Charger Report

Chargers hailed as landing top-three 2025 NFL draft class

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:


The Los Angeles Chargers quietly navigated the 2025 NFL draft, striking out huge needs off the list at a good value – an impressive feat for any team, let alone one with nine picks in the process. 

But the national perspective is starting to catch up to just what the Chargers pulled off during the draft. 

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus is perhaps the most notable example of high praise starting to come in for the Chargers. While ranking his top 10 favorite classes, Sikkema has Los Angeles third overall: 

“Hampton was picked in an appropriate range and has the potential to be a three-down back. His 1,450 rushing yards between the tackles since 2022 were the most in the FBS. Harris and Lambert-Smith are both the exact type of receiver the Chargers need — one who wins vertically to stretch the field, maximize Herbert’s arm talent and open up the short and intermediate game. Caldwell is the kind of nose tackle they needed after losing Poona Ford, and Kennard in the fourth round is a value pick at a position that really needed depth and long-term security. ”


RELATED: Chargers' key name offers an important injury update after NFL draft

That combination of Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith at wideout could end up being a huge windfall for the Chargers sooner rather than later if one or both guys can really start pushing Quentin Johnston this summer. 


RELATED: Los Angeles Chargers send message to Keenan Allen with peculiar move

A big shout goes to Kyle Kennard, there, too, as big-award winners from the SEC don’t often fall to the fourth round. He’s got a chance to learn from Khalil Mack before potentially taking over a bigger role after 2025.

Los Angeles Chargers
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Draft analyst says Chargers’ first-round pick spells success for Greg Roman’s offense

Chargers move in surprising direction in NFL power rankings after mixed draft grades

Chargers yet to reveal if team will pick up fifth year option for offensive guard

Shocking J.K. Dobbins return would give Chargers NFL's best RB depth chart


Published
Chris Roling
CHRIS ROLING

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.

Share on XFollow Chris_Roling