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Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion

New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is preparing to go through his first NFL draft with the organization.

The team has some depth issues at the interior offensive line and wide receiver spots that need to be addressed before the start of the 2026 season. LA has addressed the O-line in some capacity, but has yet to bolster the receiving room.

With the draft coming up in just a couple of weeks, one senior NFL writer believes it is the best time for the Bolts to add another receiver.

Chargers Expected to Add All-American

GettyThe Chargers could add an All-American to the team

Keenan Allen, who was one of the team’s best-performing receivers in the 2025 season, was on a one-year deal and does not appear to be returning to the squad with which he started his career.

Needing another quality player, one NFL writer’s latest mock draft has the Los Angeles Chargers taking a possible Allen replacement in the first round.

CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles predicts the Bolts will draft Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 draft.

“[I believe] receivers go back to back at No. 21 and No. 22, and I love the fit of KC Concepcion in Los Angeles. He has earned comparisons to Jaylen Waddle, and guess who just thrived in Mike McDaniel’s offense? Jaylen Waddle. Plugging Concepcion into the slot would be a great help for Justin Herbert,” Pereles wrote.

Concepcion has recorded 2,218 receiving yards and 25 touchdown catches in three collegiate seasons, playing two seasons with NC State and his final season with the Aggies.

The Bolts also held Concepcion on an NFL 30 visit, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, highlighting the team’s interest in taking a wide receiver in this year’s draft.

“Concepcion offers immediate burst and separation into space. He’s elusive in beating press and getting into breaks with minimum damage from handsy coverage,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about Concepcion.

“He’s instinctive against zone. He’s also a nightmare for man coverage on choice routes and near the goal line. He’s quicker than fast, with more value on utility throws utilizing run after catch. Concepcion’s ability to quickly uncover should be very appealing to teams with spotty protection and a young quarterback.”

Addressing Other Key Worry In the First Round

GettyThe Los Angeles Chargers can’t let 2025 issues carry into the new season

As noted many times before, the Los Angeles Chargers’ interior offensive linemen were some of the worst in the 2025 season.

LA added center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange on combined deals worth more than $40 million. While reinforcing the position, the team still needs to add a starter at the left guard spot and depth to the offensive line.

The Bolts could add an immediate starting interior offensive with the 22nd overall selection. It answers the clear need and won’t cost LA much cap space or trade resources if the team opts to go a different direction.

Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Oronde Gadsden appear to be the main targets heading into the 2026 season, which is a solid receiving core for Justin Herbert.

If the scouting department and coaching staff believe the wide receiver room is a bigger priority, and if available, KC Concepcion could be a solid addition for Mike McDaniel’s offense.