EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers completed the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft with two essential picks: a new defensive tackle for the line and an additional weapon for Justin Herbert.
Tre Harris was selected 55th overall in the second round of the draft as a wide receiver, joining a receiving corps that underperformed last season. Harris concluded his time at Ole Miss with 114 receptions, 2,015 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. However, he missed five games in 2024 due to a groin injury. Now, Harris is determined to prove that he is ready for the NFL, not only to the Chargers but also to the fans of Los Angeles.
“At the end of the day, you’re going to get a hard worker out of me,” Harris said. “You’re going to get a competitor out of me and you’re going to get the best out of me for sure,”
The Chargers see him as a potential threat on the outside because of his size and ability to make contested catches. Last season, the team ranked 19th in the NFL, averaging 213.5 passing yards per game. With Mike Williams returning on a one-year deal, the Chargers will benefit from the leadership and guidance he brings—something they notably lacked last season, especially during the playoffs. After a decade, the Chargers have also decided to part ways with Keenan Allen, who was traded to the Chicago Bears. There are rumors that Allen is interested in making a return to the Chargers.
Defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell went through two junior colleges and two Division I schools before being selected as the 86th overall pick. He adds a valuable presence to the Chargers' defense, which allowed the fewest points per game last year. The Chargers finished the season with an 11-6 record, despite facing some tough losses. This offseason, the team parted ways with Joey Bosa and was actively seeking to enhance its front line. Caldwell was a key target for the Chargers, and they were surprised he was still available by the time they made their selection at No. 86. Harbaugh finally gets some bulk to a defensive line that was in need after the departure of Poona Ford.
“Some of the plays, when you’re watching film of him, when you see him just toss bodies, it’s really impressive,” Joe Hortiz said. “He does a really good job playing square, physical strikes with his hands. He’s got feel. He’s a big man with quick feet.
Caldwell’s upbringing was unique, especially as his life took a different direction when the pandemic hit. He seriously considered quitting football because supporting his mother, Shonda Caldwell, became a priority as she ran her soul food business. During this time, Caldwell’s focus shifted; he was uncertain if he would ever make a living playing football, but he knew that helping his mother was the right decision. The character he brings to the Chargers is as distinctive as his talent.
“Just somebody that loves football,” Caldwell said.
I just got off a Zoom call with Jamaree Caldwell, and he is one of the most humble players entering the league.
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) April 26, 2025
When COVID-19 struck, he paused his football career to help his mother, Shonda Caldwell, with her catering business, which catered weddings and events. Now, as she… pic.twitter.com/Pw5Vzphq4u
Caldwell's scholarship was revoked at Hutchinson during the pandemic. The cost of school was beyond what he could afford, so he decided to switch his focus to helping his mother.
After being drafted 86th overall in the third round, Caldwell feels a sense of relief. During a Zoom call with the media on Friday night, he shared that his mother is opening a new restaurant in South Carolina.
During his time with the Cougars, Caldwell showcased the skills he had developed, as his potential had been on hold during the pandemic. In 2023, he recorded 6½ sacks before transferring to Oregon in 2024. At Oregon, he started 14 games and achieved a career-high of 29 total tackles (16 of which were solo), including 4.5 tackles for loss. He also contributed a forced fumble and three pass breakups.