The 2026 Chargers draft class focused heavily on replenishing the trenches and adding explosive speed to the offense.
Following the selection of eight new players, these six veterans face the most immediate impact on their roles or roster security.
OL Trevor Penning
After being acquired via trade last season and appearing in seven games with four starts, Penning re-signed to a one-year deal. Previously slated as the starting left guard, Penning will now be in a competition for the job after the team drafted Jake Slaughter in the second round.
OT Trey Pipkins
Ahead of the draft, Pipkins was seen as the frontrunner to be the team’s swing tackle. But now, he will be fighting for that spot this summer after the Chargers took Travis Burke in the fourth round. Burke, the 6-foot-9 and 325-pound offensive tackle, has a lot of upside.
EDGE Bud Dupree
The Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor with their first-round pick. Mesidor will serve as the third edge rusher behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. But now, the rotational spot on the depth chart is up in the air, with Dupree potentially being on the outside looking in. He must now fight sophomore Kyle Kennard for the spot. Kennard has the slight edge because he offers more special teams value. Additionally, undrafted free agent Nadame Tucker, who played under defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary at Western Michigan in 2025, could also push for the spot.
DT Scott Matlock
Matlock faces a roster squeeze from both sides of his hybrid role. The team signed veteran fullback Alec Ingold and drafted Nick Barrett in the fifth round, leaving Matlock without a clear path to meaningful snaps.
WR Derius Davis
Davis’s roster spot as a designated return specialist is directly threatened by fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson. Thompson’s elite speed and special teams potential make Davis more expendable if he doesn’t produce in training camp. It also doesn’t help Davis’ case that he missed multiple stretches of games due to injuries in 2025.
S Kendall Williamson
The Chargers added another safety to the mix with the selection of Genesis Smith in the fourth round. With the Los Angeles utilizing three-safety looks, Smith will be in the mix to play alongside Derwin James Jr. and Elijah Molden. Technically, Tony Jefferson and R.J. Mickens should be listed as their playing time could be in jeopardy. But I listed Williamson because he might not have a roster spot come September. Williamson was a core special teams player last season, but will it be enough to warrant a spot over Smith or any of the other two safeties?
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 6 Chargers who could be impacted the most by the draft selections
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
