LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

OFF SEASON CHANGES

The front office fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and hired Mike McDaniel, overhauled the interior line with center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange, and lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Ravens' head-coaching job, replacing him with longtime Harbaugh assistant Chris O'Leary. McDaniel is a great hire for the Bolts – it’ll be fun to see how he can unlock more of Herbert’s talents and get this run game going as well. The big focus is protecting Herbert more – he was the most pressured QB in the league last season. Keenan Allen is gone and that should open up more opportunities for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

QUATERBACKS

There is no doubt Justin Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. He’s put up 20+ passing TDs in every season as a pro and hasn’t had a completion percentage below 65%. That’s despite being one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the league – last season the Chargers allowed a league-worst 42.5% pressure rate. Both starting tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, are expected back healthy after injury-shortened 2025 seasons. That should make a big difference for Herbert, along with new OC Mike McDaniel who is one of the most creative, offensive-minded coaches in the league. Herbert is recently engaged and looks locked in for the season, I think he could be a real MVP candidate if the Chargers deliver on their expectations.

RUNNING BACKS

Omarion Hampton returns for his second NFL season and will be the lead back in what should be a far more stable offensive infrastructure under new OC Mike McDaniel. Hampton missed eight games through injury last season but is looking healthy through training camp. Once again I’m excited to see what Mike McDaniel can do with him. We saw De’Von Achane produce huge numbers under McDaniel and Hampton has similar speed and agility. FanDuel has set Hampton’s rushing line at 925.5 yards, which is high, however he was well on track to cover that line last season before his injury. Kimani Vidal is listed as the backup and he had some great games last year while Hampton was injured. Vidal had 3 games of 100+ rushing yards and ended the season with 643 yards. Look out for Keaton Mitchell too – the former Raven has serious speed and if he can stay healthy he should feature in the offense.

RECEIVERS

Keenan Allen has moved on from the Chargers and it leaves Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as the main men. Both offer very different traits. Johnston is a real downfield and aerial threat standing at 6 foot 2. He had 735 yards and 8 touchdowns in a breakout season last year but I think his numbers will improve again in 2026. McConkey had a bit of a sophomore slump after an amazing rookie season, but still managed 789 yards and 6 touchdowns. McConkey is one of the best in the NFL at finding space and getting yards after the catch. The Chargers also have a very exciting tight end duo with David Njoku arriving from Cleveland and second-year big man Oronde Gadsden. Both are great pass catchers and will give Herbert a nice safety blanket. There’s plenty to be excited about here for Chargers fans.

DEFENCE

Khalil Mack, PFF's 12th-ranked edge rusher in 2025, returns on a fresh deal as the headline piece of a defense that finished seventh in weighted DVOA last season. Derwin James signed a three-year extension to stay the anchor of the secondary, and new coordinator Chris O'Leary inherits a genuinely talented roster even after Minter's departure. The Chargers allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game last year so the secondary definitely did its part. They were also a top-10 run defense. All the pieces are there but the focus will be on improving the offense this season.