The Los Angeles Chargers' biggest need of the offseason has been crystal clear since early in the 2025 campaign. This team lacks talent on the offensive line, especially on the interior. Without adding a couple of quality players to the unit, they could be destined for another frustrating season in 2026.
Naturally, Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane has become a common pairing with the Chargers in the 2026 NFL Draft. He's the top true guard in the class and could step in as an immediate starter for LA.
But the Chargers may never get the chance to take him. If recent mock drafts are any indication, Ioane could be long gone by the time Los Angeles picks at No. 22.
Chargers' dreams of drafting Olaivavega Ioane could be slipping away
Ioane would be the perfect addition to the Chargers' offensive line. He's a massive human with the physicality and refinement to become an elite guard in the NFL. If he's available when LA picks in the first round, there should be no hesitation.
Unfortunately, it's beginning to look like the Chargers won't get that chance. Ioane is often projected as a top-15 selection. Even when he falls down the board in mock drafts, he usually goes before the Chargers pick.
NFL Insider Peter Schrager recently paired the Penn State product with the Detroit Lions at pick No. 17 in his mock draft. The Chargers were then stuck with Blake Miller, a reliable but limited tackle who would be a backup in LA.
In another ESPN mock draft, Mel Kiper had Ioane coming off the board at pick No. 21 to the Steelers, just before the Chargers' selection. Los Angeles went with Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk in that case.
It's easy to see how the former Nittany Lion would fit with the Chargers. The pick makes perfect sense. But teams around the NFL are constantly looking to improve on the offensive line. It's unlikely that a player with his talent will fall all the way to the 22nd pick, even if guards typically aren't valued as much as tackles.
There's still a chance that Ioane could be suiting up in powder blue in a few months, but it's no guarantee that he'll be available when the Chargers are on the clock. It's looking more and more likely that general manager Joe Hortiz will be forced to go in a different direction.