In El Segundo, California, the Los Angeles Chargers have made strides in solidifying their defense under the leadership of coach Jim Harbaugh in his debut season. However, the offensive department was identified as needing improvement. Throughout the NFL draft over three days, this need became evident as the team focused on offensive talent, selecting four skill position players within their first six picks. Their initial selection was Omarion Hampton, a running back from North Carolina, who was chosen as the 22nd pick.
General Manager Joe Hortiz clarified that the decision to prioritize offensive selections was not deliberate. He emphasized the need to adhere to their draft board, explaining, “You want to maintain a balance, but must follow the board. You can’t opt for a defensive player just to balance it if there are superior offensive talents available. It’s about selecting the best players, which isn’t always evenly split.”
Last season, the Chargers ranked 11th in points per game with an average of 23.6. This performance was largely supported by a robust defense that created advantageous field positions. The lack of offensive playmakers became apparent during their wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, highlighting the necessity for increased support around quarterback Justin Herbert.
Apart from Hampton, the Chargers added new offensive weapons, including wide receivers Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, as well as tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden initially played as a wide receiver with Syracuse and is the son of former Miami Dolphins player Oronde Gadsden. Assistant General Manager Chad Alexander expressed enthusiasm about the new additions: “We’ve enhanced our team with speed and toughness across various positions like receiver, tight end, and running back. These players will undoubtedly boost our offensive plays.”
The Chargers found success by selecting wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second round last year, and this year, they hope for a repeat with Harris, who was taken at No. 55 overall. McConkey set rookie benchmarks with 82 catches and 1,149 receiving yards. Harris, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, could bring much-needed depth to Herbert’s passing options. With robust collegiate stats from Mississippi and Louisiana Tech, Harris is expected to excel with his precise route-running ability.
Focusing on the interior defensive line became imperative even before the Las Vegas Raiders picked Ashton Jeanty in the first round, presenting the Chargers with three formidable rushing threats in the AFC West. Third-round draftee Jamaree Caldwell comes with formidable run defense skills from his time at Houston and Oregon, and he becomes crucial to fortifying the middle following Poona Ford’s exit during free agency.
In terms of defensive edges, the Chargers prepare for the short term with the return of Khalil Mack, surrounded by renowned veterans like Bud Dupree and rising talent Tuli Tuipulotu, despite moving on from Joey Bosa. Kyle Kennard, picked in the fourth round, might join future plans post-Mack while contributing to passing situations ahead. Having accrued 26 1/2 sacks in his last years with Georgia Tech and South Carolina, Kennard is expected to transition smoothly into special teams.
Meanwhile, the Chargers addressed their final major need by focusing on the interior offensive line. From Pittsburgh, Branson Taylor, drafted in the sixth round, mainly served as a left tackle but is expected to transition to guard in the Chargers’ lineup. Should Zion Johnson be examined at the center, Taylor could possibly fill the left guard position.