Chargers' Draft Classes Ranked: From Franchise-Changing to Forgettable

A look at the best and worst Chargers draft classes of the last decade

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and equipment in the Chargers' team colors, representing the multifaceted nature of the team's draft history.The Chargers' draft history over the past decade has been a complex mosaic, with both franchise-altering picks and forgettable selections.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a mixed bag of draft classes over the past 10 years, with some producing franchise-altering players and others falling flat. This article breaks down and ranks the Chargers' draft classes from worst to best, highlighting the key contributors and misses from each year.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is a critical event for teams to build their rosters and set themselves up for long-term success. An analysis of the Chargers' recent draft history provides insight into the team's decision-making, player evaluation, and ability to develop talent - all of which are essential for a franchise looking to contend for championships.

The details

The article ranks the Chargers' draft classes from the past decade, with the 2022 class being considered the worst and the 2024 class as the best. The 2022 class produced only one consistent starter in Zion Johnson, while the 2019 class had some early contributors but no long-term impact players. The 2017 class was headlined by star edge rusher Joey Bosa, but the rest of the picks had minimal impact. The 2021 class, which included Rashawn Slater and Asante Samuel Jr., is considered the second-best of the decade for the Chargers.

  • The Chargers are less than two weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • The article was published on April 12, 2026.

The players

Zion Johnson

An offensive lineman drafted by the Chargers in 2022 who had an up-and-down performance during his time with the team.

Joey Bosa

An edge rusher drafted by the Chargers in 2016 who became one of the best defenders on the team for several years.

Rashawn Slater

An offensive tackle drafted by the Chargers in 2021 who has become a cornerstone of the team's offensive line.

Asante Samuel Jr.

A cornerback drafted by the Chargers in 2021 who has become a starter in the team's secondary.

Omarion Hampton

A player drafted by the Chargers in 2025 who has shown high-level talent and elite performances on the offensive side of the ball.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Holy smokes,”

— Trent Green, NFL rules analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will look to continue building their roster through the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to add more impactful players to the team.

The takeaway

The Chargers' draft history over the past decade has been a mixed bag, with some classes producing franchise-changing players like Joey Bosa and Rashawn Slater, while others have fallen short. The team's ability to identify and develop talent through the draft will be crucial for their long-term success.