Welcome to Part 1 of our draft preview series, which will be a position-by-position look at key prospects and where the Chargers roster stands ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. This series will include a look at which prospects could be options for the Chargers later this month.
We chatted with ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid to break down the quarterbacks in this draft class. Reid can be found on X/Twitter @JordanReid for his analysis.
Chargers status at quarterback
Justin Herbert, Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei
Justin Herbert's toughness continued to be on full display in 2025.
The Chargers franchise quarterback finished his sixth season in the NFL completing 340 of 512 passes (66.4 percent) for 3,727 yards with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while also tallying a career-best 498 rushing yards and two scores.
Not to mention, he did it all navigating a plethora of injuries along the offensive line and also playing through a fractured left hand later in the season.
Herbert's season earned him his second career Pro Bowl selection, his first since 2021, as he was the driving force to get the Bolts to the postseason for a second consecutive year.
The Chargers also brought back last year’s backup, Lance, in free agency after what was an important year for the young quarterback.
He proved to be a valuable addition as he stepped in multiple times for Herbert during the 2025 season, including earning a start in the regular-season finale.
Uiagalelei rounds out the group of signal callers, as his showing in the preseason helped earn him a spot on the practice squad the entire season and a futures deal earlier this offseason.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign. Herbert recorded 3727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 498 yards rushing in the 2025-2026 NFL season.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of Justin Herbert's 2025 campaign.
Is it a position of need?
Nope.
"It's way down the list," Reid said. "You could say it's probably their last position of need honestly."
Herbert will continue to hold down the QB1 spot for the foreseeable future, as the 28-year-old keeps stamping himself as one of the best in the league.
They also have the backup quarterback position set in free agency after they brought back Lance, who filled in spot duty last year and showed he was more than capable of holding it down in case of emergencies.
But if the Bolts do want to invest into a later round or undrafted quarterback to develop, Reid believes this could be a draft to do so.
The Chargers only have Herbert under contract in 2027, and Reid believes they could opt for a quarterback to "develop in case you need an emergency."
Key Questions for 2026
1. How do you think the pairing of Herbert and Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel will fit in 2026?
"I think he fits the scheme really well, especially with what Mike wants to do, which is a lot of motions, shifts, keep defenses at bay and keep their mind wondering and swimming. I think he's a fantastic playcaller, we saw what he was able to do in Miami and Justin needs someone to unlock him like that. I think the pairing is going to work really well."
2. When looking at this year's quarterback class, how would you assess the depth?
"I would say below average. If you're looking for starters outside of [Fernando] Mendoza, I wouldn't feel comfortable with taking any of these guys in the first round. Second, third, fourth, fifth rounds after that, I think that's where we're going to see a lot of these guys come off the board. There's a big cluster in that third, fourth round range with Garrett Nussmeier out of LSU, Carson Beck out of Miami, Drew Allar out of Penn State. I think those guys are really clumped into that third round range, that Day 2 range is where a lot of the guys will probably go. I think it's a below average class, especially if they're looking for starters."
3. Obviously the Chargers have Herbert, but how does this class stack up for potentially drafting or signing a developmental backup?
"They're fully comfortable with Justin Herbert already being in the middle of the extension as well. They're locked in with him. As far as if they want to take a chance with a Day 3 or undrafted player, I think this is a great group to do that. But if you're looking for a starter, I don't think this is a great group if you're looking for someone to come in and be an immediate contributor. If you're looking for a backup or a No. 3 to develop in case you need an emergency situation or things like that, I think this is a great group for that."
Expert rankings
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah currently has two quarterbacks in his latest Top 50 list, as does ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., in his Top 25.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler has three quarterbacks in his most recent Top 100 list, with the highest coming in at No. 2 (Fernando Mendoza).
Pro Football Focus has four quarterbacks in the top 100 in their Big Board Rankings, with a high of No. 1 (Mendoza).
Potential Chargers options
Note: Heights and weights are from each player's profile on NFL.com (linked for each player's name).
School: Clemson | Year: Senior | Ht: 6-foot-2 | Wt: 207 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games, completed 257 of 392 attempts (65.6 percent) for 2,943 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions; rushed for four touchdowns.
Quick fact: Klubnik finished his Clemson career as one of five quarterbacks to start over 40 games for the Tigers, and finished with the school record in pass completions (916) and pass attempts (1,432).
Reid's Take: "Cade Klubnik is another that will probably go in [the late rounds] as well. Highly decorated, very accomplished at Clemson as well."
School: Illinois | Year: Senior | Ht: 6-foot-2 | Wt: 210 pounds
2025 stats: 13 games, completed 246 of 365 attempts (67 percent) for 3,007 yards with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions; rushed for five touchdowns.
Quick fact: A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Altmyer finished first in school history in passer rating (144.31) and career completion percentage (64.36) as well as second in quarterback wins (23) and touchdown passes (57).
Reid's Take: "I think he's someone who will probably go in the fifth or sixth round. Not overly great traits, but he plays on time, he has good mobility, he's really accurate, very experienced. He's a guy I really like in those late rounds."
School: Baylor | Year: Senior | Ht: 6-foot-4 | Wt: 216 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games, completed 304 of 504 attempts (60 percent) for 3,681 yards with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; rushed for three touchdowns.
Quick fact: Robertson had a stellar season for Baylor, ranking second in the nation in passing yards per game, fourth in completions per game (25.33), fifth in total offense (308.2), fifth in passing TDs, and sixth in passing yards
School: Georgia Tech | Year: Senior | Ht: 6-foot-2 | Wt: 212 pounds
2025 stats: 12 games, completed 252 of 361 attempts (69.8 percent) for 2,951 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions; rushed for 15 touchdowns.
Quick fact: The 2025 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year, King became the third Yellow Jacket in the last 47 years to finish in the top 10 in Heisman Trophy balloting.
