The Los Angeles Chargers had a decent season going 11-6 on the year and finishing second in the AFC West. Despite the regular season success, they were eliminated in the wild card round of the playoffs when they lost 16-3 to the New England Patriots. They now have the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It is expected that Jim Harbaugh and company will use the pick on a defensive player. Here are some viable options for the No. 22 pick. 

Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M 

As defensive star Khalil Mack continues to edge, the Chargers need to prepare for his inevitable retirement, whether that be this offseason or in the next season or two. Mack enters the next season at the age of 35. It will be his 13th season in the league. The Chargers can prepare by taking Howell with the No. 22 pick out of Texas A&M. 

Howell relies on his speed to get to the quarterback. He is less of a power rusher like Mack and more of a Von Miller type of pass rusher. His ability to get to the quarterback blows up any play that he tries to get to the quarterback. His speed would translate easily over to the professional game. It was part of the reason the Aggies were able to get to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. 

In college, Howell amassed 126 total tackles, 15 pass deflections, 27 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. 

DT Peter Woods, Clemson

If Howell is not the player the Chargers end up taking with their pick, they could still go on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, it would be another lineman on the front four. The Chargers run a 3-4 defensive scheme. While there are some bigger names in their linebackers (the four), their weaker part of the defense is their interior lineman (the three). None of them are big names that post regular great stats for the Chargers. If the Chargers drafted Woods out of Clemson, it would be an instant upgrade on the defensive line. 

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Woods gives smaller Vita Vea or Ed Oliver vibes. He is a bit undersized for a defensive tackle but he is fast to the ball. He also is a great run stopper. However, he was a overshadowed by Clemson’s struggles as a team to be given the props he deserved over the past three years. 

In his three seasons with the Tigers, Woods made 82 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass deflection.Â