Chargers Puzzling 2026 NFL Draft Pick Aimed at Protecting Justin Herbert

ESPN analyst projects LA to take a tackle in the first round despite having two young stars already on the roster.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fractured, abstract painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, yellow, and red tones, conceptually representing the challenges the Chargers' offensive line faced and the need to rebuild their protection for the quarterback.A cubist interpretation of the Chargers' offensive line struggles, with fragmented geometric shapes representing the need to rebuild and protect their star quarterback.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to focus on upgrading their offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft after injuries ravaged the unit last season. However, ESPN's Peter Schrager has the team taking Clemson tackle Blake Miller with their first-round pick, a move that has some analysts puzzled given the Chargers already have a strong young tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line struggles last season prevented them from reaching their full potential as a team, despite the heroics of young star quarterback Justin Herbert. Protecting Herbert should be a top priority, but using a first-round pick on a tackle may not be the best approach when the team could target an interior offensive lineman to shore up the interior of the line.

The details

Schrager projects the Chargers to select Clemson's Blake Miller, who is viewed as one of the safest tackle prospects in the 2026 class. Miller started 54 games for the Tigers and could provide valuable depth behind Slater and Alt. However, the analyst suggests Miller could also slide inside to guard, which raises questions about the value of using a first-round pick on a player who may not end up at tackle.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' young star quarterback who led the team to double-digit wins last season despite offensive line injuries.

Rashawn Slater

One of the Chargers' young tackle stars, who suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

Joe Alt

The other young tackle star for the Chargers, who also suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

Blake Miller

The Clemson offensive tackle projected by ESPN's Peter Schrager to be the Chargers' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Peter Schrager

An ESPN analyst who released a new 2026 NFL mock draft projecting the Chargers' first-round selection.

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What they’re saying

“Miller started every single game over his four years with Clemson (54 starts). And for a Chargers offensive line that was ravaged by injuries last season, taking the quintessential iron man of this tackle class at No. 22 makes sense. Miller could provide depth behind Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and even slide inside to guard.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will have to weigh the value of taking a tackle in the first round versus targeting an interior offensive lineman who could make a more immediate impact on protecting Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

The Chargers' offensive line struggles last season exposed a need to upgrade the unit, but using a first-round pick on a tackle prospect who may end up moving inside raises questions about the team's draft strategy. Protecting Herbert should be the top priority, but the Chargers may be better served targeting an interior lineman who can step in and contribute right away.