My most recent preseason report covered many of the Chargers’ needs and recent moves, with a focus on free agency. But now, the 2025 NFL draft is upon us, so this report will specifically focus on the team’s draft needs.

QB: This is not an area of major need for the team. The exception could be a "diamond in the rough" at lower rounds that they felt fell through the cracks. QB Justin Herbert is one of the NFL’s best. Current backups QB Trey Lance and QB Taylor Heinicke appear to add reasonable depth if Herbert were to go down to injury. But again, a late-round, developmental quarterback selection wouldn’t surprise, but it’s not a priority either.

RB: Former Steelers’ RB Najee Harris is the new starter for the Bolts, with former starting RB J.K. Dobbins probably signing elsewhere, possibly with the Broncos. RB Gus Edwards has been released. Assuming that Dobbins is not re-signed, that leaves only RB Kimani Vidal and RB Hassan Haskins as backups or change-of-pace backs. The performance of Vidal & Haskins has, thus far, been mixed, at best. So, this will be an area of early round focus for the team. Perhaps a versatile, speedy back with good pass catching ability to complement Harris. And if Harris is injured, they’ll need a reliable starter.

WR: An area of top focus will be wide receiver. Last year’s draft choice, WR Ladd McConkey, was terrific. But the rest of the Chargers’ receiving corps has not impressed. WR Quentin Johnston began to show improvement, before his hands, inexplicably, turned to stone. So, expect to see multiple receivers selected in the early rounds.

TE: In my view, TE Will Dissly exceeded expectations and was a solid free agent signing by the team. TE Stone Smartt, who was probably underrated, has signed with the Jets, and the Chargers have, in turn, signed former Jets’ TE Tyler Conklin. But I think the Chargers want a dominant TE Antonio Gates type of tight end. Obviously, that won’t be easy to come by butseeking that kind of player should be a priority for the Chargers.

PK: Your starter is PK Cameron Dicker, and the Chargers have no draft needs here.

DEF: The Chargers have plenty of needs at defense. A younger, EDGE rusher with speed would be helpful, now that EDGE Joey Bosa has departed. A big wide-bodied run stuffer is always needed. Corner could be another area for the team to focus on. The defense could use depth at many defensive positions, in addition to their starting needs. I’ll be back after the draft with further analysis and commentary on the Chargers draft selections.

End.