When someone thinks of a Jim Harbaugh coached team, they think of physicality, strength, and grit. Most importantly, they think of the two most important factors that dictate a football game: the lines of scrimmage on both sides of the football. In Matt Miller’s latest 2 round mock draft, both of those positions are addressed for the Chargers.
With the 22nd overall pick, while the Chargers are picking late, a player of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks’ caliber could be a nice addition. He would lend elite size to an already stout defensive front who can not only stop the run but can bull rush opposing QBs in a hurry.
“The 6-foot-6 339-pounder is an aggressive bull rusher with rare first-step quickness for his size. Think Vita Vea, but with better length. Banks missed all but two games last season due to a foot injury, but his Senior Bowl performance was well-received by scouts, who saw the explosive play in the trenches that excited them entering the 2025 season.” Miller wrote of Banks’ play style.
Building the Defensive Front the Harbaugh Way
While there are still lingering injury concerns with Banks, the fact that the Chargers’ front is already so versatile could allow him to work into a rotational role on the team. Still, his work at the Senior Bowl is evidence that Banks can still help a team out right away no matter what.
As for the Chargers’ second round pick at No. 55 overall, Miller has them addressing a major position of need: the interior of the offensive line. With Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon, Miller believes that the Chargers will improve in exponentially up front when it comes to protecting Justin Herbert.
“Injuries decimated the Chargers’ offensive line in 2025, highlighting the lack of overall depth and long-term answers on the interior. Pregnon would be a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot.”Miller wrote of Pregnon’s potential.
Pregnon also had an interesting career arc that is a testament to his growth as a player and Miller’s belief in his NFL ready skillset. Playing for two at USC before transferring, Pregnon was already listed as the No. 22 overall player in that year’s portal class, as well as the No. 3 overall offensive linemen. All of this before arriving in Eugene.
With the Ducks, Pregnon spearheaded an offense that averaged 198.6 rushing yards per game and scored 35 rushing touchdowns last season. The Ducks had one of the best offenses in the country as a result of their running game’s resurgence, averaging 452.6 yards per game.
Investing in the Trenches While Preserving Flexibility
By addressing both trenches, not only will the Chargers improve on both fronts, but they could also save some money as well. With the most cap space in the NFL this year, the Chargers have room to spend big. However, by looking to the draft to fill certain positions of need, they could also invest more into skill position talent and making their offense more explosive in free agency.
Banks and Pregnon may be two huge risks, but they’re also two huge investments as well.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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