Chargers all but confirm Scott Matlock's fate with 'rugged' Day 3 pick

Even after extending Teair Tart, there was no question that the Los Angeles Chargers would have their eyes on an interior defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft.

There was uncertainty, however, surrounding where they would ultimately grab that piece. A number of draft analysts had them slotted to take one of the class's top defensive tackles, such as Kayden McDonald or Caleb Banks, late in the first round. Even a second-round option such as Lee Hunter would have been viable. But their more glaring needs at edge rusher and the interior of the offensive line ultimately took precedent. A run on defensive tackles early on Day 3 likely made the fifth round the earliest they were willing to take a swing.

But even considering the later draft slot for Nick Barrett, whom the Chargers selected at 105th overall, it seems as though the South Carolina product could quickly put an established player out of his job.

Scott Matlock was already facing eviction with Los Angeles' addition of Alec Ingold in free agency, but Barrett's selection could be what seals his fate.

There's simply no snaps for Scott Matlock heading into 2026

Matlock came into the NFL as a defensive tackle in the Chargers' 2023 draft class. He played just 33% of the team's defensive snaps as a rookie before Los Angeles ultimately decided to take the unconventional route of slotting him in at fullback for his sophomore campaign.

Matlock has shown an impressive versatility over the past two seasons. But Ingold is a clearer fit for McDaniel's scheme, having spent the past four seasons with him in Miami.

In theory, Matlock could have reverted back to the defensive side of the ball for 2026. The selection of Barrett, however, makes that unlikely.

Barrett, despite his deficits as an athlete, has the size and the gap-filling acumen to be a capable run stuffer at the next level. Per Pro Football Focus's grading system, he was the 43rd-best run-stopping interior defensive lineman in college last season, amassing 28 stops and 34 solo tackles across 12 games.

Here's what draft analyst Todd McShay had to say about Barrett in his scouting report for The Ringer:

"Barrett is a rugged, high-character interior defender whose value is rooted in run defense, physicality, and dependability. After years in a rotational role, his 2025 breakout showcased a player who can anchor a front and consistently win at the point of attack, even if his pass rush ceiling remains limited." Todd McShay, The Ringer

As much as Jim Harbaugh has clearly displayed his fondness for Matlock over the past couple of seasons, Barrett presents a higher ceiling and will be under team control for the next four years while providing the same caliber of physicality.

That 'rugged'-ness, therefore, could be the exact trait that ultimately forces Matlock off the roster.

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