Chargers enter 2026 preseason deeper & more physical

The Chargers enter the 2026 preseason in one of the healthier positions they’ve been in for several years. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz, the roster has become deeper, more physical, and more balanced around quarterback Justin Herbert. The front office’s moves suggest they believe they’re transitioning from “playoff team” to legitimate AFC contender.

2026 Draft Class

The Chargers emphasized toughness in the trenches while adding speed at skill positions.

The biggest takeaway from the draft is obvious: Harbaugh wanted to reinforce both offensive and defensive lines.

Strengths entering preseason

Quarterback

Justin Herbert remains one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. If he stays healthy, the Chargers’ ceiling is extremely high.

Offensive line

The line is becoming a true strength.

• Rashawn Slater anchors the left side.
• Joe Alt has developed into one of the league’s better young tackles.
• Jake Slaughter adds another potential long-term starter inside.
• The additional draft picks improve depth considerably.

Running game

Harbaugh continues building a physical offense. The Chargers want to control games instead of relying solely on Herbert throwing 40+ times.

Defense

The defense features an aggressive front seven with improved depth after adding Mesidor and Barrett. They should generate more consistent pressure without blitzing constantly.

Biggest questions

Wide receiver consistency

The Chargers added speed with Brenen Thompson, but they’ll need reliable production behind their established veterans.

Edge depth

Mesidor should help immediately, but the pass rush still isn’t as deep as teams like Kansas City or Baltimore.

Interior offensive line chemistry

Several new faces mean preseason reps will be important.

Are they ready for preseason?

Yes.

This roster looks far more complete than it did a year ago.

Training camp battles worth watching include:

• Jake Slaughter vs. veteran interior linemen
• Brenen Thompson’s role in the receiving rotation
• Travis Burke and Alex Harkey competing for backup tackle spots
• Mesidor’s role in pass-rush packages

Unlike previous seasons, there aren’t many glaring holes. Most competitions are about depth rather than filling major weaknesses.

2026 Season Outlook

Floor

9–8

If injuries hit or the young draft class develops slowly, the Chargers are still good enough to hover around .500.

Expected

11–6 or 12–5

This feels like the most realistic projection. Herbert is in his prime, Harbaugh has had multiple years to establish his culture, and the roster is balanced across all three phases.

Ceiling

13–4 and an AFC West title.

If the offensive line becomes one of the league’s best and the young defenders contribute early, Los Angeles has enough talent to compete with teams like Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, and Cincinnati.

Overall Grade

• Offense: A-
• Defense: B+
• Special Teams: B+
• Coaching: A
• Draft: A-

Overall: A- (about 8.8–9/10)

This is arguably the deepest Chargers roster of the Herbert era. The team appears genuinely prepared for preseason, with the focus shifting from rebuilding to refining roles and integrating rookies. If they stay relatively healthy, they should be firmly in the AFC playoff race and have a realistic shot at making a deep postseason run.

Go Chargers!