The 2025 NFL Draft came and went, and the Los Angeles Chargers were one of the more active teams with nine total selections. How would their 2025 class be viewed by the experts in the field?
Mel Kiper has become known as the founder of the NFL Draft, or at least the figurehead of what the spectacle has become. Similar to a tax expert, you don’t hear much from him until April rolls around, but with the turn of the winter froth to the magic of spring, you can bet that Kiper will be all over your social feeds.
In this year’s iteration, when he wasn’t complaining or lambasting the NFL for the slide of Shedeur Sanders, he was actually analyzing other draft prospects, and once the 2025 NFL Draft came to a close, he completed grades for all 32 teams, including your Los Angeles Chargers.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Grades The Entire Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft Class
Overall, the Los Angeles Chargers’ draft haul has been viewed favorably by analysts and fans alike, but how does Kiper view it?
I would say pretty similarly in that he gives it an overall B+ grade.
Kiper may not have the same luster that he once had, now that the space has grown so much and the number of analysts covering the draft has skyrocketed, but his opinion and analysis do provide depth and knowledge that not everyone in the space has.
“The key picks here are their first few. Omarion Hampton is a three-down back with the ability to hit a home run any time he takes a handoff. He was the only player in the FBS to run for 1,500-plus yards and 15-plus touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.”
Mel Kiper – ESPN
While the Chargers signed Najee Harris in free agency, we know that Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman love to run the football, so they need more than one competent running back. Plus, Harris’s deal is just for one year, so Hampton will be viewed as the future back of the organization.
Also Read: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Picks 2025: Chargers Draft Grade, Pick-By-Pick Analysis
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Chargers did tender veteran J.K. Dobbins just today, adding more potential depth to the room.
“Tre Harris was the other early pick. The Chargers desperately needed a wide receiver. Ladd McConkey had a great rookie season, but he was also a second-round pick responsible for 29.5% of the team’s receiving yards (1,149). Harris has dealt with some injuries, but he has the talent to take weight off McConkey. Harris went over 1,000 yards despite playing only eight games in 2024.”
Mel Kiper
Harris might be my favorite pick of the class for the Bolts.
As Kiper mentioned, the Los Angeles Chargers absolutely had to take a receiver in this class. They did nothing in free agency to truly address the discrepancy, and Justin Herbert needed more weapons in the passing game.
Not only can Harris become the true X-receiver, but he will push former-first-round pick Quentin Johnston to his full potential.
“The Chargers went defense in Round 3. They allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season (27th) and lost Poona Ford in free agency. Defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell is a solid run blocker, and the 332-pounder should improve that area of Los Angeles’ defense (though I might have gone with Yahya Black or CJ West there; both of whom were ranked higher).”
Mel Kiper
I actually agree with Kiper here. While there are good aspects to Caldwell’s game, CJ West was a player I had circled who would have been a great fit in this defense.
Kiper finishes by saying:
“I’m surprised the Chargers didn’t address the interior offensive line. I projected Grey Zabel to them in Round 1 in my final mock draft, but the only offensive line addition was sixth-round tackle Branson Taylor. I docked the Chargers a bit there, but there were some good Day 3 finds in their class. Kyle Kennard had 11.5 sacks last season and can help alleviate the loss of Joey Bosa. Oronde Gadsden II catches everything thrown his direction, which is why I listed him as my favorite sleeper tight end in the class. And safety Trikweze Bridges was one of my “Orange Crushers” on “First Draft” this year. I’m a big fan of his game.”
Mel Kiper
It is clear that the Los Angeles Chargers feel much better about their offensive line group than the rest of the world. They added Mekhi Becton and re-tained center Bradley Bozeman, who was very inconsistent last year. They are also undecided on whether they will pick up Zion Johnson’s fifth-year option, signaling a potential hole there.
Tight end was another major area of need, and the Bolts got a steal with Gadsden II. He finished last season at Syracuse with 934 yards and 7 touchdowns on 73 catches. He is not a great blocker, but that is what the Chargers have Will Dissly for. They needed a vertical threat at tight end, and they got one.
How would you grade the Los Angeles Chargers’ class? Comment below.