{"id":230006,"date":"2025-04-26T20:08:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T00:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=230006"},"modified":"2025-04-26T20:08:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T00:08:05","slug":"los-angeles-chargers-2025-nfl-draft-grades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/26\/los-angeles-chargers-2025-nfl-draft-grades\/","title":{"rendered":"Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft Grades"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft comes after a pretty successful 2024 season, but one that had some meat left on the bone. This large, nine pick class should give Bolt fans hope that they will finish the plate and obtain a playoff victory in the Jim Harbaugh era. No better way to assess this goal in the offseason by giving out draft grades for the Chargers.<\/p>\n<h1>Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Draft Grades: Playoff Victory Is A Must<\/h1>\n<div class=\"nfl-c-body-part nfl-c-body-part--text\">\n<h2>1st round (No. 22 overall): RB, Omarion Hampton<\/h2>\n<p>It would be wrong to say that Jim Harbaugh getting his running back of the future a surprise, but <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/25\/first-reactions-to-the-chargers-first-round-pick-in-the-2025-nfl-draft\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">fans were definitely stunned they decided to select a running back this early<\/a> in the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Omarion Hampton brings immense size, speed, vision and multi-use ability to the Chargers offense, likely giving the Bolts a powerful 1-2 combo with their free agent signee, Najee Harris. If Hampton can take over as RB1 in year two, this selection will only continue to age better.<\/p>\n<p>The only points that were marked off in this grade are the Chargers passing on trading down, though it was reported the Chargers were <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/alexinsdorf99\/status\/1915902835251699770\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">unable to do so due to NFL communications errors<\/a>. Positional value also hampers the grade of this selection, but either way, Hampton was the best player on the board, considering how the board fell in unfortunate ways for the Chargers needs.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Omarion Hampton had #34 from NC State in hell for 3 straight plays. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gIB6SOjGDM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/gIB6SOjGDM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Nate_Tice\/status\/1907853953989226966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/01\/30\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-omarion-hampton-north-carolina\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: Omarion Hampton Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: B+<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nfl-c-body-part nfl-c-body-part--text\">\n<h2>2nd round (No. 55 overall): WR, Tre Harris<\/h2>\n<p>Worry started to set in for the Chargers, seeing that <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/12\/realistic-chargers-selections-for-the-first-3-rounds-of-the-2025-nfl-draft\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">plenty of players who were perfect for their needs<\/a> were going off the board. Guys like Nic Scourton, JT Tuimoloau, Terrance Ferguson and Elijah Arroyo were all flying off the board, but a few guys remained. One of which was Tre Harris, a weapon for Justin Herbert.<\/p>\n<p>The theme of bolstering the offense continues, giving the Chargers a real fun outlook going into 2025. Harris fills the need of the much-needed &#8220;X&#8221; receiver, complementing Ladd McConkey, who plays in the slot for the Chargers. The Ole Miss receiver has size, speed and immense production (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/tre-harris-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1,030 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games<\/a>) who can easily come into this Greg Roman-led offense and produce.<\/p>\n<p>A perfect pick for the Chargers, who have the corpse of Mike Williams left to play at &#8220;X&#8221; and now have youth to learn under the former Chargers first round draft pick. If you were to nit-pick this selection, this is as early as it got for Harris, who was looked at as a mid-second-round to mid-third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft due to <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/tre-harris-injury-ole-miss-184743993.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a few nagging injuries<\/a> he has suffered in the previous two seasons. He will also need to work on his route tree in the NFL if he truly wants to become a number one option.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This Tre Harris guy might be good <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FqGTUyNeTp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/FqGTUyNeTp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ihartitz\/status\/1915931619891859527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/07\/tre-harris-2025-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: Tre Harris Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: A-<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<h2>3rd round (No. 86 overall): IDL, Jamaree Caldwell<\/h2>\n<p>After two selections on offense in the first two rounds in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers opted to finally get their interior defensive linemen to upgrade their weak room. Even with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/02\/chargers-key-free-agent-signing-set-to-play-pivotal-role-in-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">a few veteran additions of Naquan Jones<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HandDa00.