El SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The NFL Draft is now over and the Los Angeles Chargers selected nine players who fit team needs across the board.
Coming into Thursday night the Chargers needed receivers, defensive line, edge rushers, and tight end with a sprinkle of secondary help.
Here is the total grade for Joe Hortiz/Jim Harbaugh’s second draft together:
Total garde: B
There will be Chargers fans angry that it was only a B but this was a solid draft from the Chargers duo. They filled several needs that they had with one big one was getting weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert.
It is possible and probable that two of these players will break out during training camp and improve their grade similar to cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. For now, what a draft by the Chargers.
Here are the full grades for each pick:
1st round, No. 22: RB Omarion Hampton, UNC
Hampton could be an explosive playmaker for the offense that doesn’t stop working. He could be a great running one-two punch with Najee Harris. There are two impressive features about him that will excite fans. He averaged 5.9 yards a carry in his last two seasons at North Carolina. Number two is his commitment to pass protection, he told the media he will help keep Herbert clean.
Grade: B+
2nd round, No. 55: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss
This was an important selection by the Chargers because they missed an X-receiver in 2024. Harris seems to fit exactly what they want and it means Mike Williams doesn’t have to be called upon as much. The most talked about area of Harris’s game is his catching ability. Rarely, if ever, uses his body for a catch, which drops have been a concern for this team in the last few seasons.
Grade: A-
3rd round, No. 86: DL Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
Caldwell adds beef to a Chargers defensive line that lost around 340 pounds of beef when Poona Ford signed with the LA Rams in free agency. For his size, Caldwell looks very athletic and fancies himself a solid run stuffer, which will be music to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s ears.
Grade: B-
4th round, No. 125: Edge Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
Right off the bat it seems like Kennard fits the mold for the size and strength to be a potential steal for the Chargers. He told the media that he expected to go sooner and said teams will pay for passing on him. He is quick and aggressive, which means he could make an instant impact for a team looking to fill the void left by Joey Bosa’s departure.
Grade: A-
5th round, No. 158: WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn
Doubling down on receivers and so early was very unique to see from the Chargers. Lambert-Smith averaged 19.6 yards per reception last season, which is explosiveness they are looking for to add to their offense. He told the media the team got the receiver that was the most slept on, so the chip on the shoulder is there.
Grade: C
5th round, No. 165: TE Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
The Chargers finally added a tight end, who happens to be more of an offensive weapon than a blocker, which is rare for them. Gadsden says he wants to improve as a run blocker but he is a former receiver turned tight end, who is a good athlete. The way offensive coordinator Greg roman decides to use the rookie will be very interesting.
Grade: B-
6th round, No. 199: OL Branson Taylor, Pittsburgh
Taylor was a tackle in college but the Chargers could ask him to move inside because of his versatility. When he spoke to the media, Taylor was asked which position he would play, “Wherever they want me.” The Chargers are looking for a left guard especially if the team is serious about Zion Johnson competing for the center role.
Grade: B
6th round, No. 214: S RJ Mickens, Clemson
A player to compete in the safety room. There are four right now with Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson, but Mickens adds another defensive player who can play special teams. He mentioned he loves to contribute any way possible, so special teams will be the way he sees the field.
Grade: B-
7th round, No. 256: CB Trikweze Bridges, Florida
Bridges will face an uphill battle but again special teams for him will be important. Now, he is a big cornerback at 6’2 but there will be a lot of competition in the secondary. He did also play safety last season, so there is that but Bridges will be a player to watch during camp.
Grade: C+