The Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft class with three intriguing dart throws, all of which could play a role on the team as a rookies.
The Chargers padded the offense with Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris in the first two rounds before adding two potentially big pieces to the defense in Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard. From there, Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh added some weapons to the passing game in Keandre Lambert-Smith and Oronde Gadsden II.
The team's final three picks were Pitt offensive tackle Branson Taylor, Clemson defensive back R.J. Mickens and Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges.
Branson Taylor
Starting with Taylor, he is a big offensive lineman who can come in and be a mauler, just like Harbaugh likes. He played all over the offensive line in college but will likely be moved to guard in the NFL. He played in 45 games in college, making 21 starts.
A knee injury shut him down in 2024, ending his college career prematurely. He will compete for a spot in the Chargers' rotation of reserve offensive linemen this summer and at the very least, be added to the practice squad as a future prospect.
Grade: B-
R.J. Mickens
When you're this deep in the draft, you're taking fliers on players you feel could far exceed their draft position. R.J. Mickens, at least on paper, is a player who can do that.
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He follows the trend of the Chargers adding players who had family play in the league before as his father, Ray Mickens spent a decade in the league as a defensive back.
R.J. played in 60 games at Clemson, one of the top programs in the country, and nearly 200 career tackles and seven interceptions. He could find his way onto the back end of this roster if he can become a solid contributor on special teams.
Grade: B
Trikweze Bridges
The Chargers are getting a huge defensive back with this pick, one with a ridiculous wingspan that measures nearly seven feet. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and chose to go to Oregon, where he played four seasons. He then transferred to Florida for his final season, putting up a nice year for the Gators.
He finished his college career with 163 tackles and six interceptions. Much like Mickens, he can compete for a spot as a reserve defensive back on this team and at the very least, be a practice squad addition who can become a contributor in the future.
Grade: B
The Chargers made the most of their final three picks as each of these players has enough upside to warrant taking a shot in the draft. It will be interesting to see how well their individual skills translate to the professional level in training camp and preseason games this summer.
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