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dashawn Hand<\/a>, this room had plenty of room for improvement.<\/p>\n<p>The Chargers did just that and took Jamaree Caldwell, the large defensive tackle out of Oregon. Caldwell may not have <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MathBomb\/status\/1915957211018207508\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the best RAS score<\/a>, but he shows pretty great twitch and creativity in his rush for his size (6&#8217;2 332). Expect Caldwell to come in on day one and compete for a starting job next to the newly re-signed Teair Tart. His competition are the veterans mentioned above, Otito Ogbonnia, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/01\/03\/chargers-fourth-round-selection-disappoints-in-rookie-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">last years&#8217; fourth round selection, Justin Eboigbe<\/a> and FB\/IDL Hybrid, Scott Matlock.<\/p>\n<p>The argument for Caldwell not being a slam-dunk A+ pick is that he is 24 years old and was projected to go early fourth round, which was only a little ways away from where the Chargers selected him. Overall, a very good selection for this Chargers defense.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">LIKE COME ON DUDE <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5CPYCbaI2K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/5CPYCbaI2K<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NateGosney\/status\/1915956959397961920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/13\/jamaree-caldwell-2025-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: Jamaree Caldwell Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: B+<\/h3>\n<h2>4th round (No. 125 overall): EDGE, Kyle Kennard<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers had plenty of options at EDGE available to them in the fourth round, as it was <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/01\/31\/the-chargers-have-must-fill-niche-need-before-the-2025-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">a major need for the Chargers<\/a>. Whether it was trading up for <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/03\/bradyn-swinson-2025-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">the falling Bradyn Swinson<\/a>, or simply taking their guy, Kyle Kennard, there was a route to help the Bolts on the EDGE.<\/p>\n<p>They opted to take Kennard, a pass rusher out of South Carolina. He brings immense pass rush juice, with the ability to counter off failing moves, very comparable to how Joey Bosa was able to hand fight to victory during his Chargers career. An SEC-leading 11.5 sacks show the Chargers that Kennard knows how to rush the passer, and they got a good one to go next to Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipolotu for the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<p>Falling to 125 as the 89th-ranked prospect on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/big-boards\/2025\/consensus-big-board-2025?pos=EDGE\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2025 NFL Draft Consensus Board<\/a>, Kennard could very well be the Mack replacement in 2026 and create havoc on this Chargers defensive line for years to come. An exciting selection for the Chargers, which warrants the highest grade, an A+.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Sacks translate from college to the NFL, and oh boy did Kyle Kennard get sacks. <\/p>\n<p>Led the SEC with 11.5 this year.<\/p>\n<p>Prototypical size, elite pass rush production, decent athleticism, and a 1st Team All-American. Drafting that in the 4th round is HUGE<a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7Xh0OKS2y5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/7Xh0OKS2y5<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brady Balhorn &#8211; BNB Football (@BnbFootball) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BnbFootball\/status\/1916180858827874405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/10\/2025-nfl-draft-kyle-kennard-south-carolina-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: Kyle Kennard Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: A+<\/h3>\n<h2>5th round (No. 158 overall): WR, KeAndre Lambert-Smith<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers come back with their fifth-round pick and select Auburn&#8217;s KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the second receiver they have taken in this draft. This selection is to allow the Chargers to have their speed guy, as Lambert-Smith ran <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/prospects\/keandre-lambert-smith\/32004c41-4d54-4943-5877-584673e6154b\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a 4.37 40-yard dash<\/a> and could also jump out of the gym on film, mossing defenders in the pass game. If Lambert-Smith can provide special-teams value, he could very well make this roster and spell the end of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/12\/21\/how-chargers-special-teams-ace-sealed-the-win-for-the-bolts-in-only-two-plays\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">former fourth-round selection Derius Davis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lambert-Smith was drafted a bit higher than projected, as he was the 218th player on the consensus board, and will take some development to truly see his tools translate on offense. His lack of special teams experience could be concerning, but with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/12\/29\/ryan-ficken-chargers-next-head-coach\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Chargers superstar Special Teams Coach, Ryan Ficken<\/a>, on the staff, this development should happen quite easily. A somewhat disappointing selection, considering <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/07\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-tory-horton-colorado-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Colorado State&#8217;s WR Tory Horton<\/a> was still available this late in the draft.