It's never too early to start looking at the next NFL Draft class. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that adage is especially true.
Under Joe Hortiz, the Chargers have consistently looked to build through the Draft, either amassing extra capital through the compensatory-pick formula or simply maximizing their selections to bring depth to the roster. This offseason, they accomplished that goal perfectly. Although their draft class might not have had the highest-upside in the league, they addressed a number of glaring holes with a series of trade-backs in the middle rounds.
Most notably, they added depth to their offensive line— something they sorely lacked last season. After adding Cole Strange, Tyler Biadasz, and Kayode Awosika through free agency, they then spent four of their eight selections on offensive linemen. They picked up center/guard Jake Slaughter, tackle Travis Burke, and a pair of sixth-round guards in Alex Harkey and Logan Taylor.
That doesn't mean the job is done, though. Depending on how the Slaughter pick plays out this season, Los Angeles could easily be in play for another interior lineman on Day 2 of next year's draft.
ESPN's recent rankings of the top players at each position in the 2027 Draft, therefore, reveal a sleeper the Chargers should already have their eyes on— Braydon Nelson out of North Texas.
Braydon Nelson could be the 'small-school sleeper' the Chargers need to add to their offensive line
Here's what draft analyst Matt Miller had to say about Nelson:
"In talking to scouts this summer, Nelson was often mentioned as a small-school sleeper to watch. The 6-foot-4, 321-pound mauler was a second-team all-conference player last season while starting 13 games -- two at right tackle and 11 on the left side. Scouts see guard as his best pro position, though, as his pure power can shine and his shorter arm length won't be an issue." Matt MIller, ESPN
After two seasons spent at North Texas bouncing around the offensive line, Nelson has committed to Oklahoma State for the 2026 season, where he'll compete against top competition in the Big 12. He'll be following head coach Eric Morris and offensive coordinator Sean Brophy from his time at North Texas.
Of course, this needs to be a player that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can assimilate into his zone-heavy scheme. At first glance, it might not seem like an ideal fit. Morris mostly runs gap-power concepts, and Nelson's primary trait is his large, imposing frame. But agility isn't the only thing McDaniel is looking for— he wants power and physicality as well.
Strange, for example, measures in at 6'5" and 310 lbs. If Nelson can continue to develop his footwork, he could easily rise into the range of the top four to seven guards in the 2027 NFL Draft while also maximizing his outlook for a McDaniel-style offense.
If Slaughter, Harkey, and Taylor all somehow pan out this year, maybe the Chargers won't ultimately be in the market for a guard. But if there's still a need for a long-term starter at left guard, don't be surprised if Los Angeles is seeking one out in the third or fourth round.
Nelson has the potential to be seated perfectly in that range for the Chargers by the time the draft cycle is complete.
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