Chargers Draft Defensive Tackle in First Mock of 2026

Daniel Jeremiah projects the Chargers to select Texas Tech's Lee Hunter with the 22nd overall pick.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:23pm

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In his first 2026 NFL mock draft, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter with the 22nd overall pick. Hunter, a 6'4", 320-pound standout, is Jeremiah's top-ranked defensive tackle in this year's class and would provide the Chargers with insurance at the position with Teair Tart set to hit free agency.

Why it matters

The Chargers have a need along the offensive line, but with many of the top guard prospects off the board by their pick, Jeremiah believes Hunter represents excellent value and a potential difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball.

The details

Hunter spent three seasons at the University of Central Florida from 2022-2024 before transferring to Texas Tech for his final collegiate campaign. He totaled 21.5 tackles for loss and five sacks with the Golden Knights, then broke out with 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for the Red Raiders in 2024. After earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024, Hunter earned First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2025.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April.

The players

Lee Hunter

A 6'4", 320-pound defensive tackle who spent three seasons at UCF before transferring to Texas Tech for his final collegiate campaign, where he earned First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025.

Teair Tart

The Chargers' current starting defensive tackle who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Daniel Jeremiah

NFL Network analyst who released his first 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting the Chargers to select Lee Hunter with the 22nd overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“Hunter is one of my early draft crushes. He has outstanding size, quickness and the ability to disrupt. With Teair Tart due to become a free agent, Hunter would provide some insurance.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will continue to evaluate prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for late April.

The takeaway

The Chargers have a need along the offensive line, but with the top guard prospects off the board, they could pivot to the defensive side of the ball and select a potential difference-maker in Texas Tech's Lee Hunter, who has the size, quickness, and disruptive ability to bolster the team's defensive front.