The Los Angeles Chargers consistently seem on the precipice of becoming a primary AFC contender. But perception is not always reality. Despite posting far more winning seasons than losing, the Chargers haven’t made it past the Wild Card in almost a decade, and the last time they even saw the AFC Championship game was 2007.
In our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, commenter anhonestmess will try to get the Chargers over the hump.
Before we get to the pick, head to our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community
Mock Draft tracker. There you’ll find the previous 21 picks, along with links to each article and a grade for each pick, as decided by you, the readers. Don’t forget to cast your vote for each pick with the poll at the bottom of the articles.
Now, onto this pick:
With the 22nd pick in the 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select Kadyn Proctor, offensive lineman out of Alabama.
Here’s anhonestmess explaining the pick:
I assume if you’re reading this, your question is why are the Chargers spending a third first-round pick in five years on tackle when Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater have been good. The short answer is that I have Kadyn Proctor taking over for the exiting Mekhi Becton as the giant, mauling guard who, hopefully, means that Justin Herbert finally has time to throw and helps Omarion Hampton break out figuratively and literally. I think he even fits into Mike McDaniels’ desire to get everyone on the move. He has a (unofficial) RAS speed score of good and explosive score of great. He even carried the ball five times for the Crimson Tide.
But further than that, Joe Alt has missed almost a full year in his first two, and Rashawn Slater has missed two full years in his five under contract. Herbert is simply too important to this organization for him to be under duress like he was last season. More than maybe any other team, the Chargers need OT3 to be someone that they can rely on.
I think Joe Hortiz will love Proctor’s size and speed. And even if he takes time to develop in pass protection, he will be an immediate plus in the run game and (hopefully) planted between two very good players in Slater and Tyler Biadasz who can help cover for any potential rookie struggles.
Justin Herbert MVP season loading.
Time to grade the pick. Vote in the poll below and share your expanded thoughts in the comment section:
