The Chargers got “out-physicaled” by the Jaguars this past Sunday. Didn’t matter what phase of the game, it simply looked like the Chargers did not want to be out on that field and no one wanted anything to do with stopping Jacksonville from inflicting their will.
That’s why it may be time to start looking at how the Chargers can keep from ever having this happen again under Jim Harbaugh. The team “attempted” to reinforce the trenches, but the signing of guard Mekhi Becton, and the lack of signings
made for the defensive interior, are showing just how wrong they were almost every week.
Its time to start looking forward to April’s draft, in some capacity, as we can almost tell which players will and will not likely be in the powder blue next season.
To get us rolling, here’s an optimistic look at what the Chargers could do with their first and second picks, should they end up somewhere in the mid to late sections of each round.
Pick 1: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Chargers took a low-ceiling swing at Mekhi Becton this offseason in hopes he’d continue his strong play after winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Instead of anything like that, he’s been in and out of the lineup all season and hasn’t been great when healthy (at least healthy enough to play).
Los Angeles cannot afford another offseason where they don’t invest heavy resources into the interior protection for Justin Herbert. What they did this past offseason was inching towards malpractice given how things have turned out thus far. Yes, the injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt could not have been foreseen, but in a world where luck favors the prepared, Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh needed to at least let this worst-case scenario cross their minds.
Enter one of the draft’s top guard prospects in Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane from Penn State. The 6’4, 328-pound blocker is a force up front who plays with rock-steady fundamentals reinforced by massive size and strength. is skillset should suit him well across all offenses, but he’s likely best used in gap schemes where he can clear out space and plow lanes open for his backs.
As a pass protector, he shows a patience that keeps him ready for whatever pass rushers want to throw at him. He knows when to punish jumpers looking for a deflection, as well.
While Penn State has not been a great team this year, Ioane was a major reason why their ground game helped lead them to a spot in the College Football Playoff a season ago.
Pick 2: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Styles is a converted safety who has quickly built himself into a true three-down linebacker for the Buckeyes. At 6’4 and 243 pounds, there isn’t much ‘tweener left in his game. His big, physical, and has sustained a notable level of athleticism despite the weight gain. In his first season as a second-level defender, Styles totaled 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.4 sacks with five pass breakups and a forced fumble.
This season is his second full season at linebacker and he’s doing more of the same for the Buckeyes, despite being a little less productive compared to 2024. In nine games, Styles has 57 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, an interception, two pass breakups, and another forced fumble for the top-ranked team in the country.
Now I’ll be honest here and say there’s a decent chance Styles is long gone before the Chargers select in the second round, but like I said above in the intro, this is an optimistic look. Also, off-ball linebackers aren’t valued that high in the draft and Styles’ teammate Arvell Reese has been overshadowing him for the majority of the season.
Still, Styles’ ability to be a three-down player will also keep his value afloat no matter what scouts want to label him as. I’m very willing to accept this is a dream scenario, but after the loss the Chargers just had, it’s not a bad thing to want to hope, right?
