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. With the 125th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard.
With the 158th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected they selected Auburn wide receiver. Then they traded into the 5th round to pick 165 in the 5th round to take Oronde Gadsden II, a tight end out of Syracuse. With the 199th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected offensive tackle Branson Taylor.
They then opted for Clemson safety R.J. Mickens with the 214th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Chargers Select DB R.J. Mickens With Pick 214
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Mickens as the 21st-best tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft class, writing, “Mickens doesn’t consistently play up to his testing numbers, but he has a keen sense of football geometry and takes precise, physical angles to the football. He projects as a potential backup and special-teamer in the NFL.”
Khalil Mickens established himself as a versatile and experienced defensive back during his three-year starting career at Clemson. Playing in former defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin’s scheme, Mickens demonstrated his ability to contribute from various alignments, including free safety, nickel, and near the box. His final season proved to be his most impactful, as he finished third on the team in tackles (85) and second in interceptions (two).
Mickens’s understanding of the game is evident in his on-field awareness, a quality likely honed from growing up around football as the son of an 11-year NFL veteran. This is particularly noticeable in his run support, where he displays both willingness and reliability as a tackler. In coverage, he exhibits smooth rather than sudden movements, relying on his instincts to guide him to the ball.
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