Top 3 Early-Round Schematic Fits For The Los Angeles Chargers

It feels like NFL Draft season gets longer and longer every year, but we are just one week away from the Los Angeles Chargers being on the clock with the 22nd overall pick.

Let’s take a look at some of the top schematic fits for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers. While it is very unlikely that all, or any, of these players are available for the Chargers at 22, if they are, they would be slam dunk fits based on what the team wants to do on both sides of the ball.

Top NFL Draft Schematic Fits For Los Angeles Chargers

Tetairoa McMillan – Wide Receiver, Arizona (Round 1)

Top 3 Early-Round Schematic Fits For The Los Angeles Chargers
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

College Career

A dominant three-year contributor at Arizona, McMillan set the school record with 3,423 career receiving yards, including a 304-yard single-game performance. He led all FBS freshmen with 702 yards in 2022 and capped his junior year with 1,319 yards and 8 TDs in 2024.

Strengths

Standing at 6’4” with long arms and an elite catch radius, McMillan thrives in contested-catch situations, leading college football with 35 contested grabs since 2023. He’s surprisingly fluid for his size, showing strong YAC ability, smooth route running, and versatility lining up at X, Z, and in the slot.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite breakaway speed (projected mid-4.5s in the 40) and sometimes struggles to separate vertically. He can be inconsistent off the snap and occasionally fails to sell routes. Needs to refine releases against press coverage to handle physical NFL corners.

Projected Draft Range

Late Round 1. One of the top WRs in the 2025 class, often compared to Drake London. Viewed as a top-20 talent.

Scheme Fit

McMillan is a prototypical Harbaugh receiver—big, physical, and willing to block. He fits perfectly into a power-run/play-action scheme, offering Herbert a large red-zone and vertical threat. He can dominate on intermediate routes off play-action and absorb the physical workload of blocking safeties in the run game.

Subscribe To Our LAFB Network YouTube Channel


Will Campbell – Offensive Tackle, LSU (Round 1)

NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Texas A&M
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

College Career

Campbell started 38 games at left tackle, earning All-American honors in 2024 and winning the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He allowed just 5 sacks across 2,553 career snaps and went 24 straight games without surrendering one.

Strengths

Technically advanced and highly experienced. Excellent footwork and anchor in pass protection. Nasty run blocker who finishes through the whistle and is agile enough to reach the second level on screens and combos.

Weaknesses

Arm length is average (≈33”), making him susceptible to long-edge rushers. At times, over-sets and leans in pass pro. Plays high on wide pulls or in space—technique refinements are needed for NFL speed.

Also Read: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Expert Names 3 Defensive Fits To Replace Joey Bosa

Projected Draft Range

Late Round 1 or Early Round 2. A first-round talent with guard flexibility for teams concerned about arm length. Proven SEC resume.

Scheme Fit

Ideal for the Los Angeles Chargers’ right tackle spot (unlikely considering they drafted Joe Alt just last year, but could be in play if they decide not to extend Rashawn Slater). Campbell brings the grit Harbaugh wants in a mauling offensive line. He’s ready to handle gap schemes and inside zone work, while also protecting Herbert on deep play-action drops.


Will Johnson – Cornerback, Michigan (Round 1)

NCAA Football: Arkansas State at Michigan
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

College Career

A five-star recruit and instant contributor for Michigan, Johnson recorded 7 interceptions over two seasons and played a key role in their national title run. At 6’2”, 195 lbs, he anchored Jesse Minter’s defense as a true underclassman.

Strengths

Prototype size and athleticism for an outside corner. Excels in press-man with ball skills, route recognition, and solid tackling. High IQ player who thrived in a complex scheme early in his career.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers Get 2 New Answers For ‘Outstanding Need’ From Top Draft Analyst

Weaknesses

Only two years of experience—can be tricked by advanced route combinations. Occasionally too handsy downfield or off-balance on double moves. Overall, a polished product with minor growing pains expected.

Projected Draft Range

Mid-to-late Round 1. Viewed as a top CB prospect with refined tools and elite measurables.

Scheme Fit

Plug-and-play in Minter’s defense—he already ran it at Michigan. Can lock up in man or play deep zone with instincts and length. He gives the Chargers a young, skilled cornerback trio tailored to Minter’s hybrid coverages.

Mentioned In This Article:
0What do you think?Post a comment.