The 2025 NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game featuring two playoff-caliber teams: the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions. As part of our two-day preview, NFL Mocks is breaking down five rookies from each squad worth keeping an eye on.
We begin with the Chargers, who brought in a promising rookie class headlined by former UNC running back Omarion Hampton. While Hampton likely will not suit up for this game, these five rookies are expected to play and could end up shaping how the Chargers' season unfolds.
5 Chargers to know ahead of Hall of Fame preseason battle
Tre Harris: Another weapon for Justin Herbert
The most high-profile rookie expected to see action is second-round pick Tre Harris. With Mike Williams’ sudden retirement, the Chargers need someone to step into that wide receiver role opposite Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, and Harris might be the answer. A strong, physical target, Harris posted 60 catches for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games last season. This game is his first chance to prove he can be a go-to guy at the next level.
Kyle Kennard: Can former SEC star bring more edge to Chargers' defense?
A rookie who is already guaranteed to play in the Hall of Fame Game is outside linebacker Kyle Kennard. Kennard was one of the top pass rushers in college football last season, leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks. He will primarily serve as a backup this year, but with his pass rushing tools, he could turn into a high-level starter in a year or two.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Can mid-round pick prove he's a gem?
Another receiver to watch in the game is Chargers fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith. What caught the Chargers' eye was his big-play ability, as he averaged an impressive 19.6 yards per catch on 50 receptions. He was also one of the fastest receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, running a 4.37 40-yard dash. These traits have already shown up at Chargers training camp and will likely lead to Lambert-Smith having a big role this season.
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Oronde Gadsden: A potential NFL draft steal to watch
One more pass catcher to watch on the Chargers is tight end Oronde Gadsden, who has already drawn rave reviews for his pass catching ability in training camp. Gadsden is an ultra-athletic tight end who creates separation with ease, which helped him catch 73 passes last season and earn first-team All-ACC honors. The big question, and something to watch closely in the game, is how the 6-foot-5, 237-pound tight end holds up as a blocker.
Raheim Sanders: Undrafted rookie battling for a roster spot
An undrafted free agent to watch in this game is running back Raheim Sanders, who I graded as the top running back in the 2024 NFL Draft heading into the 2023 season before injuries limited his production. When fully healthy, Sanders is a physical back who broke 65 tackles in 2022 and began to regain his form this past season, averaging 3.69 yards after contact according to Pro Football Focus. He has a strong chance to earn a spot on the Chargers practice squad if he doesn’t make the active roster.