LAC

Chargers

AFC WestOFF: Wide ZoneDEF: Sound Multiple

1st Pick

#22

Scheme ConfidenceTier 2Partial Continuity

Jim Harbaugh returns as head coach but brings in two new coordinators, creating a mixed transition scenario. McDaniel's offensive projection carries high confidence because he has extensive playcalling data showing a Shotgun Spread approach that translates to Wide Zone concepts. His 74.8% shotgun rate and heavy motion usage (74.0%) represents a notable shift from last season's 67.2% shotgun rate under Greg Roman. The defense presents more uncertainty as O'Leary has no empirical data or clear coaching tree, defaulting to Sound Multiple principles. With Harbaugh's continuity anchoring the overall system but significant coordinator changes, the scheme identity sits in moderate flux.

Positional Needs

EDGEHIGH

5.1

LBHIGH

5.1

WRMODERATE

4.9

IDLMODERATE

4.9

DBMODERATE

4.7

OLMODERATE

4.6

TEMODERATE

4.2

QBMODERATE

3.7

RBMODERATE

3.5

Coaching & Scheme

Head CoachJim Harbaugh

Mike McDanielNew

Chris O'LearyNew

Wide ZoneHigh conf

Outside zone rushing, play-action, bootleg

Source: empirical

Sound MultipleLow conf

Multiple fronts, assignment-sound, zone coverage

Source: default

2026 Draft Capital

Rd 1

#22

Rd 2

#55

Rd 3

#86

Rd 4

#123

Rd 6

#204

Key Roster Moves

ADDED8

CTyler BiadaszWAS$10.0M

TECharlie KolarBAL$8.1M

DEDalvin TomlinsonARI$6.2M

RBKeaton MitchellBAL$4.6M

FBAlec IngoldMIA$3.8M

LOST24

CBBenjamin St-Juste→ GB

DTOtito Ogbonnia→ DAL

TETyler Conklin→ DET

TAustin Deculus→ TEN

GJamaree Salyer→ MIA

Roster Traits & Gaps

Arm Talent

Scheme weight: 0.9×

Decision Making

Scheme weight: 1.1×

Mobility & Playmaking

610.02 gap

Scheme weight: 1.4× (critical)

Pocket Presence

580.03 gap

Scheme weight: 0.8×

Production Volume

Scheme weight: 0.9×

Roster Overview

1 of 1 contributors

Justin Herbert

Key Concerns

▸Run support in the secondary grades at absolute zero, creating a large vulnerability for any defense but especially problematic for Sound Multiple concepts built around assignment discipline.

▸The linebacker group shows poor run defense (29.6) and coverage (29.6) traits, failing to provide the versatile middle level the Sound Multiple scheme requires.

▸Interior pass rush remains nearly nonexistent at 19.3, limiting the defense's ability to generate pressure from multiple fronts.

▸Key veterans Mack and James both have contracts expiring after 2026, creating potential leadership voids on both sides of the ball.

▸Offensive line athleticism ranks poorly at 29.1, which could limit the effectiveness of McDaniel's zone blocking concepts that demand lateral mobility.

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