The Los Angeles Chargers have to be thrilled about how the Jim Harbaugh tenure began in 2024.
During the coach’s first season, the team made the playoffs and looked impressive on both sides of the ball. The season ended in a disappointing playoff defeat, but many didn’t expect the team to make it there anyway.
In free agency this offseason, the team made some smart additions like offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, cornerback Donte Jackson, and running back Najee Harris, among others.
Then, in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team selected talented running back Omarion Hampton in the first round. Hampton should split carries with Harris, giving the team a dynamic ground game.
Other picks the team made include wide receiver Tre Harris, edge-rusher Kyle Kennard, and safety R.J. Mickens.
Now, let’s identify the team’s best and worst selection from the draft.
Best: Round 3, Pick 86- Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon
I loved the selection of Jamaree Caldwell in the third round. Many mocks had the hulking lineman going off the board much sooner, so this was great value.
Caldwell is a space-eating defender who will immediately help the run defense. The defender even flashed some ability as a pass-rusher, collecting 8.5 sacks from the interior in three seasons.
The Chargers have Teair Tart at nose tackle, but the veteran has been wildly inconsistent in the pros and Caldwell has a much higher ceiling.
Caldwell uses his brute strength to bully offensive linemen and has the speed on the interior to break through the line and meet ball carriers.
Defensive tackle was a need, and Caldwell fills that need in a big way. Teams will try to avoid running up the middle with a player like Caldwell on the other side.
Worst: Round 2, Pick 55- Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Don’t get me wrong, Tre Harris is a solid receiver who put up big numbers in college.
However, the receiver seems kind of redundant in Los Angeles. Harris has good size but isn’t the speediest, and the Chargers already have two guys on the roster in Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston who are just like that.
Harris struggled with drops at times in college and his route-running will need to improve at the next level. Also, most of Harris’ yardage at Ole Miss came off of hitches and screens, which may be hard to duplicate in the NFL.
It would’ve made more sense for the team to select a burner receiver to compliment the talented Ladd McConkey. Jack Bech,Kyle Williams, or Jaylin Noel would have been better fits for this offense and all were still on the board when Harris was selected.
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