In my view, the Chargers had a solid NFL draft, seemingly filling or improving upon several pressing needs. If I had to grade their draft, I’d give them a B+. This report will discuss the current state of the team, with an emphasis on their 2025 draft selections.

QB: Unsurprisingly, the Chargers did not draft a quarterback, as QB Justin Herbert is almost certainly going to be a top 10 fantasy performer. His backups are nothing to get excited about, but Herbert should be a top fantasy draft pick. Do bear in mind that HC Jim Harbaugh likes to run the ball, so if his running backs do well, that could detract from Herbert’s numbers a bit.

RB: As previously mentioned, the Chargers signed former Steelers’ RB Najee Harris and with their 1^st round draft selection, they picked RB Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina. While I like the pick, I would have preferred that they went with a wideout with that first round selection, but obviously they wanted to have a strong 1-2 punch with Harris and Hampton.

WR: The team did select a wide receiver in round 2, going with WR Tre Harris out of Ole Miss. Harris is a larger-framed receiver who is good running in a straight line but may need to develop some of his route running. He did miss some time with a groin injury last season, so that’s something to keep an eye on. This is an area where the Chargers need a lot of help. WR Ladd McConkey was terrific, but none of the other Chargers receivers impressed in 2024. In round 5, the Chargers selected WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith out of Auburn. Smith is weak at blocking, and has so-so hands, but strong on deep and intermediate routes.

TE: The team also needed help at tight end, so in a swap with the Eagles, they moved up 16 spots in the 5^th round to select TE Oronde Gadsden II from Syracuse. At 6-5, 243 pounds, Gadsen has good speed for a big man at a 4.62 40 and is a legitimate deep and intermediate threat. But he will need to develop his blocking skills.

PK: The Chargers’ kicker remains PK Cameron Dicker, who should be solid once again this season.

DEF: The Chargers solidified their defense in the 3^rd round by picking up DT Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon. The Chargers badly needed a big man to stuff the run up the middle, and Caldwell, at 6’2" and 332 pounds, is undeniably a big man. He’s also been described as "surprisingly nimble". Other defensive draft picks include EDGE Kyle Kennard out of South Carolina (4^th round), who has starting potential. In the 6^th round, S R.J. Mickens from Clemson was selected. And finally, in round 7, the Chargers selected CB Trikweze Bridges from Florida, who is expected to add depth to the team’s defensive backfield.

I will return in June for more Chargers news…

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