The Los Angeles Chargers’ selection of North Carolina running back should not come as a surprise to anyone with Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman at the helm. According to ESPN’s NFL Insider, Matt Miller, the team is ‘all-in on improving at edge rusher in the early rounds.’
After finishing 2024 ranked 26th in pressure percentage and losing Joey Bosa, this focus should also not come as a surprise.
In his new day two mock draft, The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner follows this tack with the Chargers’ pick 55.
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Landon Jackson, edge, Arkansas
“The Chargers could go tight end or defensive tackle at this spot. But edge is a need, and Jackson — a 6-6, 264-pounder with speed and length — can be an edge setter or pass rusher with the ability to drop and cover for Jesse Minter.“
Dane Brugler, also of The Athletic, ranked Jackson as the 9th-best edge rusher and 47th-best prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, writing, “Jackson has a different type of pass-rushing skill set because he isn’t a super-fluid athlete, but his raw power, strength in his hands and consistent effort make him effective. He should be expected to compete for starter-level snaps as a rookie.”
In this mock, edge rushers, Mike Green, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and JT Tuimoloau all came off the board before the Chargers pick at 55.
Tight End in the Mix In the 3rd Round
For those still pounding the table for a pass catcher, Baumgardner has you covered as well with Harold Fannin Jr. ending up with the Chargers at pick 86 in the 3rd round.
Brugler has Fannin as the 8th tight end and 82nd prospect in the class, writing, “Fannin is somewhat of an unconventional prospect. He is awkwardly athletic with stiff, restricting movements, but he plays with straight-line explosiveness, outstanding tracking skills, and threatening run-after-catch ability. He fits best as a hybrid H or F tight end and offers three-down potential.”
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