With the offseason looming in the near future, the Los Angeles Chargers have one undeniable need to address: the interior of their offensive line.
Namely, right guard Mekhi Becton, whom the Chargers signed to a two-year, $20 million deal this past offseason, has struggled mightily with both injuries and inconsistent performance. According to Pro Football Focus’s latest 2026 mock draft, the team could elect to replace him with their first-round pick.
The mock draft has the team selecting tackle Francis Mauigoa out of the University of Miami with the 26th-overall pick. Although he has played tackle in college, the belief is that he will rotate inside at the next level, allowing the Chargers the flexibility to part with Becton at little cost.
As frustrating as such a move might be, it could be the best possible thing for the organization as they attempt to assemble protection for superstar quarterback Justin Herbert.
Chargers could replace Mekhi Becton as soon as the 2026 NFL Draft
In fairness, a large portion of Los Angeles’s offensive line struggles can be laid squarely upon the absences of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. At the same time, however, the interior of their offensive line deserves their fair share of the blame.
While left guard Zion Johnson has had a solid year, both Becton and center Bradley Bozeman have been among the worst at their positions. According to PFF, Becton has earned the third-worst overall protection grade out of any guards this season.
After a resurgence with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Becton represented the premier addition of the Chargers’ free agent class. Yet his public frustrations with the coaching staff have left signals that his departure could be imminent. Although he is on a two-year contract, he would represent just $2.5 million in dead cap were he to be cut or released in the offseason.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for Los Angeles to seek out a guard in the first round.
Mauigoa has had an excellent season for the Hurricanes, earning an 87.2 pass-blocking grade. For reference, Becton’s grade in the same category sits squarely at 44.
Of course, taking a swing on a rookie always comes with more risk than signing an established veteran. However, if the Chargers are able to replace Bozeman with a free agent such as Connor McGovern or Ted Karras, selecting Mauigoa could be a smart way to distribute their remaining capital.
While it remains to be seen what direction Los Angeles will ultimately go at the end of the first round, PFF presents, at the very least, an intriguing option to replace the struggling Becton.