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Keandre Lambert-Smith stats last season: <br \/>50 receptions<br \/>981 receiving yards<br \/>19.62 yards per reception<br \/>8 touchdowns<br \/> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PQVuQcbQ0c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/PQVuQcbQ0c<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChargersMuse\/status\/1916206566195531992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/16\/2025-nfl-draft-profile-keandre-lambert-smith-auburn\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: KeAndre Lambert-Smith Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: C<\/h3>\n<h2>5th round (No. 165 overall): TE\/WR Oronde Gadsden II<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers traded away pick 209 to move up to select Oronde Gadsden II out of Syracuse. A receiving weapon who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/oronde-gadsden-ii-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">posted great numbers in 2024<\/a>, with 934 yards and seven touchdowns in his final season in Orange. This production was had while playing Tight End, a position that is new for Gadsden II, who was playing WR for his prior years in college, including a season of 900+ yards of production at that position as well.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tylerjschoon\/status\/1916210100450267619\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gadsden II brings great production, size, speed and length to the Chargers Tight End room<\/a>, who desperately needs a receiving threat in the room as Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly are both capable but not exceptional in that area. He will likely become <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/12\/11\/chargers-need-stone-smartt-to-start-at-tight-end\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">the instant Stone Smartt replacement<\/a> for the Chargers and hope to develop into something much more threatening. A surprising selection for the Harbaugh regime, as Gadsden II has ways to go to become a real in-line Tight End with blocking prowess.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Orande Gadson had plenty of fun moments on tape. Discount Elijah Arroyo type. Almost a receiver. He&#39;s got a path for snaps on the Chargers. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7qbLQAKirn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/7qbLQAKirn<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/HaydenWinks\/status\/1916209808337997839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/28\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-oronde-gadsden-ii-syracuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: Oronde Gadsden II Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: B<\/h3>\n<h2>6th round (No. 199 overall): OL, Branson Taylor<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers needed some more offensive line depth, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chargers.com\/news\/branson-taylor-pittsburgh-offensive-line-round-6-nfl-draft\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">decided to select Branson Taylor<\/a>, Offensive Tackle out of Pittsburgh. A player that flew under the radar during draft season, likely<a href=\"https:\/\/pittsburgh.rivals.com\/news\/pitt-captain-starting-left-tackle-branson-taylor-out-for-the-year\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> due to his knee injury<\/a> he suffered that disallowed him to finish the college season and perform at the combine.<\/p>\n<p>Taylor is 23 years old and has plenty of snaps at both left and right tackle, though his home in the NFL is likely at Guard. With what he lacks in speed and length, he makes up with power and violence. A perfect fit for the Harbaugh offense, especially considering Taylor&#8217;s deficiencies will be masked with a move inside to guard.<\/p>\n<p>As a real competitor for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SalyJa00.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamaree Salyer<\/a>, who&#8217;s in the last year of his rookie deal, Taylor can come in and provide long-term depth, in an offensive line focused team.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">For those who do not know the Chargers newest selection, Branson Taylor (I did not either), here is his PFF page!<br \/>&#8211; Long Time Starter At LT\/RT<br \/>&#8211; Likely To Move Inside<br \/>&#8211; 23 Years Old<br \/>&#8211; More of a Pass Blocker<br \/>&#8211; Injury in 2024 held him out for draft season <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nNYFf4526S\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/nNYFf4526S<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NateGosney\/status\/1916234222278508649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: C<\/h3>\n<h2>6th round (No. 214 overall): Safety, RJ Mickens<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers follow the path the Ravens do every draft, and select best player available. Considering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chargers.com\/team\/front-office-roster\/joe-hortiz\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">General Manager, Joe Hortiz is a Ravens desciple<\/a>, this philosophy led the Chargers to take RJ Mickens, Safety out of Clemson.