The Los Angeles Chargers must approach the 2026 NFL Draft carefully.
They have only five selections to make, having traded away their fifth and seventh-round picks this past season. They have a clear need for a starting-caliber offensive guard, and they must also likely grab an edge rusher, a defensive tackle, and a cornerback. Holes remain at wide receiver and tight end as well.
It's not as though they're building the roster from scratch. Many of last year's pieces, especially on defense, are returning. If they make the right picks in the draft, they can quickly fill out their depth.
But they have a number of decisions in front of them that could have major implications for the construction of the roster in 2026.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, in his round-up of one surprising need for each NFL team heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, listed safety as a target for the Chargers. If the right one becomes available at the end of the first round and Hortiz decides to take the leap, it would actually be a much less surprising move than many might think.
The Chargers need to add to their safety room, and there will be premier talent available at the end of the first round
Here's what Ballentine had to say on the Chargers' need for a safety:
"Derwin James has just one year left on his contract. Tony Jefferson is 34 years old and Elijah Molden took a step back last season. That could make the Chargers a sneaky home for either Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Neither are graded as highly as Caleb Downs, but both carry first-round grades."- Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report
One would imagine that the Chargers will stop at nothing to extend Derwin James. He became a hugely important piece for their defense under Jesse Minter, and Chris O'Leary should utilize him with the same leverage.
But beyond that, Los Angeles' future outlook is somewhat uninspiring. Elijah Molden and R.J. Mickens both showed positive signs last year, but neither truly look like stars in the making.
Caleb Downs is obviously the top safety in the class. He's perhaps the top prospect independent of positional value. Dillon Thieneman, meanwhile, has gotten some top-15 buzz since the NFL Scouting Combine. Per Pro Football Focus, he was graded eighth out of 914 qualified safeties at the college level last season.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the more realistic selection here. But that wouldn't be a major downgrade from Thieneman. McNeil-Warren was graded second among all qualified safeties, per PFF, and he has the mix of physical tools and coverage abilities the Chargers typically look for in their secondary.
If Olaivavega Ioane is not available at 22nd overall, don't be surprised if Hortiz goes with the best defensive player available, leaving the team's other, more dire needs to be addressed on Day 2. It would be a major gamble, but the chance to select a prospect like Thieneman or McNeil-Warren might be too good to pass up.