Welcome back to another edition of The Scouting Notebook.
The Scouting Notebook will feature prospects to watch during the college football slate. While some may think it’s too early to start talking about the 2026 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to discuss the future of the Chargers.
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That said, here are the players to watch for in Week 5.
C Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
Laloulu is one of the more underrated prospects in the country at the moment, but he has a chance to end that with No. 3 Penn State and top defensive tackle Zane Durant on the schedule this week. Oregon’s only returning offensive starter from last season is a physical run blocker and continues to grow as a pass blocker. Tracking his performance in the Ducks’ first big game of the year in a hostile White Out environment against a strong Nittany Lions team will be an interesting exercise for the Chargers, who need a long-term answer at the pivot point.
EDGE Anthony Lucas, USC
Lucas has had a great start to the year for the Trojans, racking up 16 total pressures in four games, including 7 against Michigan State in USC’s conference opener last week. Listed at 6’5″, 285 lbs, Lucas can also kick inside and has been a strong run defender to open the year, which fits Los Angeles’ profile on the edge. Could the Chargers look to form an all-USC duo long-term on the edge with Lucas and Tuli Tuipulotu?
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CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
Everette grew into his role with the Bulldogs over the course of last season, but it’s been an up-and-down start to 2025. The senior gave up 7 catches for 73 yards on only 8 targets against Tennessee his last time out, worse than all but two games he had last season. But he has a bounce-back opportunity against Alabama and receiver Germie Bernard in a nationally televised spot. A strong performance could get him back into the early round conversation.
TE Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss
The Chargers might have something very promising in Oronde Gadsden II, but it’s a position that they could look to inject more youth beyond this season. Wright, the Virginia Tech transfer, has reeled in eight receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns. That is a whopping 26.6 yards per reception. Wright’s big-play ability would be a welcome addition in Los Angeles.
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OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
The Chargers could look to upgrade the guard spot, with Zion Johnson and Trey Pipkins in the final year of their deals. After recovering from a serious car accident in 2023, Rutledge delivered a big year as he had only two “blown blocks” in nearly 400 attempts in pass protection in 2024. The 6-foot-3 and 315-pounder is a mauler in the run game, with the power and leverage to move bodies off the line. He is also experienced, having logged over 30 snaps in his collegiate career.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 5 prospects Chargers fans should watch for in Week 5