{"id":868728,"date":"2026-04-17T23:06:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/868728\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T23:06:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:06:27","slug":"chargers-could-spend-no-22-pick-on-player-considered-a-reach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/868728\/","title":{"rendered":"Chargers Could Spend No. 22 Pick on Player Considered a Reach"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Keylan\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. <\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> are putting the final touches on their 2026 NFL Draft plan.<\/p>\n

With as much unpredictability as there is among this year\u2019s class, the Chargers will have to be flexible<\/a>. By the time they hit the clock at No. 22, the remaining board could look a lot different than they envisioned.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles could go a variety of different directions<\/a> with their first-round pick, including taking an edge rusher, defensive back, or offensive lineman. It wouldn\u2019t be a surprise if it addressed any of those positions, but who they select could be.<\/p>\n

Offensive Lineman Keylan Rutledge Named \u2018Ideal Fit\u2019 for Los Angeles Chargers in 1st Round of Draft\"Keylan<\/p>\n

GettyGeorgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge<\/p>\n

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently name his ideal draft picks<\/a> for every team in the first round. He chose Rutledge for the Chargers, despite the fact that many experts might consider him a reach with the 22nd overall pick.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, unexpected offensive linemen sneak into the first round. Georgia Tech\u2019s Keylan Rutledge has generally been viewed as a Day 2 option. There\u2019s no shame in admitting he would likely be viewed as a reach this high in the process. Yet fit isn\u2019t taken into consideration enough when it comes to a prospect\u2019s success or failure. The Los Angeles Chargers need upgrades at both guard spots. Right now, two failed former first-round picks, Trevor Penning and Cole Strange, are projected to start. The Chargers can\u2019t be entirely comfortable with that setup after all of the issues the team experienced last season along the offensive line. Rutledge has the throwback mentality that\u2019s perfect for a Jim Harbaugh offense. He\u2019s physical and nasty. At the same time, his movement skills are good enough to mesh what whatever variation of Mike McDaniel\u2019s offense is implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n

Analyst\u2019s player rankings are often different from that of NFL scouts and general manager\u2019s. If Rutledge is a player the Chargers like and feel would be a good fit, they should pull the trigger and not overthink it. Rutledge is a mauler at 6-foot-4 and 316 pounds who should be an excellent run blocker right off the bat.<\/p>\n

He may need some development as a pass blocker, but has all the traits to do so. Rutledge could immediately plug in as the starter at left guard. That would complete Los Angeles\u2019 offensive line nicely, and Penning would provide solid depth. Adding Rutledge would provide quarterback Justin Herbert with extra protection, and elevate the Chargers\u2019 rushing attack to top tier status.<\/p>\n

Chargers Can Go Best Player Available With Most Draft Picks\"Joe<\/p>\n

GettyChargers GM Joe Hortiz<\/p>\n

Some believe the the Chargers weren\u2019t aggressive enough during free agency, especially considering they had nearly $100 million in salary cap space to work with. However, NFL insider Albert Breer recently made a great counterpoint<\/a> to that argument.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know every fan base wants to see their team take the big swing and bring in the flashy vet,\u201d Breer said. \u201cThe Chargers were an 11-win team despite all the attrition. They have their core guys. And with a little internal improvement, some mid-level signings hitting, and improved health, this crew will be a threat in the AFC.\u201d<\/p>\n

Los Angeles has picks in each of the first four rounds of the draft, and could find impact players with any of them. The Chargers also still have plenty of cap space if they want to continue to strengthen their roster after the draft.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNick Roesch<\/a> Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Chargers\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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