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Chargers Eye Thibodeaux, But Character Concerns Loom

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 8:29 GMT by Heavy.com
      Locales: California, Oregon, Texas, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 26th, 2026 - As the NFL Combine wraps up and the draft season truly kicks into gear, the Los Angeles Chargers are emerging as a team keenly interested in Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, though not without significant reservations. Reports indicate the Chargers view Thibodeaux as a potential trade target, but his plummeting draft stock due to character concerns presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the team.

Just two years ago, Thibodeaux was widely considered a surefire top-five pick, even a potential number one overall selection. However, whispers surrounding his work ethic and off-field conduct have persisted, creating a cloud of uncertainty that has drastically altered his projected landing spot. NFL Network's Steve Whaley recently stated that "a strong sense" exists that Thibodeaux will fall out of the top 10, opening a window for teams like the Chargers to potentially acquire him.

The Chargers' Pass Rush Predicament: Beyond Joey Bosa

The Chargers' interest isn't surprising. Despite the continued excellence of veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa, the team consistently struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Bosa, while still a force, can't single-handedly anchor the entire pass rush, and the team's depth at the position lacks the explosiveness needed to consistently disrupt offenses. The Chargers finished 21st in the league in sacks last season, a statistic they desperately need to improve if they hope to contend for a championship. Relying solely on Bosa to consistently win one-on-one matchups isn't a sustainable strategy, particularly with his age and injury history.

Trading for or drafting Thibodeaux would provide an immediate injection of talent and potentially form a dynamic duo off the edge. Thibodeaux's athleticism, power, and pass-rushing repertoire could complement Bosa's technique and experience, creating a nightmare scenario for opposing offensive lines. Analysts point to the successful pairing of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney in Cleveland as a model for what the Chargers could achieve. However, the 'if' regarding Thibodeaux remains enormous.

Staley's Scheme and the Risk Assessment

Head coach Brandon Staley and defensive coordinator Blake Boyer are known for their aggressive, complex defensive schemes that demand versatile players capable of adapting to multiple roles. Thibodeaux's skillset aligns well with this philosophy. He possesses the speed and agility to rush from a variety of angles and the strength to hold his own against bigger offensive tackles. Boyer has spoken extensively about the importance of 'positionless' defenders, and Thibodeaux certainly fits that mold.

However, Staley and Boyer must weigh the potential on-field benefits against the off-field concerns. Reports detailing a perceived lack of dedication to film study and inconsistent effort during practices are raising red flags for teams. While some dismiss these concerns as typical draft-season smoke screens, others see them as legitimate character flaws that could hinder Thibodeaux's development and impact team chemistry. The Chargers, having recently dealt with internal issues on the offensive side of the ball, are likely approaching this situation with heightened caution.

The Draft Day Gamble: Moving Up or Waiting to Fall?

The Chargers currently hold the 15th overall pick in the draft. Moving up to secure Thibodeaux would likely require trading multiple draft assets, potentially including their first-round pick next year. This is a significant price to pay for a player with known character concerns. The team will need to thoroughly vet Thibodeaux, conducting extensive interviews and background checks to assess the validity of the reports and his willingness to address those concerns.

If Thibodeaux falls to the Chargers at pick 15, it would be a difficult decision to pass on him, given their need for a pass rusher and his potential upside. However, they risk setting a precedent that character flaws are acceptable, potentially disrupting the team's culture. Waiting to see if he falls further is a gamble, as another team could swoop in if they believe they can rehabilitate his image. The possibility exists that Thibodeaux could be available in the second round, but that feels increasingly unlikely.

Ultimately, the Chargers' decision will hinge on a delicate balance of risk and reward. Kayvon Thibodeaux remains a tantalizing prospect, but his character concerns are a major obstacle that could derail his NFL career. The Chargers must determine whether the potential upside outweighs the inherent risks before making a potentially franchise-altering move.