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The 2025 NFL draft is here, and the debate will be over shortly. That is, just what the Chargers will do with their first-round pick, a hot topic for weeks now.
The front office could go several different ways, but let's rank (in order) the most likely positions that will be used with the 22nd overall pick.
Defensive line
We know this team's philosophy regarding building through the trenches. They haven't fully replaced the loss of Poona Ford this offseason, and this unit desperately needs a game-wrecker. It feels like a guarantee that the team will use one of its first three picks on a defensive lineman, but if the right guy is there, they should use their first-round pick on one.
Tight end
This position is arguably the biggest need on the team, but it's all about who is on the board. If Colston Loveland, widely regarded as the best tight end in this draft, somehow falls to the 22nd pick, expect the Chargers to take him. The likelihood that he does fall that far does seem quite slim, though. Tyler Warren is the only other tight end worthy of a top-25 pick in this draft. Because of these factors, tight end ranks just behind interior defensive line.
Edge rusher
The draft has some decent options along the edge, and the Chargers need some depth there. Fortunately, they have an All-Pro starter, Khalil Mack, on one side. Tuli Tuipulotu is penciled in as the other starter, and he seems ready to take that next step. Mack may be headed into his final NFL season, though, so preparing for his replacement would be wise.
Wide receiver
It feels as if the Chargers barely addressed this position in the offseason. They swung and missed on a few huge targets, and the team eventually brought back Mike Williams. That was ultimately the extent of the team's moves at wideout, although there is still a chance that they sign a veteran late in the process before the 2025 season begins. That's not enough weapons for Justin Herbert, though, and again, it depends on who is on the board with the 22nd pick. If Matthew Golden or Emeka Egbuka are available, Joe Hortiz might have a hard time passing up on either of those playmakers.
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle is all set for the future for the Chargers, but the interior could use some work. Mekhi Becton was an underrated signing in free agency, but Zion Johnson's future with the team hinges on his performance in 2025. The center spot desperately needs a long-term answer, but there are bigger needs on this team as of now. Unless the top option or two get taken at each of the first four positions, it's hard to imagine the team taking an offensive lineman in the first round. Then again, we know Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh love building their team through the trenches.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: What position will Chargers address with 22nd pick?
Continue reading...
The front office could go several different ways, but let's rank (in order) the most likely positions that will be used with the 22nd overall pick.
Defensive line
We know this team's philosophy regarding building through the trenches. They haven't fully replaced the loss of Poona Ford this offseason, and this unit desperately needs a game-wrecker. It feels like a guarantee that the team will use one of its first three picks on a defensive lineman, but if the right guy is there, they should use their first-round pick on one.
Tight end
This position is arguably the biggest need on the team, but it's all about who is on the board. If Colston Loveland, widely regarded as the best tight end in this draft, somehow falls to the 22nd pick, expect the Chargers to take him. The likelihood that he does fall that far does seem quite slim, though. Tyler Warren is the only other tight end worthy of a top-25 pick in this draft. Because of these factors, tight end ranks just behind interior defensive line.
Edge rusher
The draft has some decent options along the edge, and the Chargers need some depth there. Fortunately, they have an All-Pro starter, Khalil Mack, on one side. Tuli Tuipulotu is penciled in as the other starter, and he seems ready to take that next step. Mack may be headed into his final NFL season, though, so preparing for his replacement would be wise.
Wide receiver
It feels as if the Chargers barely addressed this position in the offseason. They swung and missed on a few huge targets, and the team eventually brought back Mike Williams. That was ultimately the extent of the team's moves at wideout, although there is still a chance that they sign a veteran late in the process before the 2025 season begins. That's not enough weapons for Justin Herbert, though, and again, it depends on who is on the board with the 22nd pick. If Matthew Golden or Emeka Egbuka are available, Joe Hortiz might have a hard time passing up on either of those playmakers.
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle is all set for the future for the Chargers, but the interior could use some work. Mekhi Becton was an underrated signing in free agency, but Zion Johnson's future with the team hinges on his performance in 2025. The center spot desperately needs a long-term answer, but there are bigger needs on this team as of now. Unless the top option or two get taken at each of the first four positions, it's hard to imagine the team taking an offensive lineman in the first round. Then again, we know Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh love building their team through the trenches.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: What position will Chargers address with 22nd pick?
Continue reading...
