a few players on the offensive side of the ball that can be difference-makers.
One of the positions that can be considered “loaded” is the wide receiver spot, which is good for Los Angeles.
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund dropped her first mock draft, which has the Bolts taking Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the 22nd overall selection of the draft.
“The Chargers have some tough decisions to make in free agency … like what to do with offensive lineman Zion Johnson and edge rusher Khalil Mack. If neither return, those would be two clear areas of need for the Bolts,” Frelund wrote. “That said, if Tyson were available at this pick, I think they’d scribble down his name at lightning speed.”
“If not for some past injuries, his stock would be higher. His ball-tracking and body-control metrics rate very highly despite the injury history, and even though his speed is not in the top echelon, his contested-catch ability and short-area quickness help make up for it. Remember, the Chargers will presumably get both of their starting tackles back healthy by the start of next season.”
The wide receiver amassed 2,282 receiving yards and 22 touchdown receptions in his 158 receptions during his collegiate career.
NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah names the Sun Devil as the 15th best prospect entering the draft, calling him “an explosive receiver with a lot of ‘wow’ plays littered throughout his tape… [a] very fluid mover, and he incorporates a variety of releases and general creativity into his route-running.”
Tyson recorded a 62.9% catch rate in the 2025 season, finishing in the top 20 in college football.
In his four collegiate seasons, the wide receiver has played in double-digit games just once.
Help On The Offensive Front
GettyBolts offensive front could use a revamp
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line was one of the best in the league in the 2025 season.
Justin Herbert was sacked 54 times, the third most in the league. Multiple players in the offensive line group were ranked near or at the bottom in terms of overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
It didn’t help that LA’s two starting tackles suffered season-ending injuries, which played a major part in Herbert being sacked often.
While the wide receiver position does need to be touched up, it is the interior offensive line that needs to look completely different in the 2026 season.
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will have a word in how the team looks in the new season.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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