Possible Defensive Draft Picks for Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers at pick 22 are in a very flexible spot when the 2025 NFL Draft begins. General manager Joe Hortiz, in a presser, mentioned how there have been some calls made about possibly moving up or down in the draft. He also acknowledged the offensive talent in this draft and how the running back class is deep. However, the cornerback and defensive line depth in the draft was something Hortiz repeated. Defense in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft seems like it could come to reality.
Starting at the interior defensive line, a lot of draft experts are raving on about how great this class is at the position. Mason Graham is so far the only expected defensive lineman to go in the top seven. After that, there are three to four other defensive tackles that could find themselves being selected in the first round. The Chargers this offseason lost Poona Ford in free agency, but brought in average-level veterans into the room. Drafting a potential starter at defensive tackle is very possible at pick 22. Kenneth Grant is a prospect familiar with Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter, as he was recruited by Harbaugh and played for him at Michigan. Harbaugh described Grant as an alien because of the way he moves for his size. Other tackles that could be the Chargers’ selection at 22 are Walter Nolen, an outstanding run defender and quick pass rusher, and Derrick Harmon, a mammoth of a player who is expected to contribute in the NFL immediately. In the later rounds, the Chargers can get value at the position by drafting players like Tyleik Williams, Ty Robinson, or J.J. Pegues.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Hortiz smashed his fifth-round picks with Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. This class seems to have a similar vibe, especially in the early rounds. Jahdae Barron is a fast cornerback out of Texas who could fall to 22 because of his size, but has proven he can line up outside. Will Johnson is an obvious choice here as he is regarded by a few as the best corner in the draft. His connection with Minter would be a fantastic addition, but it would probably require a trade-up. Cornerbacks at a good value could be a handful, especially in a trade-back scenario. Maxwell Hairston, Trey Amos, Benjamin Morrison, and Shavon Revel Jr. are all names Charger fans should keep an eye out for.
When looking at the Chargers’ edge room, it is filled with veterans. Khalil Mack signed a one-year contract to return to the Bolts, Bud Dupree has one year left on his contract, and Tuli Tuipulotu will be entering his third season. James Pearce Jr., Mike Green, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Jack Sawyer could all be possible additions through the draft to fill that room with more youth. The Chargers have an endless amount of options at pick 22 and later in the draft. It will come down to who the Chargers’ front office sees as best available when their pick is up. The 2025 NFL Draft starts on April 24th.
