When the Los Angeles Chargers used the 55th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on wide receiver Tre’ Harris, it was clear the front office believed he could help solve one of the team’s most pressing needs. Harris entered camp with high expectations, but it took a few weeks — and a strong showing against the Rams — for the second-rounder to flash his true potential.
A Need the Chargers Had to Fix
Receiver was a glaring weakness for the Chargers last offseason. The retirement of Mike Williams and the inconsistency of former first-rounder Quentin Johnston left Justin Herbert with fewer reliable options on the perimeter. General manager Joe Hortiz invested heavily in fixing the problem, drafting Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith while also reuniting with veteran Keenan Allen.
That approach has paid early dividends. Harris has been singled out as one of the steals of the rookie class. Matt Miller of ESPN even labeled him the Chargers’ “most under-the-radar rookie.”
“Harris, the team’s second-rounder, has impressed with his route-running ability and how well he has picked up multiple alignments in the offense,” Miller wrote. “His penchant for big plays on deep routes is exactly what the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert need.”
Breakout vs. Rams
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
After being targeted just twice in his first two preseason games without recording a catch, Harris exploded in Week 2 against the cross-town Los Angeles Rams. The Ole Miss product was targeted eight times, hauling in six passes for 85 yards — including a spectacular 34-yard sideline grab from Trey Lance that set up the Chargers’ first touchdown of the night.
That performance landed Harris on Pro Football Focus’ Top 10 Rookies of Preseason Week 2 at No. 8. Analyst Lauren Gray noted his versatility:
- Short routes: 3 catches, 28 yards, 2 first downs
- Intermediate routes: 2 catches, 23 yards, 2 first downs
- Deep ball: 1 catch, 34 yards
Gray added:
“Harris’ production also came against both coverage schemes — three catches each against zone (74.6 PFF receiving grade) and single (90.4 PFF receiving grade) coverage.”
Praise From Inside the Locker Room
Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Harris’ all-around ability after the Rams game:
“Some big catches showing the catch radius, the ability to catch it over the middle, catch and run, catch on the sideline,” Harbaugh said. “I thought he had a heck of a game… He’s the kind of guy that just keeps building, and that’s what we’ve noticed throughout training camp. Hard work always, always pays off.”
Quarterback Trey Lance, who connected with Harris for four of his six receptions, agreed:
“He’s been doing it in practice, it was just fun to be able to give him the ball. He was consistent, made all the plays that the ball got thrown to him.”
Even Harris himself admitted the performance gave him a boost:
“I definitely think it added a little confidence,” Harris said. “Coach Sanjay challenged the rookie receivers and I feel like we all stepped up to it. That’s what really kind of set the tone for the week.”
Stepping Up in a Moment of Need
Harris’ opportunity expanded after Quentin Johnston left the game early with a concussion. With Johnston sidelined and Allen watching from the bench, Harris stepped into a larger role and showed exactly what he could bring to the offense.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano argued that Harris already looks like a natural fit for the X-receiver role:
“Harris (six catches, 85 yards) could be a quality X-receiver, especially after his sensational 34-yard grab to complete Trey Lance’s sideline pass near the end zone. Harris, this year’s second-round pick, was probably in the team’s plans to be Justin Herbert’s No. 1 perimeter option long before Williams retired.”
Wide Receiver No Longer a Weakness
What was once one of the Chargers’ biggest roster holes suddenly looks like a strength. With Ladd McConkey emerging as Herbert’s No. 1 target, Allen back in the fold, and rookies Harris and Lambert-Smith both ascending, Los Angeles may have quietly rebuilt one of the deeper wide receiver groups in the AFC.
For Harris, who entered preseason with quiet outings and limited touches, the breakthrough performance against the Rams was a turning point. If he continues to stack weeks like this, the Chargers may have found not just a complementary piece, but a future star.
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