Chargers Seek Interior O-Line Help in 2026 NFL Draft

PFF sees Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane as best-case scenario for Los Angeles

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate to rebuild and fortify their interior offensive line, which struggled last season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Chargers' best-case scenario in the 2026 NFL Draft would be to select Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 22nd overall pick.

Why it matters

Upgrading the offensive line is crucial for the Chargers to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and empower their dynamic offense under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. Ioane, a dominant pass blocker who didn't allow a sack in his final two college seasons, would immediately improve the Bolts' front five.

The details

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Ioane earned an 87.0 pass-blocking grade and a 78.6 run-blocking mark from PFF in his final year at Penn State. The Chargers will likely face competition for Ioane's services, with the Ravens potentially targeting a guard at 14th overall. But if he's still available at 22, the Chargers are expected to pounce on the opportunity to add such a talented interior lineman.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Olaivavega Ioane

A 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard from Penn State who did not allow a single sack over his final two collegiate seasons, showcasing elite pass protection ability.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' starting quarterback, who the team will look to protect and empower with an improved offensive line.

Mike McDaniel

The Chargers' new offensive coordinator, who will look to unleash the team's dynamic offense with a stronger interior line.

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What’s next

The Chargers will need to monitor Ioane's draft stock leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft to determine if he is still available at 22nd overall. They may need to consider trading up if he is projected to be selected earlier.

The takeaway

Upgrading the interior offensive line is a top priority for the Chargers this offseason, and landing a dominant guard like Olaivavega Ioane in the 2026 draft would be a best-case scenario for the team as they look to protect Justin Herbert and empower their dynamic offense under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.