The 2026 NFL Draft is a little over a month away before it kicks off in Pittsburgh — which means crunch time for ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.
The longtime draft analyst released his most recent mock draft earlier this week after the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and the initial wave of free agency, updating his board as Pro Days roll on over the next couple of weeks.
For the Chargers, that meant a switch from offensive line in his mock draft a month ago to the defensive trenches this time around.
Kiper had the Bolts selecting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 22 overall.
Woods, his No. 19 overall player in his big board rankings and top ranked player at his position, is coming off a Second-Team All-America selection.
And in his conference call Thursday, Kiper explained why the defensive tackle could be a perfect fit for the Chargers in the first round.
"The reason why I went Woods is because No. 1, he's a guy you roll the dice and hope he can become what you thought he was going to be at Clemson, which was a dominant player," Kiper said. "Well then you say, 'If he wasn't dominant at Clemson, how could he be in the NFL?' The talent of Peter Woods is through the roof."
"He's quick, he's athletic, he's strong, he's versatile," Kiper added.
Woods racked up 40 tackles (3.5 for loss), 2.0 sacks and two pass breakups during the 2025 season, a year after putting up 8.5 for loss, 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble in 2024.
That 2024 season also saw him rank ninth among qualified players at his position in Pro Football Focus' defense grade with a 87.2 in addition to an 87.0 run defense grade.
Even if statistically Woods did not put up the same numbers last season, Kiper said he is not concerned about the defensive tackle as such was the case for others at Clemson last season.
He's the type of player that the Chargers defensive coaching staff could work with to continue to unlock his ascending play.
"At the end of the day with Peter Woods, you roll the dice that the defensive line coach can get the most out of him," Kiper said. "His arm length, which people talk about, for defensive tackles is the same things as centers and guards. Just the tackles.
"He doesn't have long arms, but he won't need that to be successful, he's fine," Kiper added. "I think at that point, in the 20s where the Chargers pick, Peter Woods would be a guy you have to look at."
Taking Woods would be taking a chance on an elite prospect according to Kiper.
"If he would've produced the results expected this year he would have been a Top 10 pick," Kiper said. "When you get that going in the late first, you have yourself a heck of a pick."
Here are two other takeaways from Kiper's pre-draft conference call:
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Take a look back at photos of the Bolt Fam showing out during the 2025 season.
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Depth along the O-line
Kiper noted Thursday that there are plenty of options if you need interior offensive lineman in this year's draft.
"There's a lot of depth in the interior, whether it be at center or guard to not only get one, but I [could] come out of this draft with three interior lineman," he said.
At the top, of course, there's a number of prospects that bring intrigue for a particular reason.
Kiper mentioned how this class is the first he can remember seeing where a number of the offensive line prospects could be tackles or guards, depending on where they land.
That makes the fit and needs for teams around the league a fascinating thing to watch.
"A lot of these guys this year, it's interesting with this group of offensive lineman because they're not locked into one spot," Kiper said. "This is the one year where you have guys that fit a scheme or they fit both schemes, or they could be a right tackle, a guard, you don't know.
"You're going to get them and you're going to figure it out," Kiper added. "I have not seen one of these types of drafts from an offensive line standpoint, until this year."
As for what it means for the Chargers, Kiper could still see the team opting for some interior offensive line depth with their No. 22 overall pick.
A common player mocked to the Chargers so far has been Penn State's Vega Ioane, the big guard out of Penn State.
Kiper had mocked Ioane one pick ahead of the Bolts in his most recent predictions but said he could see him being available when they are on the clock next month.
"If you want to look at Ioane from Penn State, the interior offensive lineman, guard, you can go that route as well," Kiper said. "He's going to come off the board somewhere in that general area where the Chargers are picking."
But even if the board falls a certain way or the Bolts elect to go a different direction in the first round, this is a draft where the talent is abundant for the offensive trenches.
"The interior of the offensive line is very deep into the third, fourth round," Kiper said.
Aside from the names projected to go early on Day 2, Kiper sees a lot of potential impact starters from later in the second day and even heading into the third day.
"If you look interior, [Keylan] Rutledge from Georgia Tech is an underrated guy and can be guard or center," Kiper said. [Jalen] Farmer from Kentucky has a really good shot. If you want to roll the dice in fifth, sixth round, Jaeden Roberts from Alabama could be a guy to look at there. If you can coach him up and get him to be consistent, the talent with Roberts is in abundance.
"There's a lot of interior lineman you can pick up [in this draft], even into Day 3," Kiper added.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
![The Los Angeles Chargers play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
[FINAL SCORE: LAC 16 - KC 13]](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album_2x/t_lazy/f_auto/chargers/ylvz1wlx0eoh4gxjft9a.jpg)
The Los Angeles Chargers play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. [FINAL SCORE: LAC 16 - KC 13]
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Take a look back at the best photos of the Chargers 2025 draft class in their inaugural NFL campaign.
Options along the defensive trenches
Just like the offensive trenches, Kiper expects the defensive trenches to be just as talented in Pittsburgh next month.
"That's a position you have depth well into Day 3," Kiper said of the defensive line.
The draft analyst explained that he has up to five defensive linemen who are capable of being first round picks in this draft.
Whether it's injury or simply getting pushed down the board by other positions, he sees a lot of potential in the depth of this position.
"It is a relatively deep position. You have five that have first-round ability, in my opinion," Kiper said. "Caleb Banks with the injury, coming back from that foot is probably going to push him into the second, Lee Hunter is probably going to get pushed into the second, Christien Miller from Georgia is ascending maybe into the late first but he could also be in that second round mix and Kayden McDonald is borderline.
"In my opinion the only true lock first rounder is Peter Woods out of Clemson," Kiper added.
Kiper also dove into edge rushers in the back half of the first round.
In his mock draft he had both Missouri's Zion Young and Auburn's Keldric Faulk in the back part of the round, but both players who could be valuable in the 20s and 30s.
With Young, his production and relentlessness is what stands out to Kiper.
"He really produced. Not only is he a force off the edge, he can be a major factor against the run and sealing the edge as well," Kiper said about Young. "He's an imposing, physical specimen. He plays hard, he's determined, a little stiff but at the end of the day strong hands.
"I thought the lateral quickness, the way he chases down the line, crashes down the line is really impressive because he does not quit on a play," Kiper added. "He doesn't take plays off."
As for Faulk, Kiper had mocked him at No. 30 overall to the Dolphins.
"You're kind of rolling the dice that the talent is going to win out and he's going to put it all together," Kiper said. "He showed well two years ago, had seven sacks, this year he fell back to two sacks."
He later added: "There's a lot of players this year you expected more than you got from a production standpoint, but the talent is there in abundance... You kind of roll the dice with if your defensive line coach feels like he can get the most out of Faulk, he would be a talented player to consider at that point."
