ESPN’s Field Yates reinforces need for trench upgrades in new 2026 mock
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The Chargers seemingly have a clear path to one of the draft’s best prospects who also happens to play one of the most crucial positions the team needs to address this offseason.
Penn State’s Vega Ioane is widely viewed as the consensus top offensive guard in the draft class. He’s a 6’4, 330-pound mauler who was pivotal in the success of the Nittany Lions’ rushing attack the past two seasons. He’s also very stout in pass protection as he’s allowed zero sacks since the start of the 2024 season.
In Field Yates’ newest mock from ESPN
“No fan base needs to be reminded less on the importance of offensive line play and health than the Chargers’ faithful. Los Angeles allowed 60 sacks last season while quarterback Justin Herbert was hit more than any other signal-caller. The return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater from injury will go a long way, as will the hiring of Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator, but the interior needs reinforcements.”
“Enter Ioane, a no-nonsense, rugged guard who is perhaps the most physical offensive player in the class. He’s a body-mover as a run blocker and terrific in pass protection, not allowing a single sack over the past two seasons.“
Ioane was a Second-Team All-Big Ten in Big Ten after helping Penn State reach the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions regressed mightily in 2025 and that led to the eventual firing of James Franklin as head coach. Despite the overall team falling short of expectations as a whole, Vega still showed just h0w good he was as an individual en route to earning First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American honors.
While not the greatest athlete at the position, Vega knows exactly how to use his massive body efficiently. He knows how to get ahead of twitchier pass rushers and his first-step quickness off the line eliminates room for error. He’s on his man hastily and once he’s got his powerful mitts on them, it’s usually a wrap for that defender.
This draft season is seemingly going to be one filled with a lot of the same names throughout mock drafts over the next 2.5 months. Ioane is going to end up, most likely, being the most popular name paired with the Chargers. That is, barring an insane draft circuit for Ioane that drives him up draft boards to be a consensus top-15 pick, but that’s usually a rarity for a position like offensive guard (unless your name is Quenton Nelson).
