Jim Harbaugh's team was battered and bruised throughout the year, losing key pieces at various positions. Injuries, especially along the offensive line, derailed another promising season for the Bolts – who were hanging on by a thread for most of the year.
It was another year of Justin Herbert's prime that went to waste, something that is surely top of mind for everyone involved with the organization.
NFL MOCK DRAFT: ChatGPT AI gives the worst predictions you'll ever see
Those issues up front were on full display in the wild-card round, when L.A. had every chance to defeat the New England Patriots on the road. Instead, they were sent packing with the hopes that the injury bug would be a little kinder next season.
The team was far from active in free agency, despite having plenty of money to spend. Conventional wisdom would point to the 2026 NFL Draft as the place to add those reinforcements, but the Chargers aren't exactly flush with draft capital.
As the AFC West loads up for another season, the Chargers are in an interesting spot. Here's what to know about the Chargers' picks, needs and a mock draft for Los Angeles ahead of the big event.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)