For teams eliminated from the playoffs, draft season always starts early. The Los Angeles Chargers fit this bill exactly.
Although the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft Combine have yet to happen, mock drafts have begun to proliferate across various outlets, linking teams with prospects who fit their immediate needs.
Few would disagree that the Chargers' most pressing need this offseason lies in the interior of their offensive line. They will likely need to replace both Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton either through the draft or free agency.
Although there is, of course, variance between mock drafts from different experts, a trend has started to emerge. Los Angeles has been primarily linked to one player to fill this need: offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane of Penn State.
Olaivavega Ioane could be the Chargers' dream Mekhi Becton replacement
There are obviously more gaps the Chargers must address this offseason. They have a number of key players to be re-signed. If they are unable to accomplish that goal, the defensive line and the pass rush will need to be re-assembled.
But success for the team begins with solidifying the offensive line. Ioane could be a huge first step toward realizing that.
Ioane had an excellent Junior season at Penn State. Although the team spiraled without quarterback Drew Allar available, he allowed just one sack and four pressures through 11 games, according to TruMedia. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he achieved a 87.3 pass-blocking grade in 2025.
Compare this to Becton's 37 pressures and 43.8 pass blocking grade. Even considering the difference in opponents, there is a stark difference.
Many mock drafts have Ioane circled for Los Angeles at 22nd overall, including CBS Sports', PFF's, and Fantasy Pros', according to USA Today's roundup.
Of course, there are those who disagree, believing the Chargers should do something to bolster their defensive depth with the departure of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter looming. The Athletic's latest mock draft has them taking cornerback Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina. Mel Kiper at ESPN has them taking defensive tackle Peter Woods out of Clemson.
Yet Ioane fills an immediate need for the team that will be difficult to address in free agency. The guard market is relatively bereft of long-term, reliable pass protectors. The draft could, therefore, be the best route for Los Angeles to give themselves an off-ramp from Becton.
As the draft approaches, combine performances and prospect evaluations will certainly shift things around. But for now it appears the Chargers have found a match in their first-round pairing.