The Los Angeles Chargers added several intriguing prospects to their roster in the 2025 NFL Draft and by many accounts within the team's fanbase, the draft was a complete home run for Joe Hortiz, Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the front office.
But what do all of the talking heads think? There was a time when Mel Kiper Jr. was the only draft guru in the media, now there are hundreds of Mel Kiper's. Following every draft, fans flock to see what these analysts think about how their team did in the draft.
Here, you can get a look at what several of them said about the team's picks. But first, here's a look at the entire draft class for the team.
| Player | Round | Overall Pick | Position | School |
| Omarion Hampton | 1 | 22 | RB | North Carolina |
| Tre Harris | 2 | 55 | WR | Ole Miss |
| Jamaree Caldwell | 3 | 86 | DT | Oregon |
| Kyle Kennard | 4 | 125 | Edge | South Carolina |
| Keandre Lambert-Smith | 5 | 158 | WR | Auburn |
| Oronde Gadsden II | 5 | 165 | TE | Syracuse |
| Branson Taylor | 6 | 199 | OL | Pitt |
| R.J. Mickens | 6 | 214 | S | Clemson |
| Trikweze Bridges | 7 | 256 | CB | Florida |
Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft Expert Grades
"Similar to their aforementioned AFC West rivals, there is something refreshing about the way that Jim Harbaugh has transformed the Chargers from a once-finesse style of offense into one seeking to punish opponents. Omarion Hampton's name might appear as a picture next to the term "workhorse" in online dictionaries next fall. Additionally, speedy big-play pass-catchers Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Oronde Gadsden II give the Chargers the necessary vertical threats to take advantage of defenses creeping up toward the line of scrimmage.
While the Chargers' splashy skill-position additions will generate much of the buzz, I also like the addition of tough guys Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard in the middle rounds."
Bleacher Report Scouting Department: B+
"Like the Raiders, the Los Angeles Chargers opted for a potential game-changing running back in Round 1. As with Las Vegas' pick, we probably could have seen the Chargers' selection coming.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to lead with the running game, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton has all the tools needed to be a top-10 or even a top-five running back in the NFL.
Hampton should be a terrific fit for Greg Roman's offense because of his physical, efficient running style and his pass protection—Justin Herbert will love having him in the backfield.
Los Angeles got another weapon for Herbert in Round 2, grabbing Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris. He was the fourth-ranked receiver on the B/R board and should add both talent and versatility to the Chargers' receiver room.
L.A. also took a flier on Auburn receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith in Round 5. Lambert-Smith is likely to be a developmental project at best, but his 4.37 speed is tough to ignore.
General manager Joe Hortiz added depth to the defensive front in the middle rounds, grabbing Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard. It's clear that Hortiz and Harbaugh are on the same page when it comes to building in the trenches."
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"Best Pick: They landed my Better-Than captain Jamaree Caldwell in the third round, which is a steal. They finally have a player who can dominate inside against the run and push the pocket. Watch how good he becomes.
Worst Pick: Second-round receiver Tre Harris is a solid player, but I think there were better options on the board when they took him. He isn't a speed guy.
The Skinny: They landed good football players up and down the draft board, guys I really liked. Taking running back Omarion Hampton in the first will give the offense some juice in the running game. Caldwell will be a steal. I like tight end Oronde Gadsden Jr. in the fifth. It was nice haul."
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: C+
"Los Angeles upgraded its offense in the first two rounds, but in a somewhat dubious fashion. Hampton is a terrific talent and a deserving first-round choice, but the Chargers had a litany of needs and just signed Najee Harris for their backfield. Tre Harris is an excellent value in the late second round and should start instantly alongside Ladd McConkey. Still, there are obvious holes at edge, tight end and corner, none of which were significantly addressed."
"It's Jim Harbaugh's second draft with the Chargers, and he further built this roster in his vision. Los Angeles had to make some tough salary cap decisions last season in cutting Mike Williams (before bringing him back after a year) and trading Keenan Allen in his first offseason with the team, and it continued this spring with Joey Bosa's release. But there is a new nucleus appearing, and I think some of these 2025 draft picks could be big parts of that.
The key picks here are their first few. Omarion Hampton is a three-down back with the ability to hit a home run any time he takes a handoff. He was the only player in the FBS to run for 1,500-plus yards and 15-plus touchdowns in 2023 and 2024. The Chargers also signed Najee Harris, so expect an effective rushing attack to support Justin Herbert. (They used play-action 33.6% of the time last season, second most in the league.)
Tre Harris was the other early pick. The Chargers desperately needed a wide receiver. Ladd McConkey had a great rookie season, but he was also a second-round pick responsible for 29.5% of the team's receiving yards (1,149).
Harris has dealt with some injuries, but he has the talent to take weight off McConkey. Harris went over 1,000 yards despite playing only eight games in 2024. The Chargers went defense in Round 3. They allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season (27th) and lost Poona Ford in free agency. Defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell is a solid run blocker, and the 332-pounder should improve that area of Los Angeles' defense (though I might have gone with Yahya Black or CJ West there; both of whom were ranked higher).
I'm surprised the Chargers didn't address the interior offensive line. I projected Grey Zabel to them in Round 1 in my final mock draft, but the only offensive line addition was sixth-round tackle Branson Taylor. I docked the Chargers a bit there, but there were some good Day 3 finds in their class. Kyle Kennard had 11.5 sacks last season and can help alleviate the loss of Joey Bosa.
Oronde Gadsden II catches everything thrown his direction, which is why I listed him as my favorite sleeper tight end in the class. And safety Trikweze Bridges was one of my "Orange Crushers" on "First Draft" this year. I'm a big fan of his game."
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