With the way the Los Angeles Chargers' offseason is shaping up, their primary draft need has become crystal clear. They must grab a capable offensive guard in the early rounds of the draft.
Whether this comes on Day 1 or Day 2 likely depends on the availability of Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State. In recent mock drafts, he's slated to go as high as 14th overall to the Baltimore Ravens, who lost Tyler Linderbaum in free agency and are looking to replenish their offensive line. There's also an outside chance he goes 17th overall to the Detroit Lions or 19th overall to the Carolina Panthers.
It's almost certain, however, that he does not fall past the Chargers at 22nd overall.
This makes the Philadelphia Eagles' visit with Ioane somewhat puzzling. Philadelphia is currently slated to draft 23rd overall. These visits are for the most part routine, but the Eagles are well-aware of what Ioane's projected range is.
Source: The Philadelphia Eagles will host Penn State iOL Vega Ioane for a 30 visit.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 18, 2026
One of the premier OL in the class failed to allow a single sack in 2025.
Is it possible they could be looking to trade up and steal Ioane from the Chargers?
A new threat could be emerging for the Chargers in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft
It's not Ioane-or-bust for the Chargers in the first round. There are a number of guards they could nab on Day 2, and Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz would likely be just as happy to grab a defensive tackle or a cornerback at their first-round slot.
But it's hard to deny the immediacy with which Los Angeles needs to address their offensive line. They are currently without a starting-caliber player at left guard, and the signing of Cole Strange to slot in at right guard carries its fair share of questions. Although Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater will hopefully return at full health next season, the Chargers still have a long way to go to rebound from the 60 sacks they allowed in 2025.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are currently reckoning with issues of age, health, and consistency on their own front. Landon Dickerson just finished up a rough, injury-riddled campaign. They may also be preparing to lose right guard Tyler Steen, who will enter the open market next offseason at the expiration of his rookie contract.
For Philadelphia, adding offensive line depth in this draft is likely paramount. They have nine selections, including four picks inside the top-100. If they decide Ioane is the guy they want, they have ample capital to attempt to trade up past the Chargers.
We already knew the Ravens could be a serious threat to nab Ioane before he got to Los Angeles. But with the Eagles emerging as another suitor, the Chargers' path to their ideal draft prospect is looking more and more perilous.