What challenges does the Chargers face in predicting their first-round pick for the 2025 NFL draft? How might the selection of Michigan DT Kenneth Grant influence their defensive line? Could Oregon DT Derrick Harmon be a more fitting option for the Chargers, and what skills does he bring to the team? Why is Michigan TE Colston Loveland seen as a critical selection for Los Angeles, and how does his injury affect his draft stock? Finally, what makes North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton a valuable pick for the Chargers, especially considering Najee Harris’ contract situation?
The Chargers will have to wait until the 22nd pick to make their first selection in the 2025 NFL draft, which makes projecting their pick a much harder endeavor than last season. Even so, mock drafters have converged on a bit of a consensus for Los Angeles in the first round. Here are some of the most realistic selections the Chargers could make.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
Look at the way Los Angeles attacked free agency—starter-level players at running back and tight end (Najee Harris and Tyler Conklin, respectively), veteran cornerback Donte Jackson to steer the secondary, and a noticeable lack of starter-quality defensive tackles. The Chargers let Poona Ford go to the Rams, brought back Teair Tart, and signed depth pieces Naquan Jones and Da’Shawn Hand, but they’re lacking a player capable of making the impact Ford did last season unless they think Tart can take a step forward.
Grant has an obvious connection to the Chargers staff, with his college head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach all on staff in Los Angeles. Jim Harbaugh is calling him a "gift from the football gods." After his testing fell short of the hyper-athletic highs some expected, the chances of Grant being available at 22 seem high enough to be considered heavily.
Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
Take everything about the defensive line room in the blurb about Grant and apply it to Harmon here. The Oregon tackle transferred from Michigan State last season and made an immediate impact for the Ducks as a pass rusher from the interior. That’s a key skill Los Angeles lacks, and one where Harmon is better than Grant. Harmon’s draft stock is rising late, which can sometimes be a false signal, but if Grant is off the board, Harmon would likely be the Chargers’ next target at defensive tackle.
Michigan TE Colston Loveland
One of the most popular mock draft selections for the Chargers all year, Loveland feels like the too-easy-to-be-true pick here. Los Angeles needs a tight end to develop next to Conklin and Will Dissly, neither of whom is a long-term TE1. Loveland was recruited to Michigan by Harbaugh, and the Wolverine even has a shoulder injury that could threaten to push him down the board just a bit on draft night.
Ultimately, though, reports are starting to come out that some teams have Loveland ranked ahead of Penn State’s Tyler Warren, widely considered a top-ten lock. That sort of hype is—again—questionable given how late in the process we are, but it seems more likely than not that the Chargers won’t have the opportunity to reunite Loveland with the rest of their Michigan squad.
North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
With both defensive tackles and Loveland off the board – a realistic possibility given Los Angeles’ long wait – the best player available at 22 may be a running back. Some will balk at taking a running back in the first round, especially in such a strong draft class for the position. Still, Hampton is a perfect fit for the Chargers’ offense and would give the team longevity in the backfield with Najee Harris on a one-year contract.
4 Realistic First-Round Targets for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft
As the Los Angeles Chargers look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves at a critical juncture in their franchise history. The team, with its blend of youthful talent and seasoned veterans, aims to secure their place among the NFL’s elite. With a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and a strong roster, the Chargers will need to consider both immediate impact players and future stars. Here are four realistic first-round targets for the Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
One of the Chargers’ primary concerns in recent seasons has been the protection of Justin Herbert. The franchise quarterback has the arm talent and mobility to be an elite player, but consistent pressure has hindered his performance at times. Enter Olumuyiwa Fashanu from Penn State, a blue-chip offensive tackle prospect projected to be among the top players in the draft.
Fashanu is an athletic lineman with a superb blend of size, technique, and agility. Standing at 6-foot-6 and over 320 pounds, he has the physical attributes needed to protect Herbert’s blindside. His footwork and hand placement are exceptional, making him a prototypical left tackle in the NFL. By acquiring Fashanu, the Chargers would not only shore up the offensive line but also invest in Herbert’s long-term health and effectiveness. This pick would solidify an already talented offense and create a formidable barrier against opposing pass rushers.
2. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
With Keenan Allen aging and Mike Williams plagued by injury issues, the Chargers will need to think about the future of their receiving corps. Malik Nabers from LSU would be a fitting addition to pair with Herbert, providing a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create mismatches in coverage.
Nabers has emerged as one of the top receivers in college football, showcasing explosive speed, excellent route-running ability, and strong hands. At 6-foot-0 and around 200 pounds, he possesses the quickness to separate from defenders while also having the physicality to make tough catches in traffic. Adding Nabers would give the Chargers an immediate threat in the passing game, allowing them to diversify their offensive strategies while also becoming a formidable trio alongside Allen and Williams in their final years with the team.
3. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Defensively, the Chargers have made strides in recent years, but the pursuit of quarterback pressures remains a critical component of their success. Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama, would be an outstanding selection who could elevate the defense to new heights. Known for his relentless energy and strong pass-rushing skills, Turner has the potential to be an impact player at the professional level.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in the neighborhood of 240 pounds, Turner possesses the ideal blend of size and speed that NFL teams covet in edge rushers. His ability to bend around the edge and finish plays in the backfield makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen. With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack both being significant players for the Chargers, adding Turner would create a fearsome trio that could dominate games and elevate the team’s defensive capabilities.
4. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
As offenses in the NFL continue to evolve and produce high-scoring games, the value of shut-down corners cannot be understated. Kool-Aid McKinstry, another Alabama product, represents one of the best defensive back prospects available in the 2025 draft. The Chargers could greatly benefit from infusing youth and talent into their secondary, particularly in a division that features explosive offenses.
McKinstry is a versatile corner who excels in man and zone coverage, and his ball skills make him a threat to intercept passes and turn over the opposition. At 6-foot-1 and with a well-rounded skill set, he would provide the Chargers with a dynamic defender who could pair well with Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James. This combination would make the Chargers’ secondary one of the most formidable units in the league and provide critical support against the high-powered passing games within their division.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft offers the Los Angeles Chargers a pivotal opportunity to address some immediate needs and set themselves up for future success. Whether it’s solidifying the offensive line with Olumuyiwa Fashanu, adding a dynamic weapon like Malik Nabers, boosting their pass rush with Dallas Turner, or strengthening their secondary with Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Chargers have several viable options in the first round. By choosing wisely, the Chargers can continue on their path to becoming perennial playoff contenders, ensuring that they capitalize on the immense talents of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. As the draft approaches, fans will undoubtedly keep a close watch on how the team chooses to shape its future.
Here are four realistic first-round targets for the Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Offensive Tackle: With the increasing importance of protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game, the Chargers may look to bolster their offensive line. A top-tier offensive tackle with agility and strength could be a valuable addition.
Defensive Line Prospect: The Chargers could focus on strengthening their defensive front. A highly ranked defensive lineman with a combination of size and athleticism could help improve their pass rush and run defense.
Wide Receiver: If the Chargers want to provide additional weapons for their offense, a dynamic wide receiver could be a target. One with speed and route-running ability could complement their existing receiving corps.
- Cornerback: Given the importance of pass defense in today’s game, a highly rated cornerback could be an ideal first-round pick. Look for someone who has the ability to cover top receivers and contribute to the secondary immediately.
These targets align with the Chargers’ needs and the draft landscape as it evolves leading up to 2025.