4 Chargers ranked among ESPN's 100 best picks in 2025 NFL draft

[ASFN Admin]

If it wasn’t evident that general manager Joe Hortiz and his staff did a fantastic job in the draft, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller released his 100 best picks, and the Chargers were among the most profitable teams.

The rankings were based on various criteria, including draft slot compared to pre-draft ranking, scheme fit, what they bring to the field for the team, and more.

Los Angeles earned four picks in the top 100, three of which were in the top 50.

The highest player was running back Omarion Hampton, who checked in at No. 32.

Adding Hampton to the free agent signing of Najee Harris has the potential to transform the Chargers' rushing attack. Hampton brings a breakaway speed element that Harris lacks and scored 30 touchdowns in his past two college seasons. Many thought Hampton would be off the board in the top 20, so getting him at No. 22 was decent value and filled one of the Chargers' biggest holes.

Hampton gives the Bolts a running back to go along with Najee Harris. The hope is that they can grow into a dynamic one-two punch to create an efficient rushing attack that Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman hoped to get all along.

At No. 40 was wide receiver Tre Harris, the team's second-round pick.

Harris would have been a lot higher on my board had he not missed five games because of injury in 2024. His smooth route-running skills and soft hands fit nicely alongside quarterback Justin Herbert and second-year receiver Ladd McConkey. Harris will have every chance to thrive as the Chargers' starting X receiver.

The Bolts addressed their biggest need with the selection of Harris, who gives the offense another big target on the outside. Harris should see the field plenty in his rookie season.

Checking in at No. 49 was edge defender Kyle Kennard, who was selected in the fourth round.

Kennard was impossible to miss on South Carolina's defense, setting the tone with his energy and pass-rush relentlessness. The Chargers need a successor to Khalil Mack on the edge, and Kennard will get an early chance to show that he can fill that role.

The Chargers got great value with picking up Kennard, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, in the fourth round. Los Angeles needed more juice in the edge defender room, which Kennard should bring in Year 1 as a rotational pass rush specialist.

Finally, safety R.J. Mickens came in at No. 95.

Mickens was one of the biggest value plays of the draft. He was picked on at times when asked to play deep safety last season, but his impact in the box should get him on the roster as Derwin James Jr.'s backup and a special teams ace.

The Chargers needed to add another body to the safety room, and they got a good one at pick No. 214, as he was a much higher on the consensus big board. Mickens will come in and compete with Tony Jefferson for the fourth safety spot.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 Chargers selections make ESPN’s 100 best draft picks list

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