Chargers Load Up on Weapons in 2025 NFL Draft, but Questions Remain Up Front
As the Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft with six Day Three picks, a clear theme emerged: this draft was all about surrounding Justin Herbert with more playmakers. In the first round, the Chargers selected dynamic running back Omarion Hampton, a player capable of altering the very fabric of the offense. They followed that with Tre Harris, a physical, ball-winning receiver, in the second round. The focus on weaponry didn’t stop there — in the fifth round, they snagged speedy deep-threat KeAndre Lambert-Smith and traded up just minutes later for athletic, pass-catching tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh made it clear: 2025 is about maximizing Herbert’s prime.
Last season, Herbert had only one truly reliable target in Ladd McConkey. Now, he has options across multiple position groups. Hampton should have an immediate multifaceted impact — bolstering the run game, offering elite pass-catching ability out of the backfield, and providing crucial support in pass protection. “Anytime you’re able to add offensive weapons like we’ve done the past three days, it’s just really exciting,” said Assistant General Manager Chad Alexander. While the offense was the priority, the defense wasn’t ignored. The Chargers addressed key needs by selecting defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell in the third round and edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the fourth. Hortiz and his staff systematically checked off every major need heading into the draft: receiver, tight end, interior defensive line, interior offensive line, running back, edge rusher, and cornerback.
One of the biggest Day Three steals may prove to be Gadsden. Ranked 131st on Dane Brugler’s board, the Chargers traded up to No. 165 to land him. Gadsden, originally a receiver at Syracuse, brings outstanding length, speed, and contested-catch ability — ranking second in FBS last year with 17 contested grabs. In a tight end room that already featured blocking specialist Will Dissly and reliable vet Tyler Conklin, Gadsden adds the vertical threat the Chargers sorely need. The double-dip at the receiver raised some eyebrows. After selecting Harris at No. 55, the Chargers grabbed Lambert-Smith at No. 158 — passing on LSU guard Miles Frazier, who could have filled a glaring need at left guard. However, Lambert-Smith’s blazing speed and knack for big plays, five receptions of 50+ yards last season, bring a dimension that Herbert’s arsenal lacked.
Mike Williams and Harris provide vertical threats, but neither has elite speed. McConkey thrives in the slot, and Quentin Johnston is an after-catch threat, but Lambert-Smith can truly stretch defenses. In hindsight, even if unexpected, the selection fits the broader vision. If there’s a concern about the Chargers' draft, it’s the interior offensive line. Pitt tackle Branson Taylor, picked at No. 199, will be transitioning to guard at the NFL level — despite never playing the position in college. It's a risky move.
At multiple points, the Chargers passed on highly regarded interior linemen like Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. Meanwhile, the Lions — a model for offensive line building — snatched up both players. The Chargers deserve major credit for upgrading Herbert’s weapons. However, if they can’t block consistently, all those weapons may not matter. The 2025 Chargers offense should be one of the most fun to watch in the league. However, unless the interior line takes a big step forward, it could also be a team that leaves fans wondering "what if" when the games get tight.
