The Los Angeles Chargers' draft class doesn't necessarily have the highest upside out of all 32 teams. But from a perspective of value and draft-day strategy, no one got it done to the extent that Joe Hortiz did.
He orchestrated a trio of draft-day trades, netting the Chargers abundant Day 3 capital and even moving up in round four to select offensive tackle Travis Burke out of Memphis. They filled a number of needs with their selections, and they have now replenished much of their depth heading into 2026.
But it didn't stop there. Los Angeles also had a strong round of UDFA signings— the most notable of which were the additions of edge rusher Nadame Tucker out of Western Michigan and offensive tackle Isaiah World out of Oregon.
Both of these players have a genuine chance to make the roster, and their respective competitions with Burke and second-year edge rusher Kyle Kennard will be narratives to watch when training camp inevitably comes around.
Nadame Tucker and Isaiah World could make things interesting for the Chargers in camp
From the time the Chargers added Chris O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator, Tucker was a clear target. Los Angeles had a need for edge rusher depth, and Tucker was one of the most productive pieces on O'Leary's defense at Western Michigan. Across 13 games, he posted 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.
While the Chargers will likely prioritize Kennard's roster spot, since they used actual draft capital on him in 2024, it should make for an intriguing roster battle. Akheem Mesidor is slated to take on tertiary pass-rushing duties, but things are open beyond that. Struggling veteran Bud Dupree's place on the roster is less than secure. So is Kennard's, who played in just five games during his rookie season.
Burke and World are an interesting pairing as well. Although Trey Pipkins III will likely take over swing tackle duties (and Burke has the advantage here as a fourth-round selection), Burke and World actually profile similarly, both in terms of their frame and their upside at the NFL level. Burke is 6'9" and 325 lbs, while World is 6'6" and 323 lbs. The reason for the difference in their draft stock is the ACL tear that ended World's season during the College Football Playoffs.
But if World is able to return to full strength as expected, he could quickly give Burke a run for his money in training camp. Both struggle with their footwork and mobility off the line of scrimmage, but they also both possess serious upside as massive bodies on the outside of the offensive line.
Nothing will be settled until the start of the season. But the goal for every UDFA class should be to find one or two players who can work their way onto the roster, and Los Angeles has accomplished that goal with their signings of Tucker and World.
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