The Los Angeles Chargers had a disappointing end to their 2024 NFL season with a wild card loss to the Houston Texans. While the loss exposed some areas of need, the season was promising for Jim Harbaugh’s squad who have the building blocks of yanking the AFC West out of the clutches of the Kansas City Chiefs.
With the future of Joey Bosa in doubt, one area where Harbaugh will look to ramp up his squad is in the defensive front seven. With a deep, talented 2025 NFL class at defensive end, the Chargers should have their eye on top talent to possibly replace Bosa.
On the offensive side, the Chargers improved their O-Line with the addition of Joe Alt and got Justin Herbert another weapon in the name of Ladd McConkey, but there is still work to do there. The Chargers will look to add a pass-catching tight end to the mix and another ball carrier to keep the offense balanced. The key for this AFC West squad is to continue to build off a playoff season and take over the division.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 NFL season
2024 NFL season record: 11-6 2nd in the AFC West
Team offense: Rank 20th (320.7 yards per game)
Team defense: Rank 11th (330.2 yards per game)
Playoffs: Lost to Houston Texans in AFC Wildcard
2025 NFL Draft position: No. 22
Top positional needs: TE, EDGE, RB
2025 NFL Draft outlook
The Chargers have a big need at tight end and will likely have a big need at EDGE rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft. Luckily for LA., those are two positions that are deep in this draft. Depending on who is available when they select at No. 22, the Chargers could go either tight end or edge in this draft.
At tight end, the obvious top two choices are Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Harbaugh knows Loveland well and if here’s there at No. 22, it would be a sure bet he heads to L.A. Other later round options include Harold Fannin Jr., Gunnar Helm and Miami’s Elijah Arroyo who is soaring up the NFL Draft big board.
As far as edge rushers go, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer stands out as a player possibly available at No. 22. Marshall’s Mike Green, Georgia star Mykel Williams and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton are some intriguing options who could be around late round. A Day 2 prospect to watch for the Chargers is Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson.
Other areas of need for the Chargers include running back and another wide receiver and another interior offensive lineman. Here is a look at what General Manager Joe Hortiz and the Chargers will do in this three-round NFL Mock Draft.
2025 NFL Mock Draft (Three-round)
With rumors swirling around Joey Bosa’s tenure coming to an end in L.A., the Chargers may be forced to prioritize a pass rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That is the thinking here as Harbaugh selects a player, he is familiar with in Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer. As a defensive playmaker, Sawyer brings leadership and will be able to fill the shoes of Bosa with his ability to get to the quarterback. As a relentless defender, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end is the perfect replacement for Bosa.
If a tight end like Harold Fannin Jr is available here, the Chargers will take care of their tight end need at No. 54. But, if he’s not or a tight end like Colston Loveland doesn’t slide, the Chargers will address their need for a running back here with the selection of Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. A patient runner who barrels through defenders, Johnson was one of the more impressive running backs in 2024 rushing for 1,537 yards on 240 carries. His impressive 6.4 yards per carry was showcased by his elite vision and powerful running style. He will add thunder to the Bolts running game.
The deep tight end class will enable the Chargers to wait till the third round to select a tight end. They get a good one in LSU’s Mason Taylor who isn’t getting a ton of attention leading up to the draft but is a tight end with natural pass-catching ability. The numbers don’t jump out like a Tyler Warren or Loveland, but he is a versatile tight end with the size and athleticism to excel in the Chargers offense like how Sam LaPorta flashed with the Detroit Lions in his rookie season. In all, Taylor could be a third-round gem for the Chargers.