Grading every Chargers pick and the rookie who could haunt the Chiefs

The NFL Draft has come and gone, and over the last several weeks, we have extensively covered the Chiefs' draft picks and their impact. But now, it is time to take a look at the draft classes for other teams—specifically, other AFC West teams who will see Kansas City at least twice a year. With many new faces across the division, there are a handful of young players who could have a major impact in the AFC West in 2026 and beyond.

After starting with the Broncos, we now move further west to L.A., where the Chargers made eight draft picks with one clear agenda: win now. After their third consecutive loss in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Chargers had a clear objective: to make a push beyond the first round in 2026.

With one of the most experienced draft classes in the league, the Chargers' goal is to reload their roster and make a major push for a Super Bowl this season.

Pick 22: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami - Grade: A-

Mesidor is a prime example of what the Chargers are gunning for. The 25-year-old, sixth-year edge rusher was one of the most productive defensive ends in the nation in 2025 as Miami made its push to the CFB national championship. Mesidor is a bowling ball who can be used as an inside-out defensive lineman, and his versatile skill set will be valuable to new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.

Pick 63: Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida - Grade: B

Coming into the 2025 season, Slaughter was seen as one of the top centers in the class and was known for his incredible pass protection skills. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Slaughter is a bit tall to be an NFL center, and most projections for the Chargers roster have him making a move to guard. I think if the Chargers wanted a guard, someone like Pregnon or Dunker would have been a better fit, especially given Slaughter's position change. He has tons of experience and the potential to be a star in the NFL.

Pick 105: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State - Grade: C+

On draft day, Mike McDaniel was pounding the table for the Chargers to draft maybe the fastest player in the class, Brenen Thompson. After running an offense with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, McDaniel went out and got his guy, who ran a 4.26 forty. Thompson was a 1,000-yard receiver with Mississippi State last season, and the Chargers are excited about the big-play threat he can bring to their offense in 2026.

Pick 117: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis - Grade: B-

Now this pick goes against the grain of what I had mentioned earlier this season with the Chargers looking to win now. Burke is a raw talent. At 6-foot-9 and 325 pounds, Burke has an incredible frame, and his movement skills project well to the NFL. There is no place for Burke to play, and the Chargers have both their left and right tackle spots locked down for the next half decade. Burke will have a ways to go to polish his skills before he can become the swing tackle the Chargers want off the bench.

Pick 127: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona - Grade: A

Coming into the draft, Smith was one of my favorite defensive backs, and his incredible range caught my eye on film. The biggest flaw people found in Smith's game was his 20 percent missed tackle rate, but that is something I do not think will carry over to the league. Smith will primarily be a free safety next to Derwin James and alongside Elijah Molden, but he can creep into the box as needed. Smith is a steal at No. 127, and I think he will be their starter by the end of the season.

Pick 141: Nick Barrett, DL, South Carolina - Grade: B+

Barrett was one of my favorite depth 3-tech defensive linemen in the draft. The Chargers needed defensive line depth, and Barrett is a perfect fit. Chris O'Leary will be excited to have interior pass rush coming off the bench. Barrett was an inconsistent run defender, which has stopped him from moving further inside. He could become a full-time player with development in the run game, but right now, he projects as a high-quality depth 3-tech pass rusher.

Pick 202: Logan Taylor, OL, Boston College - Grade: B

Taylor was a unique prospect coming out of Boston College because of his 6-foot-6, 305-pound frame but was projected to play guard at the NFL level. Taylor played left tackle but also has experience at left guard, and many scouts think that if he can add some weight, he will be a very productive interior player in the NFL. The Chargers offensive line is in desperate need of help, and Taylor provides reliable depth.

Pick 206: Alex Harkey, OL, Oregon - Grade: B-

The Oregon offensive line was one of the most disappointing units in football in 2025, and Harkey was one of the key members of that group at right tackle. Every football team needs a player like Harkey on its offensive line—a straight-up mauler who is not afraid to get in someone's face and finish the play. But as a pass protector, Harkey struggled mightily, and his inconsistencies on the outside hampered his draft stock significantly. Harkey likely needs to move to guard, but his profile comes with quite a bit of projection before he finds the field in the NFL.

BEST UDFA: Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan

I had a third-round grade on Tucker for this year's draft, and it is a complete and utter mystery to me as to why he fell all the way out of the draft. Tucker led the FBS in sacks this season with 14.5, tied only with David Bailey, who went second overall to the Jets. Yes, he played at Western Michigan, but you do not just run into 15 sacks in a season. I can say with confidence that Tucker will make the opening-day roster for the Chargers and has the potential to be an impact player early in his career.

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