Chargers Load Up on Offense in 2026 NFL Draft

PFF mock draft simulator has LA targeting WR, TE, and RB in early rounds

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:55am

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According to a PFF mock draft simulator, the Los Angeles Chargers focused on adding offensive weapons in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team selected wide receiver Denzel Boston in the first round, tight end Justin Jolly in the third round, and running back Demond Claiborne in the fourth round to complement their existing offensive talent.

Why it matters

The Chargers have had back-to-back 11-6 seasons but consecutive Wild Card Round losses under head coach Jim Harbaugh. With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel on board, the team is looking to get over the hump and win their first playoff game of the Harbaugh era. Bolstering the offense with talented skill position players could help them achieve that goal.

The details

In the first round, the Chargers selected 6'4", 210-pound wide receiver Denzel Boston from Washington. Boston is an elite red zone target who caught 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons. In the third round, they added tight end Justin Jolly from NC State, who had over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final two college seasons. And in the fourth round, they picked running back Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest, a small but explosive back with pass-catching ability.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April.

The players

Denzel Boston

A 6'4", 210-pound wide receiver from the University of Washington who caught 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Justin Jolly

A tight end from NC State who had over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final two college seasons.

Demond Claiborne

A running back from Wake Forest who is small at 5'9" and 192 pounds but has a track background and is explosive with the ball in his hands.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who has led the team to back-to-back 11-6 seasons but consecutive Wild Card Round losses.

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, brought in to help the team get over the hump and win their first playoff game of the Harbaugh era.

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What’s next

The Chargers will look to sign some of their key free agents, including wide receiver Keenan Allen, before the 2026 season. They'll also monitor the development of their young offensive talent as they aim to take the next step and win their first playoff game under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The takeaway

The Chargers are clearly focused on surrounding quarterback Justin Herbert with as much offensive firepower as possible in the 2026 NFL Draft. By adding big-bodied receivers, a versatile tight end, and an explosive running back, they are setting themselves up to have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league as they try to break through in the playoffs.