Los Angeles Chargers (Last Year: 11-6)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Jim Harbaugh addresses the offensive and defensive lines early in the 2025 NFL Draft. In addition to that, the Chargers need to find an upgrade at cornerback and the defensive line, and they also have to find multiple new receiving weapons for Justin Herbert.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Chargers had a puzzling start to the draft. The rival Broncos, who sorely needed a running back, passed on Omarion Hampton. And yet, the Chargers, who needed a running back less because of the Najee Harris signing, took Hampton just two picks later. Drafting a running back in the opening round is often a mistake unless the prospect in question is an elite player. It’s safe to say that Hampton is not elite.
The ensuing rounds were more fruitful for the Chargers. They found some promising weapons for Justin Herbert in Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert. The latter was a great steal in the fifth round. Some picks were also spent on the defensive line, with Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard earning B+ and A- grades, respectively.
I’d like the Chargers’ draft class much more if they didn’t bungle their initial pick. A running back there seemed unnecessary, but the team’s overall class was a decent one.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
22. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina – B Grade
Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball, so it should come as no surprise that he drafted a running back with this pick. Omarion Hampton is a talented back, so he’ll definitely provide a big boost to the offense. I would normally criticize a first-round running back who isn’t elite, but this is a weak class, so the 20s are basically the second round in a normal year.
55. Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss – B+ Grade
The Chargers hit a home run with Ladd McConkey last year, but they needed help at outside receiver. Tre Harris is a big receiver who makes contested catches, and it’s unlikely that he’ll have issues with drops like Quentin Johnston has in his career. Harris makes sense late in the second round.
86. Jamaree Caldwell, NT, Oregon – B+ Grade
The Chargers have struggled to stop the run at times, so they needed to address their weakness at defensive tackle. Jamaree Caldwell is a big run-stuffer who will help the Chargers right away. He makes sense here in the third round.
125. Kyle Kennard, DE, South Carolina – A- Grade
The Chargers lost Joey Bosa and won’t have Khalil Mack much longer, so drafting an edge player here fills a big need. Plus, you can never have too many great pass rushers when chasing down Patrick Mahomes. Kyle Kennard fits the range in Round 4.
158. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn – A+ Grade
KeAndre Lambert-Smith is yet another great value in the fifth round. I had him going later on Day 2! Lambert-Smith is a very quick receiver and a great route runner. I’m shocked he lasted this long, but the Chargers won’t complain, as he could help them right away at their problematic receiver position.
165. Orande Gadsen II, TE, Syracuse – B+ Grade
The Chargers traded up for Orande Gadsen II, whose father played in the NFL. Gadsen II could fill a need at tight end, a position some thought the Chargers would address at No. 22. The range makes sense for him.
199. Branson Taylor, OT, Pittsburgh – B- Grade
It’s never a bad idea to have some quality tackle depth. That’s what the Chargers are getting here with Branson Taylor. The Pittsburgh product could have gone a bit later than this, but I don’t hate the pick.
214. R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson – B+ Grade
R.J. Mickens showed off some impressive athleticism at the combine. He has upside, and I like the Chargers taking a chance on him late in Round 6.
256. Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida – B- Grade
Trikweze Bridges is a huge cornerback with some upside, though he wasn’t projected to be drafted. The Chargers needed some help at corner, however.
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