The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to strengthen their interior offensive line, and one intriguing prospect flying under the radar is Beau Stephens from Iowa.
This offseason, the Chargers have been cautious in enhancing their offensive line through free agency. While they have added depth, significant questions linger as the draft approaches. With at least one of their five picks likely dedicated to the offensive line, possibly two, the Chargers find themselves in an unusual position regarding the draft order and the top guards available.
The Chargers hold the 22nd overall pick in the first round and the 55th pick in the second round. Among the guards expected to be selected in this range is Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State, who may even challenge for a top ten spot in the draft. Although some mock drafts suggest he could fall to 22, the chances of that happening are minimal.
Following Ioane, there are other capable guards like Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon and Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M. Both are regarded as potential day-one starters, but selecting either at 22 might be premature, as analysts estimate their draft range begins in the mid-20s and extends to about pick 40. If the Chargers miss out on the elite guards due to their draft positioning, they will need to consider the next tier of prospects.
The debate surrounding the order of the next tier of guards includes several players likely transitioning from tackle to guard. Kadyn Proctor from Alabama is a raw talent who would require development, while Gennings Dunker from Iowa is known for his intense playing style and distinctive hair. Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech is another noteworthy prospect, recognized for his tough play in the trenches. However, one name consistently overlooked by national media is Iowa”s Beau Stephens.
Stephens has caught my attention for some time. The Iowa offensive line was awarded the Joe Moore Award in 2025 as the nation”s best, outperforming several strong units from Oregon and Indiana. While Dunker and center Logan Jones have garnered much of the spotlight, Stephens has quietly excelled.
He fits perfectly into a Shanahan-style offense. Stephens is explosive off the snap and effectively tracks down second-level defenders. Remarkably, he has not allowed a sack since 2022, and in the entire 2025 season, he surrendered only four pressures, achieving an impressive 99.3 pass-blocking efficiency rating as per Pro Football Focus. With Iowa operating a Shanahan-inspired system, his transition would be seamless.
At 6″5″ and 315 pounds, Stephens embodies the athletic profile ideal for an interior offensive lineman in a Shanahan scheme. He is often viewed as a later-round option, likely in the fourth round. However, given the prevalence of Shanahan systems across the NFL, it may be optimistic to expect him to drop that far. Although his experience at Iowa has been solely at guard, he demonstrated versatility by working out as a center at the Senior Bowl, performing admirably.
Stephens utilizes a fierce snatch-and-trap technique to dominate defenders. He has the potential to be an immediate starter and could develop into the future center for the Chargers, especially with veteran Tyler Biadasz currently securing that position. As the draft approaches, buzz surrounding Beau Stephens is expected to increase, making him a fitting choice for the Chargers.
Thomas Martinez has been covering the Chargers and the NFL draft since 2022. A lifelong Chargers fan, he experienced the unforgettable Super Bowl run in 1994 and has navigated the challenges of various team seasons. He graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Political Science and obtained an MBA from the University of Redlands.
