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The 2026 NFL Combine begins their on-air coverage today with both the defensive linemen and linebackers taking the field for the 40-yard dash and other athletic testing. There’s quite a few standout players at both positions and the Chargers will have likely have their eyes on a number of them.
As we get set to start taking the week’s athletic feats, here’s a quick batch of players I’d like to see the Chargers keep a close eye on in Indianapolis.
DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
A mountain of a man nicknamed “The Fridge”, Hunter has the chance to be the first defensive tackle off the board. He was key in making the Red Raiders’ defense one of the best in the nation which allowed Tech to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
At nearly 6’4 and 318 pounds. Hunter is a stout, two-gaping defensive tackle with the natural girth and length to be a disruptor in the middle. He’ll need to show some more athleticism to prove he can be a solid three-down player at the next level, but there’s more than enough here for him to affect the game on those first two downs.
DT Dominique Orange, Iowa State
“The Big Citrus” is a promising interior defender with good size (6’2, 322) and massive mitts (10.5 inches). He succeeds as a run defender who strains and wins with solid technique and an ability to recover even if he loses immediately off the snap. Scouts have called him a “non-factor” as a pass rusher so there’s an obvious shortcoming in his game, but that shows just how much they also love his run defense. His quick reaction time helps him avoid being ear-holed on down blocks and hold his ground at the point of attack.
He’ll likely come off the board on day two, which is where I’d prefer the Bolts take an interior defender, if at all.
EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Jacas is a player who reportedly has many more fans amongst inner league circles compared to those on the outside. He has great length at 6’4 and 260 with 33-inch arms and 10-inch hands. The tape shows a player with standout strength at the point of attack who will rag-doll tight ends should an offense choose to leave them one-on-one.
An anonymous NFC scout called Jacas a “play-through-your-face-type” player and that line alone is enough to make me intrigued. If the Chargers are unable to keep the trio of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh together for 2026, Jacas is a name I’d love to see the Bolts look into with their second-round pick.
EDGE Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Tucker led the nation in sacks with 14.5 while being coached by new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary. That’s an impressive true statement about him because the 2025 season was first season as a full-time player at the FBS level.
At 6’2 and 247 pounds, Tucker is on the smaller with average length (31 3/8 inches) and small hands (9 inches). Expectations are that he’ll have to take some more time to acclimate to the pro level, but his natural feel for the game that he showed this past season may earn him an early role as a designated pass rusher. Tucker will surely be picked late on day three, but the Chargers could do a lot worse with a dart throw than reuniting him with O’Leary in a defense he already understands.