With the 145th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select defensive tackle Nick Barrett out of the University of South Carolina.
The 6’3, 312-pound Barrett was a one-year starter for the Gamecocks who played 39 games as a reserve before starting all 12 games in 2025. He ended his final collegiate season with 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and a pass breakup. He was also named a team captain for 2025, as well.
Barrett is best suited
as a two-gapping nose tackle where he can use his bulk to plug up running lanes. He does not offer much in the was of rushing the passer, but he has the strength to push the pocket and help clean up sacks should the coverage force the quarterback to hold onto the ball too long.
Barrett now enters a defensive line room that features the newly-extended Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, 2025 third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, and Scott Matlock.
