Chargers Focus on Offensive Firepower in 2025 NFL Draft
With new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, the Los Angeles Chargers leaned into offensive reinforcements in this year’s NFL Draft—much like they did in 2024.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
With new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, the Los Angeles Chargers leaned into offensive reinforcements in this year’s NFL Draft—much like they did in 2024.
Last year, the Bolts went offense-heavy early, selecting offensive lineman Joe Alt with the 5th overall pick and wide receiver Ladd McConkey at No. 34. Both players impressed as rookies, though the team still finished 20th in total offense.
Ground Game Gets a Bruiser
This year, the Chargers used their first-round pick (No. 22 overall) to select Omarion Hampton, a powerful running back out of North Carolina. Hampton rushed for more than 1,500 yards in each of the past two seasons and tallied 15 touchdowns in 2024 alone. He also proved reliable as a receiver, hauling in 38 passes for 373 yards and two scores.
At 6 feet, 221 pounds, with 4.4 speed, Hampton adds both size and burst to the backfield. He’ll join newly signed free agent Najee Harris, creating a formidable one-two punch.
“You learn from the best,” said Hampton during an appearance on The Petros and Money Show. “The coaches here helped me land in Los Angeles.” Chargers running backs coach Natrone Means, a former NFL standout himself, will guide the rookie’s transition.
Adding More Weapons for Herbert
In the second round, the Chargers selected Tre Harris, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, with the 34th overall pick. Harris (6-2, 205) is a consistent playmaker who averaged nearly 60 receptions and 1,000 yards over the past two seasons. He’ll complement a receiving corps that already includes McConkey, Mike Williams, and Quentin Johnston—though Harris primarily lined up outside rather than in the slot.
Balanced Approach, Offensive Lean
Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz expressed confidence in the draft’s outcome, noting that the team prioritized the best player available at each selection—even if the overall haul skewed toward offense.
“We’re always trying to bolster everything, improve everything,” said Hortiz. “We felt like we helped our team in free agency, really improved depth, and could go out to play a game. So let’s just pick the best players available. When you’re in there making the selections, you want to keep it balanced—but you’ve got to follow the board.”
Full 2025 Draft Class
• Round 1 (No. 22): Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
• Round 2 (No. 34): Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
• Round 3 (No. 86): Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
• Round 4 (No. 125): Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
• Round 5 (No. 158): KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
• Round 5 (No. 165): Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
• Round 6 (No. 199): Branson Taylor, OT/G, Pittsburgh
• Round 6 (No. 214): R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
• Round 7 (No. 256): Trikweze Bridges, CB, Florida
Early Draft Grades
NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter offered praise for the Chargers’ top picks.
“Jim Harbaugh’s run game got a boost from Hampton in Round 1,” Reuter noted, “and Tre Harris—a strong downfield playmaker when healthy—did the same for the receiving corps in Round 2.” He added that Caldwell fills a need on the defensive line, though the team might have benefited from adding a young edge rusher earlier.
