Chargers Land Top Guard Prospect in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Daniel Jeremiah projects Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane to fill a major need on the Bolts' offensive line.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:05pm

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In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, respected analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane. The Chargers have struggled to solidify their interior offensive line, and Ioane is widely regarded as one of the top guard prospects in this year's class. Jeremiah believes Ioane would be an ideal fit to protect star quarterback Justin Herbert and bolster the Bolts' offense.

Why it matters

The Chargers have had a disappointing free agency period, missing out on several top offensive line targets. Drafting Ioane would address a major need and provide an immediate upgrade to the interior of the offensive line, which has been a weakness for the team. Securing a talented young guard like Ioane could pay dividends for the Chargers' offense for years to come.

The details

Jeremiah projects the Chargers to select the 6'4", 320-pound Ioane, a redshirt junior from Penn State. Ioane is widely regarded as one of the top pure guard prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, known for his powerful play strength, firm anchor in pass protection, and ability to create displacement in the run game. While his movement skills are considered closer to average, his overall profile projects him as an early NFL starter who can control the pocket and set the tone in the Chargers' offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Olaivavega Ioane

A 6'4", 320-pound redshirt junior offensive guard from Penn State, Ioane is widely considered one of the top guard prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, Herbert is in need of improved protection along the interior offensive line to continue his success.

Daniel Jeremiah

A respected NFL draft analyst and one of the most influential figures in the industry, Jeremiah is known for his accurate and insightful mock drafts.

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What they’re saying

“The Chargers thank their lucky stars that their need on the interior matches up with the best player still available. Ioane would be their most talented guard.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

“Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane is the top pure guard in the class, driven by very good play strength and point-of-attack power that allow him to routinely halt the bull rush with a firm anchor while creating displacement and compressing the line of scrimmage.”

— Brandon Thorn, Offensive Line Guru

What’s next

The Chargers will have the opportunity to select Ioane or another top offensive line prospect when the 2026 NFL Draft takes place in April.

The takeaway

Drafting Olaivavega Ioane would be a dream scenario for the Chargers, as he addresses a major need on the interior offensive line and is widely regarded as one of the top guard prospects in this year's class. Securing a talented young lineman like Ioane could pay dividends for the Chargers' offense for years to come.