It would be hyperbolic to suggest that things are going very well for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, each of whom left September with Super Bowl aspirations before adversity took hold.
But both are in playoff position with a lot to gain from a win on Monday Night Football. And yet, as injuries and inconsistencies threaten their championship hopes, they can look to April as a launching pad for a run in 2026.
Let's take a look at how things could shake out during the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft to get these teams back on track.
Philadelphia Eagles three-round mock draft
Round 1, Pick 27: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
There are few marriages as strong as general manager Howie Roseman and high-value positions in Round 1. Before the selection of linebacker Jihaad Campbell in 2025, Philadelphia had made 13 consecutive first-round selections at quarterback, receiver, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, edge rusher and cornerback.
Prioritizing the passing game is important, and Overton would insulate the defensive line along the edge. However, it seems unlikely that Overton becomes a consistent 10-sack guy at the next level. Instead, he is an NFL-ready run defender whom the Eagles can feel good about playing early downs, especially with the slight (but effective) Nolan Smith on the other side of the line.
Round 2, Pick 59: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
It would not be a surprise if Philadelphia took a tackle in Round 1, preparing for life without Lane Johnson. Getting a potential Day 1 prospect this late into the second round would be a victory in itself.
Goosby is coming off an exceptional season at left tackle, but he also has experience at right tackle, playing well against SEC competition in 2024. He wouldn't have to play in Year 1 and would have the chance to graduate from Jeff Stoutland University. That blend of upside and developmental environment is what makes Philadelphia's world go 'round.
Round 3, Pick 69: Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
Let's get this out of the way: It's probably not happening. Still, at some point, the Eagles are going to have a Jalen Hurts discussion, especially if the next search for an offensive coordinator doesn't look to solve the issues over the middle of the field. In drafting Hurts in the first place, Roseman showed that taking a developmental option is possible (and could be successful), even with a perceived franchise quarterback in place.
Sorsby checks the measurable and athletic boxes. He can rip off big scrambles, be utilized as a part of the ground game and has a surplus of arm talent. Sorsby keeps the ball out of harm's way and can be aggressive downfield -- much like Hurts.
MORE: SEC Championship Game sends Ty Simpson's 2026 NFL Draft stock spiraling
Tanner McKee might be the reason why Philadelphia doesn't draft a passer, but the possibility shouldn't be written off entirely. As a Day 2 option who's more willing to test the middle of the field, Sorsby is a candidate to help the Eagles shock the football world.
Round 3, Pick 98: Jalon Kilgore, SAF, South Carolina
It seems like every year, something goes wrong in Philadelphia's secondary, particularly at safety. It's a position the team doesn't prioritize, and a weakness it is willing to live with.
Andrew Mukuba and Reed Blankenship will continue to see the field, but adding a versatile piece like Kilgore could put them in more favorable roles. Kilgore has experience in the slot and at safety, and while he isn't an elite athlete, he is comfortable in underneath zones and physical against the run. Kilgore doesn't need massive upside to help this defense in 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers three-round mock draft
Round 1, Pick 20: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen is an old-school linebacker (without a debilitating lack of athleticism). Against the run, he is fast, physical and decisive. He has the traits to elevate the floor of a unit while driving home its brute strength.
Los Angeles doesn't have a ton of holes, and pairing Allen with Daiyan Henley would create one of the best second levels in the sport. The Chargers will be prime candidates to trade down once again. Allen, though, is an adequate consolation.
Round 2, Pick 52: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
Los Angeles could use a new partner in crime for Derwin James Jr., too. Rams ey is a three-year starter who has consistently made an impact in coverage over the top, in the box and in the slot.
There are concerns about his size against NFL run games, although he did completely clean up his tackling concerns as a redshirt junior. If he can exceed the expectations of a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, newfound upside in coverage could boost his stock as the NFL Draft approaches.
Round 3, Pick 84: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
This isn't the first time I've mocked Lew to Los Angeles. It won't be the last.
Bradley Bozeman is one of the worst starting centers in the NFL, and Lew could be a plug-and-play starter. A torn ACL changes the math, both in his immediate NFL projection and his decision to declare as a junior.
Even so, Lew has Sunday skills as a pass protector and held his own in his transition to SEC competition. Rebuilding the interior is a priority, and in Round 3, the prospect quality and draft capital intersect.
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