Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers could feasibly go with several positions in the first round of this years draft.
Interior offensive linemen certainly seems like it’s at the top of the list. Behind that should be probably be defensive tackle followed closely by edge rusher.
We all know how bad the interior protection has been this season. That one speaks for itself. But even with the defense playing as well as it has been, the future of the trenches on that side is cloudy. Veteran Khalil Mack could very well retire after this season. In-season acquisition Odafe Oweh will also be a free agent this offseason.
Along the interior, current starters Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand are playing on a one-year contract. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell figures to compete for a starting spot in 2026 if either of those two do not return, but behind that is an underwhelming bunch.
In this new mock draft from Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick, the Chargers use the 26th-overall pick on Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell who is in the midst of a very productive season for the CFP-bound Aggies.
Here’s what Flick had to say about the pairing:
‘‘The Chargers have greater needs on their interior offensive line, but the value doesn’t align here. Los Angeles should extend Tuli Tuipulotu this offseason, but it also faces free agency questions with Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack. Howell, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after recording 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, would give the Chargers youth, twitch and violence off the edge. At 6′ 2″ and 249 pounds, Howell will be knocked for his size and isn’t an elite run defender, but he should make an early impact on passing downs.”
Howell spent his first three collegiate seasons at Bowling Green where he broke out in 2023 with 9.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. After showing his potential that year, he transferred to the Power 4 level and immediately made his presence felt for A&M.
In his first season while playing in a rotational role alongside several future NFL draft picks, Howell recorded four sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. This season, Howell upped his game as a full-time starter, notching a career-high 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss to go with six pass breakups and another forced fumble.
Howell was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American by numerous publications.
Rookie edge rusher Kyle Kennard — the team’s fourth-round pick in 2025 — was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s been a healthy scratch for the majority of the season and is seemingly taking a redshirt year at the pro level. If Kennard does not take a leap in his progression, the Chargers may be forced to used a higher draft pick at the position and Howell looks like one heck of a player to utilize in Jesse Minter’s defense.
