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Wide receiver Brenen Thompson

The 2026 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror for the Los Angeles Chargers.

They ended up making eight total selections, taking five players on offense and three on defense. Los Angeles entered the draft with just five picks, but traded down three times.

Los Angeles Chargers WR Brenen Thompson, DT Nick Barrett Named Among Best Draft Values

The Chargers’ second trade of the draft — dealing the No. 86 overall pick for Nos. 105, 145, and 206 — was particularly impactful according to ESPN analyst Field Yates. While naming his favorite selections of each round based on value and scheme fit, Yates shouted out Los Angeles taking Thompson in the fourth (105th overall).

“If I could have picked an offensive coordinator for Thompson to begin his career with, Mike McDaniel would have topped the list. The fastest player at the combine (4.26 seconds), Thompson is a stick of dynamite in the passing game. Los Angeles will have to be careful as he was also the lightest at the combine (164 pounds), but he changes the dimensions of an offense by forcing safeties to play way deep in coverage.”

McDaniel should make Thompson into a dangerous weapon, both as a deep threat and somebody he can scheme open in space. Thompson played for three different schools (Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi State) during his collegiate career. He put it all together as a senior with the Bulldogs, recording 57 receptions for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns.

Yates then identified the Chargers picking Barrett in the fifth round at No. 145.

“When sizing up Day 3 picks, I like to look at prospects who can fill specific roles. Barrett won’t register much in the sack department (just 2.0 in four seasons), but he’s like a house to move for run blockers. He’s massive, plays with a strong base and eats up blockers in a way that frees up linebackers to roam and hit. A tough L.A. defensive front should get tougher with Barrett.”

Barrett should be stout against the run right off the bat, and could still develop some pass rushing upside. He could develop similarly to Teair Tart, as the two share many physical traits. Barrett appeared in 51 games in five years at South Carolina. In 2025 he posted 42 total tackles (six for loss), two sacks, and a fumble returned for a touchdown.

Examining the Rest of Chargers’ 2026 Draft Class

Los Angeles got things started by selecting edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in the first round at No. 22 overall. He will give the Chargers a good third pass rushing option behind starters Khalil Mack and Tui Tuipulotu in 2026. When Mack retires, which could very well be after this season, Mesidor will likely slide into a starting role.

In the second round L.A. took Jake Slaughter, who played center in college, but is expected to transition to guard for the Chargers. He will compete with Trevor Penning to start at left guard. The Chargers selected three other offensive linemen in tackle Travis Burke, guard Logan Taylor, and guard Alex Harkey.

Burke will not only have the chance to be the team’s swing tackle, but could also get in the mix at guard. Taylor and Harkey will likely be developmental depth pieces. Finally, L.A. took safety Genesis Smith in the fourth round. In three years at Arizona Smith recorded 164 total tackles, five interceptions, 14 passes defensed, and four forced fumbles.