The Los Angeles Chargers 2025 draft class had plenty of different intriguing prospects, all of whom have a chance to have a role in the 2025 season. Part of the fun of the post-draft season is seeing the landing spots of the exciting rookies and predicting their roles during their rookie year.

Predicting The Statlines For The Chargers 2025 Draft Class

The Chargers draft class as a whole was quite strong, having nine players who all have a path to the roster and playing time. In-depth analysis and grading of the Chargers draft class is the first step of the post-draft process, and then statline predictions are the next, so with that said, what are the statistics these rookies are going to garner in their first season in Powder Blue?

Round 1 (No. 22): RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton to the Chargers was somewhat divisive across the media landscape, as on one end, you have an athletic running back who has produced at all levels of competition, coupled with good football character, but on the other hand, you have a first round running back who has some foot-quickness issues and is splitting carries in his first year.

With that said, my predictions on Hampton’s first season with the Chargers are quite lackluster compared to some outlets that have Hampton as a fantasy must in the early rounds.

Statline Prediction

190 Carries, 840 Yards (4.5 YPC)
6 Rushing Touchdowns
30 Catches, 200 Receiving Yards
Above Average Pass Protector

Round 2 (No. 55): WR Tre Harris, Mississippi

Tre Harris, as a Chargers draft selection, created major excitement for the entire fan base as he was a commonly mocked receiver. A true “X” receiver who can finally solve the issue of not having one for the Chargers, whilst oozing potential due to his athletic frame and exciting film. Couple that with Justin Herbert throwing him the football, and Harris has a real chance to contribute in his rookie season.

It should be noted that Harris will likely have to “climb the ranks” as Mike Williams, Ladd McConkey and even Quentin Johnston are likely the first receivers to get designed touches and route concepts. If that is the case, anticipating Harris to show promise but not produce at the top of his class should be a reasonable expectation.

Statline Prediction

40 Catches
686 Receiving Yards
7 Touchdowns
Enough flashes to become the Chargers #2 option behind Ladd McConkey in 2026

Round 3 (No. 86): DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon

Jamaree Caldwell was a favorite amongst draft community, as an athletic big man who can be a boulder in the middle of the defense. Touted as the Poona Ford replacement, Caldwell has big shoes to fill, but plenty of opportunity to do so, considering the interior defensive line room is quite thin.

With plenty of snaps available for the Chargers draft pick, coupled with his fun size/athleticism combo, Caldwell is a perfect prospect for Jesse Minter to employ during the 2025 season; thus, expecting a productive season for Caldwell is not far-fetched.

Statline Prediction

45 Tackles
8 Tackles For Loss
3 Sacks
21 Pressures
Above Average Run Defender

Round 4 (No. 125): EDGE Kyle Kennard, South Carolina

Some media members had Kennard going as early as the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, wondering why he dropped to day three of the draft. As a toolsy EDGE rusher who led the SEC in sacks, Kennard now finds himself on the West Coast, ready to sack quarterbacks by the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Geno Smith.

Kennard will likely mainly a special-teams contributor who comes in on third downs, in relief of the aging Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree. Not bad for a fourth-round Chargers draft pick.

Statline Prediction

70% of the Special Teams Snaps
40 Tackles
7 Tackles For Loss
4.0 Sacks
15 Stops
20 Pressures

Round 5 (No. 158): WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn

KeAndre Lambert-Smith has instantly lit the Chargers fan base with excitement, seeing that he has an incredible highlight reel that is only held back by poor quarterback play. Lambert-Smith has blazing 4.37 speed and the attitude to compete and become a real contributor as a fifth-round draft pick for this Chargers team.

That said, Lambert-Smith will have to learn special teams and fight for real offensive snaps, considering he is the second receiver taken in this draft, and likely #5/6 on the depth chart.

Statline Prediction

15 Catches, 225 Yards
2 Touchdowns
50% Special Teams Snaps
Future Returner?

Round 5 (No. 165): TE Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse

The Chargers traded back up into the fifth round to get Oronde Gadsden II and seal their hole at receiving tight end. With this trade-up, Gadsden II was touted to have an immediate role on this team, coming straight from Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Gadsden II boasts incredible athleticism, receiver flexibility and the “want to” in the blocking realm. If he can prove Harbaugh correct in his assessment of Gadsden II, his role should be limited but productive, which should not be unexpected as a fifth-round draft selection by this Chargers team.

Statline Prediction

25 Catches
275 Yards
3 Touchdowns
Not-So-Great Blocker, Leading To Limited Snaps

Round 6 (No. 199): OG Branson Taylor, Pittsburgh

Branson Taylor had me and plenty of Chargers fans shouting “WHO?” at the television, and that is no disrespect towards the tackle to guard convert out of Pitt; it’s more of a lack of media coverage for him. That is likely due to him suffering a season-ending injury early in 2024, shortening his season, which in turn shortened his draft hype.

As a former offensive tackle, Taylor will likely automatically improve with a transition to guard, considering his sheer mass, lack of length and speed. Taylor will likely struggle to find a place on the field, as there are plenty of depth options in front of him and behind the main starting offensive line. The Chargers sixth-round draft selection has some work to do to get playing time, likely seeing action on field goal if anything.

Statline Prediction

50 ST Snaps Due To Injury
Inactive Majority Of Season

Round 6 (No. 214): S R.J. Mickens, Clemson

RJ Mickens had some hype to go much earlier than he did in the draft, as he was a solid prospect who played at the prestigious Clemson University, and is the son of Ray Mickens, a longtime NFL defensive back.

LWOS Draft Expert, Ian Harper describes Mickens as “Mickens will need to find a true home in a defense to be able to reach his potential, but both his floor and ceiling are more than enough to warrant a Day 2 selection. His prowess when crashing downhill and change-of-direction skills project him well as a future starter. He’s good enough in coverage and against the run to be immediately slotted into a large role. He might run into early struggles, but some refinements in his tackling technique and man coverage skills could make him a true impact player in the secondary.”

This high praise is exciting, especially considering he will not have to play much in year one due to the resurgance of Tony Jefferson and the trio of Derwin James, Elijah Molden and Alohi Gilman at safety. Although this lack of playing time in year one will lead to a lack of major production on defense, even if he will be a mainstay on special teams.

Statline Prediction

85% of ST Snaps
25 Tackles
2 Pass Deflections
1 Forced Fumble
Minute Flashes of Defensive Excellence

Round 7 (No. 256): CB Trikweze Bridges, Florida

The unfortunate truth about the Chargers seventh-round draft pick, Trikweze Bridges, is that he has an uphill battle making this roster in year one of his rookie deal. Luckily, he could very well be a practice squad stash and a year two roster candidate as guys like Benjamin St-Juste, Ja’Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard all have expiring contracts, all of which will be special teams contributors with some defensive production.

Therefore, this will lead to a major hole left at defensive back depth, but insert Bridges, who is a 6’2, long-armed, 4.4 speed cornerback who can play Nickel and safety, you might just have something in 2026 and beyond. It should be noted as well that there are other UDFA DBs fighting just as hard to make this roster, some of which have buzz to do so.

Statline Prediction

6 Games On Game Day Roster
3 Tackles
Developmental Practice Squad DB

Last Word On The Chargers Rookie Draft Class & Their Statline Predictions

Injuries happen, careers change, development occurs, and things are always changing across the NFL. With a new lifeline of talent to help weather the storm of these types of things, the Chargers could very well be ready to make a run in 2025 and beyond. All in all, this Chargers rookie class has plenty of potential as well as openings for these rookies to perform as early as year one.

Main Image: Troy Wayrynen – USA Today Sports

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