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Jim Harbaugh is entering his third year as head coach of the LA Chargers
Chris O’Leary is gearing up for his first NFL Draft as the defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Western Michigan DC has some big shoes to fill, replacing Jesse Minter, who helped the Bolts’ defense average 20 points per game allowed last season, the ninth-fewest in the league.
With the draft coming up in less than a month now, the Chargers can make some key additions to help the first-year defensive coordinator.
Chargers Predicted to Select Safety with 22nd Pick
GettyChargers are predicted to select a safety from a G5 school
The Bolts had one of the best pass defenses in the league last season, allowing 179.9 pass yards per game, the fifth-fewest in the league and could add a quality rookie to the DB room to help the first-year defensive coordinator.
ESPN’s Field Yates drafted his latest mock draft and predicts the Bolts will select safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from then University of Toledo with the 22nd overall pick of the draft.
“In this year’s deep safety class, McNeil-Warren has a strong shot to be the third one off the board in the first round. He is extremely fluid and long, with great play vision and natural disruption skills. He forced three fumbles in 2025, while recording 12 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons,” Yates wrote.
“The Chargers have needs at edge and guard to address in the draft, but safety is a sneaky area where they need to get younger. Derwin James Jr. will be a 30-year-old free agent next offseason.”
James continues to play at a high level, earning a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod last season, but may depart after this upcoming season. McNeil-Warren can learn under one of the better safety/nickel corners of the last few years for a season and could be slotted to be a full-time starter if James departs.
Pro Football Focus graded McNeil-Warren as the second-best safety in the country (out of 914 qualifying), with a 91 coverage grade and an 83.2 run defense grade.
A threat in multiple aspects, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would make a strong addition to Chris O’Leary’s defense.
Field Yates Second Round Mock Prediction
GettyThe Bolts are predicted to bolster the O-line in the draft
Pro Football Focus ranked the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line as the third-worst in the league for the 2025 season. Justin Herbert was sacked 54 times last season, the third-most, just one more sack away from being tied for first.
The Chargers have made some additions to the offensive line through free agency, but still need to do some more work.
Field Yates predicts the Bolts will select Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon with the team’s second pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“While the Chargers’ offense will look different under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, coach Jim Harbaugh will always have an affinity for big, powerful linemen,” Yates wrote. “Pregnon certainly fits that bill at 314 pounds with an 82⅞-inch wingspan. He forced defensive players into business decisions during stops at Idaho, USC and Oregon. The Chargers’ need for interior O-line help is well-documented.”
PFF graded Pregnon as the second-best guard in the country with an 88 pass protection grade and 88.3 run block grade, both in the top 11 of the highest in the country.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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