The Los Angeles Chargers are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear objective: bolster their edge rush. Despite a bustling free agency, the Chargers still have a significant gap on their defensive front. With the 22nd pick, Jim Harbaugh and GM Tom Telesco have a golden opportunity to address this pressing need.
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Losing Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders was a major blow.
Oweh, a standout edge rusher, was the linchpin of their defense, and his departure leaves a void that’s hard to fill. While the Chargers managed to keep veteran Khalil Mack, his role is more about mentorship and rotational play at this stage of his career.
The lack of a big-name replacement in free agency means the edge position is currently thin and in need of reinforcements.
Commanders signing pass rusher Odafe Oweh to four-year, $100M deal with $68M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/Wg9UtBnwgm
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026
For Harbaugh and first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, having a trio of formidable edge rushers is essential, not optional. Oweh’s exit dismantles the dynamic packages that were the backbone of their defense last season. Relying on an aging veteran and untested talent isn’t a strategy that will hold up against the AFC’s powerhouse offenses.
There’s a silver lining, though. The 2026 draft class is teeming with edge rushing talent. The Chargers, sitting at pick 22, are in a prime spot to snag a high-upside player who might slip through the cracks.
Leading the pack are prospects like Rueben Bain Jr., T.J. Parker, and Keldric Faulk. While these top-tier talents might not be available by the time the Chargers are on the clock, the depth of this class means there are still plenty of strong options.
Keldric Faulk from Auburn is a name that’s frequently linked to the Chargers. Standing at 6'6" and 276 pounds, Faulk is a power-first rusher with a versatile skill set, perfect for O’Leary’s multifaceted defensive schemes. His physicality and relentless motor align perfectly with Harbaugh’s vision for the defensive line.
T.J. Parker from Clemson is another intriguing prospect. Known for his explosive burst and ability to win with speed and leverage, Parker could seamlessly transition into Mack’s role while developing into a starter.
Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State is also worth considering. A strong run defender with elite acceleration, he fits the disciplined, athletic mold that Harbaugh’s defenses thrive on.
Then there’s R. Mason Thomas from Oklahoma, a bit of a wildcard. Although undersized at 6'2" and 249 pounds, his explosive first step and flexibility make him a tantalizing option if he falls to 22 due to medical concerns.
The Chargers missed out on addressing this need in free agency, making the draft their moment of truth. With the depth available in this edge class, there’s no reason not to secure a cornerstone player. The window with Justin Herbert is wide open, and a strong pass rush is key to playoff success.