The first wave of free agency is over, and based on their moves, it’s becoming a little bit clearer what the Chargers could do in next month’s draft.

Los Angeles retained a few of its own players, including edge defender Khalil Mack and defensive tackle Teair Tart, and signed external free agents such as Tyler Biadasz as part of its interior offensive-line rebuild.

Advertisement

Here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds could turn out based on what we know.

Round 1, No. 31 (Trade via Patriots), CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Only slated to have five selections as of now, the Chargers move back nine spots with the Patriots and acquire the No. 31 overall pick and No. 95 overall pick (Round 3), along with two Day 3 picks. Los Angeles uses its first round pick to get defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary a top-end cornerback. Arguably one of the most polished corners in this class, Johnson is a scheme-versatile defender who can excel in both man and zone. He allowed only a 16.1 NFL passer rating when targeted in college. Johnson is also a refined run defender, finishing with a career missed-tackle rate of 5%.

Round 2, No. 55, EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan

The Chargers brought back Khalil Mack while watching Odafe Oweh leave for another team. Even with Mack back in the fold, they need another high-quality edge rusher, especially to play alongside Tuli Tuipulotu for the long run. Moore, who reunites with head coach Jim Harbaugh, is a physical, high-motor defensive end who excels at disrupting opposing backfields with raw power. He finished with 78 pressures and 14 sacks in his final two seasons for the Wolverines.

Advertisement

Round 3, No. 86, OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

The Chargers signed Cole Strange, who is the presumed starting right guard. On the flip side, they need competition for Trevor Penning at left guard. Stephens has the overall strength, run-game power, finishing ability, and movement skills required for Mike McDaniel’s offense. He led all Power Four guards with a 91.6 PFF pass-blocking grade. He did not allow a single sack over his last 24 starts at left guard for the Hawkeyes.

Round 3, No. 95 (Trade via Patriots), WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State

The Chargers close out Day 2 by getting a wide receiver for McDaniel. Lance, the brother of Trey, is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound X-receiver with elite downfield traits. He boasts rare explosiveness (4.34 40) and excellent tracking ability. He excels at the catch point, utilizing a large radius, strong hands, and toughness, evidenced by a 66.7% contested catch rate in 2025. Lance recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in back-to-back seasons for the Bisons.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers mock draft: LA trades back, selects CB, EDGE, OL, WR