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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Los Angeles Chargers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Los Angeles Chargers 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Chargers added Akheem Mesidor (first round) primarily for the 2027 season, as Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, and Bud Dupree are all in the final year of their contracts. Mesidor will contribute immediately as part of the rotation, but he will step into a starting role in 2027, likely replacing the 35-year-old Mack. Selecting Mesidor in the first round was a bold decision, and possibly a reach to fill a need. Mesidor was a late bloomer who didn’t break out until he was a sixth-year senior. In fact, he’s a year older than Tuipulotu. As a player who wins with power more than athletic traits, it’s hard not to wonder if Mesidor’s production was just the effects of being a 24-year-old grown man frequently going up against many much younger college kids.
Jake Slaughter (second round) is expected to start immediately at left guard, though he will compete with Trevor Penning for that role. Though Slaughter probably offers an upgrade in the long run, there’s no guarantee it goes smoothly right out of the gate since he took every snap of his five-year college career at center. Slaughter’s 7 penalties as a redshirt senior are also mildly concerning, especially for someone switching positions as a rookie.
Brenen Thompson (fourth round) is a diminutive gadget weapon who has elite speed. Thompson spent most of his career in Jeff Lebby’s offense at both Oklahoma and Mississippi State, which suited his skill set well but also stunted his development as a route runner. In the short term, don’t expect anything from Thompson other than some action on screens, short crossing routes, and maybe an occasional deep ball. He lacks the experience in the route tree to do much else.
Travis Burke (fourth round) is an exciting developmental prospect who has the traits to be a starter at left or right tackle down the road. The 6-foot-8 Burke started his career in a gimmicky offense at FIU, but played the 2025 season in a more traditional passing attack at Memphis. Burke’s rate of protecting for traditional dropbacks jumped from 34% at FIU to 58% at Memphis, and he held his own despite also making a leap in level of competition.
Logan Taylor (sixth round) and Alex Harkey (sixth round) will also compete for backup jobs on the offensive line, though keeping six rookie linemen might be tough to justify. Taylor started at every position except center during his five-year career at Virginia and Boston College, which greatly increases his odds of cracking the roster. Harkey will be a 25-year-old rookie who struggled at right tackle at Oregon last year, after previously playing at Texas State and JUCO.
Genesis Smith (fourth round) will provide some depth at safety and might compete for a starting job in 2027 after Tony Jefferson hits free agency. Smith has the size for a strong safety role, but was more effective at free safety during his career at Arizona. He’ll need to clean up his 18% missed-tackle rate before he can be trusted playing in the box against the run. Nick Barrett (fifth round) will provide depth on the interior defensive line, likely serving as insurance behind 32-year-old Dalvin Tomlinson.
The Chargers put together a solid class of contributors in the short-term and potential future starters down the road. However, it’s unfortunate that they felt the need to reach for needs with the early picks. There’s a lot of pressure on Mesidor and Slaughter to provide immediate returns on those investments.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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