The Los Angeles Chargers doubled down on offense with their first two picks, taking North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first, then Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris in the second.
With the 86th pick in the third round, the Chargers took Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell
Los Angeles Chargers Select Jamaree Caldwell With Pick 86
HT6′2″ | WT 332 | AGE 24
The Chargers opted for Caldwell over Georgia center Jared Wilson, Florida State defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, and Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks as the and the 2025 NFL Draft class, writing, “the tape runs hot and cold for Caldwell, and he plays with a confused identity. However, he has an interesting collection of traits and put a little bit of everything on tape, which will make him appealing to different schemes. I like him best as a rotational one-technique who can stay on the field on passing downs.”
Caldwell presents an intriguing profile as a defensive tackle, demonstrating a blend of traits that could make him a valuable asset in the NFL. After a temporary departure from football in 2020, he returned to the sport at the junior college level and eventually transferred to Houston. There, he established himself as a disruptive three-technique, notably playing the entire 2023 season with a hard cast on his hand after an early-season injury. Following a transfer to Oregon, Caldwell displayed his adaptability by adding weight and embracing a more plugger-oriented role, recording 2.1 tackles per game in 2024. At Oregon, he was a one-year starter, playing nose tackle (zero-/2i-technique) in defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s multiple fronts.
Caldwell possesses a unique combination of physical attributes and playing style. While he has the appearance of a traditional nose tackle, he exhibits the quickness and activity level of a one-gap defender, suggesting the potential to disrupt plays in the backfield. As Caldwell himself states, “I see myself as a pure three-tech, but I can do both.” He demonstrates the ability to explode into blockers, generating initial impact. However, to maximize his potential and translate it into consistent production at the NFL level, he needs to refine his hand technique for quicker disengagements, particularly against NFL centers who may be able to reach and seal him.
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