One of the Los Angeles Chargers’ biggest needs going into the 2026 NFL Draft is a starting left guard.

The Chargers lost starting left guard Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency. Johnson, who the Chargers drafted with the No. 17 pick in 2022, signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Browns.

That leaves the Chargers with just Trevor Penning and Kayode Awosika as left guard options. Los Angeles traded for Penning in November following multiple injuries to the offensive line, then re-signed him to a one-year, $4.5 million contract in March. The Chargers also signed Awosika as a depth piece in March.

Securing an upgrade at the left guard position in the NFL Draft will be crucial for protecting quarterback Justin Herbert next season.

“The Chargers must come away from the first three rounds of this draft with a potential starter at left guard,” NFL insider Daniel Popper wrote. “… Hortiz and Harbaugh cannot avoid this need, and I frankly do not care if they think Trevor Penning has immense potential at left guard. I also do not care if they think offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme will elevate the protection.”

What Have the Chargers Done to Improve the Offensive Line?

So far this offseason, the Chargers signed center Tyler Biadasz and right guard Cole Strange in free agency. The Chargers also released veteran guard Mekhi Becton to save approximately $9.7 million in cap space.

Biadasz is replacing former center Bradley Bozeman, who announced his retirement in February. Biadasz signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chargers in March. Meanwhile, Strange signed a two-year, $13 million contract with Los Angeles this offseason.

Strange played for the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel for one season with the Miami Dolphins.

The Chargers will need to continue upgrading the offensive line with at least one of their five picks during the NFL Draft, ideally the No. 22, No. 55 or No. 86 picks in the first three rounds.

The NFL Draft begins Thursday at 5 pm PT in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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