The second day of the 2026 NFL draft kicked off Friday, with the Chargers selecting offensive lineman Jake Slaughter with the No. 63 overall pick.
The Bolts traded out of their original pick at No. 55 overall with the Patriots. The Chargers instead picked at No. 63 in the second round of the draft, adding picks at Nos. 131 and 202.
The Chargers originally held five picks in the 2026 draft, but added two via the trade with New England.
One of the Chargers' biggest needs heading into the three-day extravaganza was the O-line. The team signed Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million deal, but needed depth after the unit struggled mightily in 2025.
The three-year starter at Florida he "absolutely comfortable" moving inside to guard. He will likely complete for a starting spot ahead of the 2026 season.
"I’m preparing to go be a ball player," Slaughter said.
Here's how social media reacted to the Chargers drafting Slaughter:
Jake Slaughter is a Charger ⚡️ @JakeSlaughter5 ➡️ @chargers #NFLDRAFT | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/52oNYZsO11
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 25, 2026
Justin Herbert just got his long-term bodyguard. Slaughter in the 2nd round is a masterclass in value. Harbaugh is building a fortress in LA! ⚡🧱"
Jake Slaughter was drafted in round 2 with pick 63 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.97 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 3 out of 735 OC from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/XKUSMiaOrN pic.twitter.com/u0UkZVj8GC
2.63 Los Angeles Chargers - Florida C (OG?) Jake SlaughterSolid player at a position group of need. Cant complain, even if I prefer some other guys.Grade: B pic.twitter.com/ylT4am9774
The Los Angeles #Chargers select Florida Center Jake Slaughter with the 63rd overall pick in the 2nd round. Well...definitely not my favorite pick. pic.twitter.com/gynihmj3xm
The Chargers end up taking someone who’s never played guard in Jake Slaughter, and announce him as a guard. Skipped on Emmanuel Pregnon and Gennings Dunker to take an unproven player at guard, but a highly regarded center. Don’t love it but definitely was a Mike McDaniel pick.
Love this pick sm for LA lol, imo this is a steal. My #51 prospect, imo Jake Slaughter is one of the most underrated prospects in this class lol, I mean he literally has been amazing in run blocking & pass pro the past 3 damn years vs SEC comp + 🔥 athlete, versatile too#BoltUp https://t.co/BWiC5Elx6Z
No. 63, Los Angeles Chargers: Jake Slaughter, C, FloridaConflicted on this one. Slaughter is super experienced and is a certified ball knower, even if he isn't a top tier athlete. Maybe he plays guard? But he doesn't really have those reps at guard. Interesting selection
BoltUp! Jake Slaughter at 63?! Chargers said "Herbert's getting slaughtered no more" and went full meat grinder mode on the interior line. Name alone is top-5 aura in the draft. This dude's gonna anchor the O-line like a 5th year vet on rookie deal. Harbaugh & Hortiz cooking…
Jake Slaughter was a high IQ veteran presence on that Florida OL. He fires out of his stance with excellent hands & pass pro is his strong suit. Good athletic ability that is at best near the LOS. Career Center flipping in to Guard that I had graded in the 3rd.
I really really like the idea of Jake Slaughter. Centers are usually the smartest person in the line. The idea of having a guard who has the brain to pick up a stunt will move me sooo much.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers draft OL Jake Slaughter: Social media reacts