<\/p>\n<p>Mickens was projected to go in the second or third round due to his height, weight and speed combo, coupled with three years of starting experience playing all different types of spots along the Clemson defense. The sixth round pick will instantly compete for <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/08\/25\/tony-jefferson-comes-out-of-retirement-and-dominates-the-preseason\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Safety 4 on this roster with Tony Jefferson<\/a>, who is likely going to be a practice elevation candidate who will play when asked upon, just as he did last year.<\/p>\n<p>If Mickens impresses on defense and special teams, he can very well earn Safety 3 next year <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/01\/chargers-10-million-dollar-free-agent-needs-to-be-benched\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">once Alohi Gilman&#8217;s contract is up<\/a>. A great value selection for the Chargers that does have real meaning for the roster in 2025 and beyond.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Watch RJ Mickens (S, Clemson, #9, bottom right of the frame) recognize this pick play and immediately know where he&#39;s got to be to make a play if it&#39;s thrown to his side of the field. Good eyes\/play recognition will make a player look faster than his timed speed. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fj2gP5gkgx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/fj2gP5gkgx<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FootballEJ\/status\/1912158969906225293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/01\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-rj-mickens-clemson\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Read: RJ Mickens Scouting Report<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: A+<\/h3>\n<div class=\"nfl-c-body-part nfl-c-body-part--text\">\n<h2>7th round (No. 256 overall): DB, Trikweze Bridges<\/h2>\n<p>The Chargers were one selection before the infamous &#8220;Mr. Irrelevant&#8221; pick, thus selecting Trikweze Bridges arguably could be even more irrelevant than the man who will garner attention for being the last draftee in the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Can Bridges make a name for himself in Powder Blue?<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/tylerjschoon\/status\/1916266651739427072\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> At 6&#8217;2 196 with 4.45 speed<\/a>, Bridges out of Florida brings size and speed for Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter and DB Coach, Steve Clinkscale to mold into a strong NFL contributor.<\/p>\n<p>He will have to compete Ja&#8217;sir Taylor and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/06\/21\/meet-the-chargers-biggest-dark-horse-breakout-candidate\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Deane Leonard<\/a> for a final roster spot, both of which are strong special teams contributors. An uphill battle for Bridges lies ahead, but with both Taylor and Leonard having their contracts up after the 2025 season, he could find himself on the roster as the replacement in 2026 after a long practice squad stint.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">CB was one of the last remaining areas of need that the <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Chargers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Chargers<\/a> had not addressed. They check the box in the seventh round with Trikweze Bridges out of Florida. Bridges has an intriguing blend of size (over 6-foot-2) and speed (4.45 40). Also started games at S last season.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/danielrpopper\/status\/1916268105208369571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Chargers Draft Grade: C<\/h3>\n<p><em>Main Image: Stephanie Amador Blo &#8211; USA Today Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Chargers had a large class in the 2025 NFL Draft, who are the best and worst selections? What draft grades did the Chargers class earn?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4709,"featured_media":230469,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,1647],"tags":[32605,33504,7642,33480,33487,33112,7429,32976,33359,33443,33304,33505],"class_list":["post-230006","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chargers","category-nfl-draft","tag-2025-nfl-draft","tag-branson-taylor","tag-chargers-featured","tag-jamaree-caldwell","tag-keandre-lambert-smith","tag-kyle-kennard","tag-los-angeles-chargers-news","tag-omarion-hampton","tag-oronde-gadsden-ii","tag-rj-mickens","tag-tre-harris","tag-trikweze-bridges"],"modified_by":"Isaac Zuniga","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230006","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4709"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=230006"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230006\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":230470,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230006\/revisions\/230470"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/230469"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=230006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=230006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=230006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}