Replacing former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was always going to be a big challenge for the LA Chargers; that's why the team wound up replacing him with someone directly under his tutiledge.
The Chargers hired Chris O'Leary to be their next defensive coordinator in large part due to his ties to Minter. O'Leary started his coaching career years back under Minter at Georgia State and reunited with him in 2024 as the Chargers' safeties coach. He spent a year away as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, and now returns to be an NFL defensive coordinator like Tony Jefferson always predicted.
O'Leary's time as defensive coordinator at Western Michigan will undoubtedly help his transition to NFL defensive coordinator. It also gives the Chargers some more insight in the incoming 2026 NFL Draft class, especially for those who played under O'Leary on the defensive side of the ball.
One name, in particular, leads the pack as a potential target for the Bolts in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nadame Tucker may be a Chargers draft target after hiring Chris O'Leary
Nadame Tucker's name is one that is already circling among Chargers fans on social media, and it's not hard to see why. The defensive end transferred to Western Michigan after not getting much playing time in Houston and instantly put the entire MAC on notice. Tucker led the conference with 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 13 games played last season.
It's not just that Tucker is familiar with O'Leary and the defensive scheme he will call, it's that he was uber productive in college and that production can translate to the NFL. It doesn't matter what conference you play in, that much production warrants a deeper look. Just look at Maxx Crosby, who also played in the MAC.
That's not to say Tucker will be like Crosby, as he certainly is not that. In fact, Tucker is almost guaranteed to get drafted on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing the Chargers to reunite him with O'Leary at a cheap cost. The consensus big board ranks him as the No. 165 prospect in this year's class, and that likely won't change much as the draft gets closer.
As great as his production was, playing in a smaller conference does hurt his draft value. The more damning attribute, though, is his age. Tucker will turn 26 before the start of the 2026 season, limiting how long he will be an impact player in the NFL.
Older players like this always fall in the draft as they don't have as high of a perceived upside. While he may not piece together a long tenure in LA and become an All-Pro, his age makes him someone who can contribute right away, which the Chargers need.
There are a lot of questions at edge rusher with both Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh hitting free agency. Tuli Tuipulotu is exceptional and the Chargers will likely bring back at least one of those edge rushers, but they need more depth. Kyle Kennard hardly played last year and shouldn't be banked on to make a leap (although it's possible). Bud Dupree might not even be on the roster.
There is no such thing as too much defensive line depth, especially when O'Leary can move these pieces around and play them on the interior as well. For that reason, don't be surprised if the Chargers call Tucker's name in the 2026 NFL Draft.