This time of year, all of the NFL world's attention centers upon the draft. Los Angeles Chargers fans have just as much reason as any fanbase to be invested in the proceedings.
Although they possess only five selections in 2026, their choices will be instrumental in replenishing the offensive line and giving their defense the depth it needs to maintain dominance. While all the focus has fallen upon their first and second-round selections, Los Angeles has shown their ability to find diamonds in the rough in the later rounds, especially on defense.
With just two selections on Day 3 this year, this will be a tall task.
But Daniel Popper at the The Athletic seems to think it's more than doable. In his recent 7-round 2026 Mock Draft for the Chargers, he has them slated to select safety Jakobe Thomas out of Miami in the sixth round.
Thomas would be a strong pick, and he would slot in perfectly as a depth piece alongside Elijah Molden, Derwin James, and R.J. Mickens. But were they to make the selection, they would effectively be guaranteeing Tony Jefferson's departure in free agency.
It's a painful reality, but it could be their best move.
Replacing Tony Jefferson with a younger, developmental piece could be the Chargers' best long-term option
Jefferson had a bit of a polarizing season in 2025, but he was one of Los Angeles's most exciting players over the course of the campaign. He finished the year having started eight games and played in 13, amassing 57 combined tackles and seven passes defended.
He is a hard-hitting tackler and can make plays in the open field. He's exactly what a team desires in their fourth safety slot.
He's also stated his desire to continue playing in 2026.
But he's an impending free agent this offseason. As he reaches age 34, it might be best for Los Angeles to bring in a new tool for Chris O'Leary to work with.
Thomas, meanwhile, was an integral part of the University of Miami's defensive scheme en route to the National Championship game. He's a hard tackler, and he's an effective defender both deep in coverage and crashing down into the tackle box. He's certainly the type of player the Chargers can develop into a key piece.
Per Spotrac, Jefferson is projected to earn roughly $4 million on his next one-year deal. If Thomas were to be selected at Los Angeles's slot at 202nd overall in the draft, the entirety of his rookie deal would pay just $4.5 million.
The Chargers aren't strapped for cash, but a developmental swing on Thomas could prove to be a better bet than bringing Jefferson back for one more run.