Chargers Mock Draft 2027: Bolts Land Oklahoma DT David Stone at No. 17

Good morning, Chargers fans. It’s September 22, 2026, and the Bolts are staring at an 0-2 start that already feels like a five-alarm fire. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the trajectory in Los Angeles is firmly downward after two weeks, and with the league’s most difficult schedule from Week Three onward, a top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft is suddenly a very real possibility. But not so fast, says Yahoo Sports analyst Curt Popejoy, whose updated 2027 mock draft still has the Chargers picking at No. 17 — a projection that implies a miraculous 8-9 win turnaround. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, that finish would be a welcome relief for a fan base that has already seen its share of nightmares this season.

Why David Stone Fits the Chargers’ Blueprint

At pick No. 17, Popejoy has the Chargers selecting Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone. Standing 6-foot-3 and listed at 315 pounds, Stone is remarkably lean for his mass, offering the versatility to play anywhere along the interior defensive line. His excellent get-off and notable length give him legitimate pass-rush upside — a rare combination for a player his size. While defensive tackle may not be the Chargers’ most glaring need next offseason, adding a blue-chip talent at an impact position is never a bad fallback if an elite offensive lineman or skill player isn’t available. As highlighted on Vulius, this is the kind of pick that can transform a defense for a decade.

Chargers News: Takeaways from Jim Harbaugh’s Presser

Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the media on Monday, and the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has five key takeaways from his press conference. Harbaugh remains steadfast in his belief that the ship can be righted, but the numbers don’t lie: the Chargers’ start to the season has been a complete nightmare. Entering Week Three, there are five things every fan needs to know, including injury updates and schematic adjustments. Meanwhile, stock reports for each Chargers rookie after Week 2 reveal a mixed bag — some promising flashes, but plenty of growing pains.

Around the NFL: Quarterback Shakeups and More

In other NFL news, the Giants may have dodged a bullet — or not — as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL against the Rams. According to ESPN, Dart’s status is uncertain, but early indications suggest he avoided a season-ending injury. In Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. will start for the Falcons in Week Three, per CBS Sports, as the team looks to spark its offense. The Rams’ dominant win over the Giants taught us plenty, including that Los Angeles’ defense is for real. Meanwhile, Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted his team doesn’t know what it is yet — a candid assessment after a shaky start. The Colts are signing wide receiver Darius Slayton, adding a vertical threat for Anthony Richardson. And in Carolina, the Panthers’ decision to pass on a Bryce Young extension could come back to haunt them, as Sports Illustrated explores the risky bet on their franchise quarterback.

The Road Ahead for the Bolts

For the Chargers, the path forward is daunting. The schedule only gets tougher, and if the losses pile up, the front office will have to weigh short-term pride against long-term gain. A top-five pick could yield a franchise-altering talent, but a mid-first-round selection like No. 17 might still land a difference-maker like David Stone. As the season unfolds, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to track every development, from the draft war room to the practice field. For now, Chargers fans can only hope that Harbaugh’s message resonates and that the nightmare start gives way to a dream finish.