The Los Angeles Chargers currently possess five selections in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft class, enough to make an impact on the roster and possibly uproot veterans of the team who have been contributing for a long time.
Many mock drafts have the Chargers trading down, allowing for “more bites at the apple,” giving even more room for roster improvement, and more opportunities for veterans to become supporting players, than the starters they were.
Trevor Penning, OG 
Trevor Penning | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The most obvious veteran the Chargers could (need to) uproot is Trevor Penning. Penning, a former first-round selection, was just re-signed by the Bolts to a contract that has him paid as a high-end backup.
His play on the field is wildly inconsistent, with his flashes showing aggression and athleticism, and his down moments being poor pass protection and a lack of situational awareness. The former New Orleans Saint is currently slotted to start for the Chargers in 2026, with his spot likely to be the easiest spot to upgrade from on the entire roster.
A few names to look for as replacements for Penning: Vega Ioane, Chase Bistontis, Emmanuel Pregnon, Kage Casey, amongst many other intriguing draft prospects.
Quentin Johnston, WR
Quentin Johnston | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Quentin Johnston’s role on the Chargers’ 2026 roster is very much like his pre-draft process: boom or bust. The former first-round selection could see another year of improvement, coupled with a scheme tailored to his skills and see the very best season of his career.
It is also very likely the veteran will see the worst season of his career, with Mike McDaniel finding other options to play over a player he did not have a say in drafting. The outcome remains a mystery, but if the Chargers were to bite on some of the trade talks surrounding their former first-rounder, a rookie may very well come in and take his spot.
A few rookie names to see as a replacement for the former TCU receiver: Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper Jr and KC Concepcion.
Denzel Perryman, LB
Denzel Perryman | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Denzel Perryman has been a longtime Charger, with two different stints on the roster, with this second time around as a thumping leader who can help bring along young linebackers on the roster. This has been evident in Daiyan Henley and even Marlowe Wax to some extent.
However, his playtime and current slot as a starter may change with a rookie entering the building. Perryman is 33 and is losing the little coverage ability he had, allowing for the need for a young rookie to take over, possibly soon.
The Chargers LB room seems filled out, but the view of the media and the team could be very different. That said, a few names the Bolts could look to draft: CJ Allen, Kyle Louis, Anthony Hill Jr. and sleeper Red Murdock.
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