The Biggest Needs and Best Fits for the Chargers in the NFL Draft

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The Biggest Needs and Best Fits for the Chargers in the NFL Draft

Jay Canale · Athlon Sports

Sun, Mar 30, 2025 ·

6 min read

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The Los Angeles Chargers have been one of the least active teams in Free Agency so far. Even though they filled some roster spots with solid veteran players, they still have a significant need to improve in both the talent and age departments at multiple positions.

Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, here's a look at some of the biggest position needs for Jim Harbaugh and his staff to focus on, and a few names to know at each position.

Pass Catcher

The Chargers have a significant need at pass catcher, with the only true impact player they have at the position being their second-round pick in last year's draft, Ladd McConkey . Though their offense was more run-game-oriented last season under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, they still lack a high-quality second option.

Jayden Higgins – WR – Iowa State

At six-foot-four and 214 pounds, Higgins could be the replacement for Mike Williams at X as soon as week one. Higgins has high-quality separation ability, great body control, sure hands at the catch point, and enough speed to accelerate away from opposing players after the catch. Higgins' draft stock is quickly rising, and he may not be available for the Chargers in round 2. However, he's a swing worth taking in round one, as his hands, route running, and athleticism give him a solid floor and sky-high ceiling as a prospect.

Colston Loveland – TE – Michigan

Loveland is easily the player most consistently mocked to the Chargers this offseason, but for good reason. It's not just his familiarity with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh that has people clamoring for them to take him at 22, as Loveland has a much-needed skillset for their offense. Loveland is a mismatch machine in the same vein as guys like Sam Laporta and Brock Bowers . His speed and bend on routes are too much for most linebackers to keep up with, and at six-foot-six and 248 pounds, he is too big for corners and safeties to keep a lid on. Loveland looks like he can be a game-changing tight end at the next level.

Interior Offensive Line

Even with the recent signing of Eagles right guard Mekhi Becton , the Chargers still need to strengthen their offensive line. They have stopgap center Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson on the roster, but they still need to find impact players to improve the interior.

Tate Ratledge - OG - Georgia

Ratledge is an elite athlete, backed up by his 9.96 relative athletic score . A three-year starter at Georgia with an All-American pedigree, Ratledge has the experience and talent to be a day-one starter. He has a powerful lower half, high-level mobility, and a violent, tone-setting playstyle. His strength, size and athletic ability make him a great fit for Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-heavy scheme.

Donovan Jackson – Ohio State

Jackson is seen by most on the inside in the NFL as he played mostly at guard in college. His 2024 season showed new part of his game, however, as Jackson had to slide out to tackle in Week 10 due to teammate Josh Simmons' season-ending injury. Jackson started off slow at tackle, but quickly improved and became a lockdown tackle in the playoffs. Jackson offers great versatility, putting physical, smart play on tape at both guard and tackle. He projects more as a guard in the NFL, but if Slater or Alt were to suffer an injury, Jackson could easily step in and keep things afloat.

Defensive Tackle

The Chargers made multiple moves to help rebuild this position after losing Poona Ford in free agency, but long-term improvement is still needed.

Jamaree Caldwell – DT – Oregon

Everyone has been talking about Caldwell's teammate Derrick Harmon this season, but Caldwell is a high-quality prospect in his own right. At six foot two and 332 pounds, Caldwell's on-field athleticism offers tons of flexibility, able to play from anywhere along the inside of the line when needed. Against the run, Caldwell showed impressive strength, along with the speed and motor to chase rushers to the sideline. Caldwell has inconsistent hands and feet when rushing the passer, but it's a thing of beauty when they work together (see 0:13 below for proof). Caldwell is a sleeper who could be available to the Chargers in the third round, and if they got him there, it would be a steal.

Kenneth Grant – DT – Michigan

Grant is an incredible athlete at six-foot-three and 330 pounds. He was ranked third on Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List in 2024, an award given to the most gifted athletes in college football each year. Grant has the strength to be a dominant run defender at the next level as well and has the bend and athleticism to be an impact pass-rusher. Grant may not make it to the Chargers' pick at 22, but if he does, he's a high-quality prospect they can develop into a franchise defensive player.

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