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The Los Angeles Chargers surged back to the playoffs in 2024 behind an 11-win season, a franchise-best since 2018, in coach Jim Harbaugh's first season at the helm.
Los Angeles' offense took a step forward under coordinator Greg Roman. Quarterback Justin Herbert set a career-best with just three interceptions in the regular season and the running game improved to league-average. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was one of the most productive players at the position as a rookie.
2025 NFL draft tight end rankings: Top 10 players available at position
But the biggest improvement came on defense. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and the rest of the staff oversaw the top scoring defense in the league after that unit finished 24th in that category in 2023. They got great production from rookies as well in cornerbacks Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still.
Los Angeles made the playoffs but their shortcomings roster-wise were exposed in the wild card round against Houston. They lost 32-12 but entered the offseason with more cap space than a year ago and they are flush with draft capital.
Here's everything to know about the Chargers' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
The Chargers have 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
This could be a wide receiver or a tight end given how each position group looks in the 2025 class. Wide receiver's not as top-heavy as last year's class but the tight end class is outstanding. The Chargers could find a starting-caliber tight end as late as Day 3, including ones with the commitment to blocking that Harbaugh and company would like. With McConkey in place in the wide receiving corps, there's a plus-starter at the position but room for more contributors.
Joey Bosa signed elsewhere in free agency but the team brought Khalil Mack back to stay competent off the edge. But Mack is 34 years old and he won't be a Pro Bowler forever. This is a very deep edge rusher class and Los Angeles could find one in the first three rounds of the draft. Same goes for interior defensive line; a deep position group with talent well into Day 3 should provide the Chargers with lots of options.
Both of Los Angeles' top rushers from 2024 are no longer on the team. The Chargers signed former first-round pick Najee Harris in free agency but he does not preclude the team from selecting a running back from one of the deepest classes in the modern era. They could prioritize at top prospect early on or pick from the various viable starting options that will be available on Day 3.
Here's what the Chargers could do during this year's draft:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
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Los Angeles' offense took a step forward under coordinator Greg Roman. Quarterback Justin Herbert set a career-best with just three interceptions in the regular season and the running game improved to league-average. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was one of the most productive players at the position as a rookie.
2025 NFL draft tight end rankings: Top 10 players available at position
But the biggest improvement came on defense. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and the rest of the staff oversaw the top scoring defense in the league after that unit finished 24th in that category in 2023. They got great production from rookies as well in cornerbacks Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still.
Los Angeles made the playoffs but their shortcomings roster-wise were exposed in the wild card round against Houston. They lost 32-12 but entered the offseason with more cap space than a year ago and they are flush with draft capital.
Here's everything to know about the Chargers' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Chargers 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Chargers have 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
- Round 1, Pick 22
- Round 2, Pick 55
- Round 3, Pick 86
- Round 4, Pick 125
- Round 5, Pick 158
- Round 6, Pick 181 (from Patriots)
- Round 6, Pick 199
- Round 6, Pick 209
- Round 6, Pick 214
- Round 7, Pick 256
Chargers 2025 NFL Draft needs
Pass catcher
This could be a wide receiver or a tight end given how each position group looks in the 2025 class. Wide receiver's not as top-heavy as last year's class but the tight end class is outstanding. The Chargers could find a starting-caliber tight end as late as Day 3, including ones with the commitment to blocking that Harbaugh and company would like. With McConkey in place in the wide receiving corps, there's a plus-starter at the position but room for more contributors.
Defensive line
Joey Bosa signed elsewhere in free agency but the team brought Khalil Mack back to stay competent off the edge. But Mack is 34 years old and he won't be a Pro Bowler forever. This is a very deep edge rusher class and Los Angeles could find one in the first three rounds of the draft. Same goes for interior defensive line; a deep position group with talent well into Day 3 should provide the Chargers with lots of options.
Running back
Both of Los Angeles' top rushers from 2024 are no longer on the team. The Chargers signed former first-round pick Najee Harris in free agency but he does not preclude the team from selecting a running back from one of the deepest classes in the modern era. They could prioritize at top prospect early on or pick from the various viable starting options that will be available on Day 3.
Chargers 2025 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Chargers could do during this year's draft:
- Round 1, Pick 22: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
- The Michigan connection is too strong to ignore at No. 22. Roman offenses have commonly featured a receiving threat at tight end and Loveland brings that to the table. With good options likely available in the trenches later on, the Chargers can feel good about giving Justin Herbert another target on offense.
- Round 2, Pick 55: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
- Los Angeles grabs the big-bodied running back to lead the rushing attack in 2025. Johnson has the skillset to be a three-down running back as a rookie.
- Round 3, Pick 86: DT Jordan Phillips, Maryland
- Round 4, Pick 125: Edge David Walker, Central Arkansas
- Round 5, Pick 158: G Joshua Gray, Oregon State
- Round 6, Pick 181: WR Nick Nash, San Jose State
- Round 6, Pick 199: CB Bilhal Kone, Western Michigan
- Round 6, Pick 209: Edge Jalen McLeod, Auburn
- Round 6, Pick 214: DT Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
- Round 7, Pick 256: OL Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
2025 NFL Draft: Every team's picks
- AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
- AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
- AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
- AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
- NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
- NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
- NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
- NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
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