Ever since the Los Angeles Chargers‘ season ended with a 20-point Wild Card loss, general manager Joe Hortiz has been hard a work, identifying ways to upgrade the roster. We’ve since seen the Chargers make several key additions on both sides of the ball. They’ve even brought back a familiar face in Mike Williams.
What’s next? With the first wave of NFL free agency in the rearview mirror, many are placing a heavier emphasis n looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. With the 22nd pick in the first round, the Chargers are a team that’s hard to project, yet that won’t prevent anyone from trying.
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Los Angeles Chargers insider expects team to add ‘explosive’ RB
One of the moves the Los Angeles Chargers prioritized this offseason was getting running back Najee Harris signed to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. He’ll replace J.K. Dobbins, who remains unsigned in free agency.
Yet, while Harris, who’s recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four NFL seasons, is as consistent as they come, he’s never had a rushing attempt go for more than 37 yards. In other words, he’s limited in the speed department.
This has The Athletic’s Chargers insider Daniel Popper predicting the team will add another running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically one with more speed.
“He is not an explosive back. He has a career 3.9 yards-per-carry average. But Harris has carried the ball at least 250 times in each of his four seasons. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. There is value in knowing a player will be available week in and week out. The Chargers will be adding an explosive player to this group in the draft to complement Harris — perhaps as early as the 22nd pick in the first round.”
The Athletic on Los Angeles Chargers’ RB room
While a trade is always possible, the top running back in the draft class, Ashton Jeanty, won’t be falling to the Chargers at 22. However, the 2025 RB class is universally viewed as a strong group that’s rich in talent.
One name that could be in play, whether it’s at 22 or a bit later on is Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson. While it may be taboo to mention a Buckeyes player around Jim Harbaugh, the reigning College Football champion did clock a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and is viewed as a likely second-round pick. He could fit exactly what the Chargers are said to be looking for this offseason.
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