The Los Angeles Chargers' needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft are crystal clear.
They failed to make a splash in free agency, and they still lie require a starting-caliber offensive guard and additional depth for their defensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher, and tight end rooms. Hopefully most of these gaps can be filled with the five selections they currently possess.
But if they hold onto their selection at 22nd overall instead of trading back, almost anything is on the table. Joe Hortiz is known for selecting the best player available. If a premier offensive weapon is still on the board at that point in the first round, don't be shocked if Hortiz takes an unexpected path.
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State could present an opportunity too appetizing to pass up. Early on in the draft process, there was genuine debate on if he could be a top-10 pick. Many saw him on the same level they viewed the clear WR1 of this class, Carnell Tate.
But Tyson has dealt with a lingering hamstring injury that held him out of both the NFL Scouting Combine and his Pro Day. If he continues to fall down draft boards, he could wind up right in the Chargers' laps.
Jordyn Tyson has a chance to fall into the 20s, and the Chargers would have a tough decision to make
The Chargers selecting a wide receiver in the first round, let alone getting the opportunity to nab Tyson, remains improbable. But more surprising things have happened on draft night.
Most mock drafts still have Tyson going relatively high. He had a highly productive season at Arizona State, amassing 711 yards and eight touchdowns through just nine games.
But this is a deep wide receiver class, and prospects such as Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, and Omar Cooper Jr. could shake up what draft experts have predicted over the past few months. In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, drawn up by Garrett Podell, has Tyson falling as low as 16th to the New York Jets. If his injury concerns progress any further, it's not out of the realm of possibility that he falls even further than that.
Los Angeles has some decisions to make on their receiving corps this offseason. Keenan Allen is a free agent, and Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option is due.
Tyson is perhaps the most versatile receiving prospect in the draft. He's capable of playing all over the field, and he projects to be especially potent out of the slot at the next level. If the Chargers get the opportunity to add a playmaker of his caliber to their offense and fill Allen's role with a younger and more explosive piece, don't put it past Hortiz to take advantage.