The Draft is in the rearview mirror and OTAs and Training Camps will begin soon. Going into the draft, the Chargers needed to add weapons to their offense for Justin Herbert. They definitely did so, but what kind of value did they get in later rounds? Before the preseason begins, let’s look at all 9 of the Chargers’ draft picks this year and give them much-too-early draft grades.
Round 1, Pick 22 Overall: RB Omarion Hampton (A+)
Hampton is an absolute slam dunk for the Chargers and a perfect Harbaugh pick. He provides the explosive speed and big play potential to complement Najee Harris’ hard nose running style. He will also be a receiving threat out of the backfield. After back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons and 36 touchdowns in his college career, Hampton will have an immediate impact on the Chargers’ offense. The Chargers got lucky that because Jahdae Barron fell, the Broncos passed on Hampton (who had been mocked to them repeatedly), because the Chargers got an amazing player in Round 1.
Round 2, Pick 55 Overall: WR Tre Harris (A)
Tre Harris is another player who will add a new dimension to the Bolts’ offense. He’s a great pairing for Ladd McConkey since he’s bigger and more athletic and can stretch the field. He’s great with contested catches and has a big catch radius. He runs a good mix of routes and will provide Justin Herbert with even more great options in 2025. One of the Chargers’ biggest weaknesses last year was the lack of athletic pass catchers, and adding him as well as re-acquiring Mike Williams will definitely help with that.
Round 3, Pick 86 Overall: DT Jamaree Caldwell (B-)
With Poona Ford leaving in the offseason, this was definitely a position of need for the Chargers’ Defense. Caldwell definitely has the size to fill gaps, but his technique isn’t always great. He sometimes gets displaced or put to the ground by OLinemen, and he needs to get better at shedding blocks. This pick has potential if Caldwell develops, and it does fill a need, but the value isn’t great given his unfinished nature as a prospect.
Round 4, Pick 125 Overall: EDGE Kyle Kennard (C+)
Kennard is definitely another developmental pick, but the Chargers don’t need the edge help yet with Mack and Bosa still playing at a high level. Kennard needs to put on muscle and work on his technique in order to become a starter or even a rotational player. But he did provide good production at South Carolina, and who better to learn from than one of the best edge rush duos in the league? The potential is here, but the pick probably could have been spent addressing other areas of need (Elic Ayomanor was available!)
Round 5, Pick 158 Overall: WR KeAndre Lambert Smith (D-)
WR was a big position of need coming into the draft. But Lambert-Smith lacks the kind of speed that he’ll need to be productive at the NFL level. He’s also small and thin, not unlike Ladd McConkey. He’s not a great route runner either. This seems like a bit of a reach, and I doubt he’ll be more than a special teamer for the Chargers at best. I hope I’m wrong and he’s able to contribute, but I don’t love the pick. Would have loved Ayomanor in the 4th instead, and perhaps for this pick a developmental edge or a linebacker (the run on them started right after this pick).
Round 6 Pick 165 Overall: TE Oronde Gadsden II (C-)
There’s not always a ton of value to be found in the 6th round, but Gadsden could fill a role for the Chargers. He’s more of a big slot than a true tight end, but he can open up space underneath and has a good catch radius. He had a lot of big games in college, but I doubt he can mirror that production in the NFL. I’m thrilled anytime we add a pass catcher, but I have my doubts Gadsden will be a major contributor.
Round 6, Pick 199 Overall: OL Branson Taylor (B)
The Chargers will likely shift Taylor inside to guard, given their depth at tackle, and he could thrive inside. His shorter arms will be less of a problem, and his explosiveness in the run game could be a huge asset. At the very worst, he’s a depth piece for the line, and at best, he could blossom into a serviceable starting guard if he improves his pass sets. A defensible use of the Tom Brady pick for the Blots.
Round 6 Pick 215 Overall: SAFETY R.J. Mickens (B)
Mickens has the size and strength for the NFL, and his dad played croner in the NFL, so he also has the football IQ and professionalism. His speed isn’t incredible, but he knows how to play zones (which is the Chargers’ bread and butter). He’s also a great tackler who can run fit well (even if he doesn’t always beat blockers). He could be a solid piece for Jessie Minter to develop, and certainly fits within the Chargers’ defensive scheme.
Round 7 Pick 256 Overall, DB Trikweze Bridges (C)
One pick from Mr.Irrelevant, the value here is slim. However, Bridges not only has an extremely cool name, he also has the flexibility to play corner or safety as well as an insane wingspan. If he finds a roster spot as a special teamer, he would bring some nice depth and flexibility to the DB room. He could continue to develop and find a multifaceted role in Jesse Minters’ defense. As a last pick, it’s certainly a fine addition to the team.
