Who did the Chargers draft this year? The 2025 NFL Draft is here, with the Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2025 introducing the next wave of talent to this franchise. A year ago, Los Angeles struck gold in the 2024 NFL Draft with Joe Alt, Ladd McConkey, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart.
Now, general manager Joe Hortiz is hoping to replicate that success with the Chargers draft picks this year.
Below, you can find a full breakdown of the Chargers draft picks in 2025. Our Chargers draft tracker will also include draft grades from analysts during the 2025 NFL Draft, along with analysis from LAFB Network.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our Chargers draft tracker.
Related: Analyst predicts Los Angeles Chargers trade
Los Angeles Chargers draft analysis 2025: Live pick-by-pick analysis of Chargers draft picks this year
1st Round, 22nd overall: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
People will continue to suggest that the Chargers need wide receiver help, and Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will continue to prove that they simply prioritize the running game.
Grade: B
The Chargers signed Najee Harris to a one-year deal during the offseason, but we know that Harbaugh likes to have a two-running-back room. Hampton is the 2nd best RB in the draft, after Ashton Jeanty, and can do pretty much everything from the backfield.
They also get the extra 5th-year option to keep the RB position cost-controlled. Herbert still needs more receiving options, however, Hampton is certainly a dynamic weapon who will improve the offense.
2nd Round, 55th overall: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
The Chargers finally addressed their need at wide receiver by selecting Tre Harris in the 2nd round. Last season at Ole Miss, Harris finished with 60 receptions, 1,030 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Grade: A-
I love the size and production of Harris. At 6’3, 210 pounds, he can be that true outside X-receiver that will complement McConkey in the slot. He will also push Quinten Johnston, and if QJ becomes the receiver he was drafted to be, the Chargers all of a sudden have one of the most talented trios in the game.
He doesn’t have explosive speed or separation, but the Chargers won’t need him to be that type of player. He is reliable and has the production to back it up.
Related: Early-Round Schematic Fits for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft
3rd Round, 86th overall: Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
After addressing the wide receiver position, the Chargers tackle their next biggest need by selecting Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. He finished last season with 29 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
Grade: B-
Caldwell is a massive human being standing 6’1 and weighing 340 pounds. The Chargers hope that he can come in fairly quickly and fill the void left by Poona Ford.
I like the player, and I like the decision to address the position, but I think there were other options with a bit higher upside, including UCLA DT Jay Toia.
4th Round, 125th overall: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
The Chargers needed to add depth to the defensive line, and now they have done it in back-to-back picks. With the 125th overall pick, the Bolts add a very talented EDGE player in Kyle Kennard.
Grade: A+
Kennard comes to the NFL with some tremendous pedigree. He is the reigning SEC defensive player of the year and was an All-American. He finished with 11.5 sacks for the Gamecocks last year.
This is a tremendous value pick for the Chargers. They desperately needed more EDGE players, and they got an All-American in the 4th round. Great selection.
5th Round, 158th overall: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
Wide receiver was a huge position of need for the Chargers heading into the draft, and they just selected their second one in KeAndre Lambert-Smith out of Auburn.
Grade: B
Lambert-Smith finished last year with 981 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Another solid value pick as he is the 17th-ranked receiver on Dane Brugler’s big board and was given a 4th to 5th round grade. This is a good depth piece, but also someone who has big-play explosiveness, which the offense could certainly use for QB Justin Herbert.
5th Round, 165th overall: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
The Chargers address another big-time need and trade up to draft tight end Oronde Gadsden II out of Syracuse.
Grade: A-
This is another really nice value pick as Bruglar has Gadsden II as his 8th-ranked tight end, and a 4th-round projection. A two-year starter with the Orange, Gadsden has a big catch radius and will add talent to the Chargers’ passing game. He needs improvement in his blocking, but this will allow Will Dissly to get back to what he does best and allow Gadsden II to be the pass-catching threat.
6th Round, 199th overall: Branson Taylor, OG, Pittsburgh
This is the point in the draft where you start throwing darts at players that you hope can add depth and play on special teams. The Chargers do this with the addition of Pittsburgh offensive lineman Branson Taylor.
Grade: B+
Taylor played tackle in college, but according to Dane Brugler, most teams view him as a guard at the next level. In reality, this gives the Chargers versatility for him to play either position, increasing his value. He was Brugler’s 18th-ranked OT, but has great size at 6’6, 315 pounds.
While he won’t be a starter, you never know what will unfold, especially with any injuries that may occur.
6th Round, 214th overall: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
In the 6th round, the Chargers select Clemson safety R.J. Mickens. Last season, he finished with 75 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions.
Grade: B-
This was not the most talented safety class, but the Chargers added some depth in Clemson safety R.J. Mickens. He will come in and compete to play on special teams.
7th Round, 256th overall: Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida
With their final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers drafted Florida cornerback Trikweze Bridges.
Grade: A
Bridges began his career at Oregon and then transferred to Florida for his final year of eligibility. He started as a depth piece early in the season, transitioning from safety and then to cornerback. He finished the year leading the Gators in tackles and allowed only 14 receptions with zero touchdowns. This is a very solid pick for the Chargers this late in the draft.
Los Angeles Chargers draft grades 2025 – NFL Draft experts weigh in on Chargers’ draft class
Here you can find a full breakdown of NFL Draft grades on the Chargers draft picks this year. Expert analysis comes from NFL.com, USA Today, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and PFF.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers News, Rumors
Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2025 – Chargers draft tracker
- 1st Round, 22nd overall: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina – B
- 2nd Round, 55th overall: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss – A-
- 3rd Round, 86th overall: Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon – B-
- 4th Round, 125th overall: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina – A+
- 5th Round, 158th overall: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn – B
- 5th Round, 165th overall: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse – A-
- 6th Round, 199th overall: Branson Taylor, OG, Pittsburgh – B+
- 6th Round, 214th overall: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson – B-
- 7th Round, 256th overall: Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida – A
How many picks do the Chargers have in 2025?
The Los Angeles Chargers have 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chargers draft picks in 2025 include one first-round pick (22nd overall), one second-round pick (55th overall), one third-round pick (86th overall), one fourth-round pick (125th overall), one fifth-round pick (158th overall), four sixth-round picks (181st, 199th, 209th, and 214th overall), and one seventh-round pick (256th overall).
Read More: NFL trade candidates during the 2025 NFL Draft
What are the Chargers draft needs?
The Los Angeles Chargers draft needs in 2025 include wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle, edge rusher, running back, and offensive guard.
Related: NFL defense rankings, see where the Los Angeles Chargers land