With the 2025 NFL Draft right around the corner, the Chargers find themselves staring down the back half of the first round with not much confidence. Sure, you can get a playmaker on either side of the ball as mock drafts may suggest, but maximizing the value of your 22nd overall pick is how you can turn this lacking roster into a competing team with deep playoff run aspirations.
The Best Day One Scenarios For The Chargers In The 2025 NFL Draft
Tyler Warren: Chargers Draft Best Player Available
Getting Tyler Warren by trading up could easily still constitute the best day one scenario for the Chargers considering that he will be an instant impact type of player for this Chargers offense, giving them a long-term answer at a position that has been as short-term as it gets for the Chargers since Hunter Henry’s departure after the 2020 season. The only reason to see Warren fall is positional value.
But since this is a dream-case day one scenarios for the Chargers, getting Warren at 22 would be the most optimal. The tight end brings immense offensive versatility, showing he can play as the inline tight end and maul linebackers to the back of the end zone, line up in the slot and use his strength to beat DBs on routes, line up in the backfield and rush for as many touchdowns as you ask him, or even as an eligible Center.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren vs. USC
17 catches, 224 yards and a TD.
Checkout the insane play design on his TD catch. He actually started the play at center. pic.twitter.com/jU1E1hFktq
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 13, 2024
Warren is an extremely fun offensive playmaker who would perfectly fit this Chargers offensive mentality, as he will be a bruising presence that finally allows Herbert to have a reliable long-term option at the Tight End Position.
Tony Pauline implies that Penn State TE Tyler Warren will have a private visit with the Chargers
*Not confirmed https://t.co/oNgg2XgJRe pic.twitter.com/H9WgVmnvcy— Thomas Martinez (@BoltsDraftTalk) March 29, 2025
Tetairoa McMillan: The Perfect Weapon For Herbert Falls
Another dynamic, big-bodied playmaker falling to 22 would absolutely be another successful day one scenario for the Chargers. Tetairoa McMillan is currently rumored to drop in draft position, even as the consensus top receiver in this draft. This is due to his testing not being incredible (yet still more than good enough), him coming out that he does not watch film on his own and the fact that big-bodied “X” receivers are not as highly viewed as they once were.
If I were the Chargers, I would simply not care. If McMillan is on the board, I am sprinting the card up to the commissioner feeling great about my selection. The Arizona receiver stands at 6’5 with a 60% contested catch rate, giving the Chargers the “X” receiver presence that they desperately need. Even with Mike Williams back on a short, cheap deal, he should not disallow the Chargers drafting an uber-talented receiver in 2025.
Trade Back: More Capital, The Better
Probably the most realistic yet best day one scenario for the Chargers is for them to trade back in the 2025 NFL draft. This is because the Ravens have shown the ability to do so whilst current Chargers General Manager, Joe Hortiz was in the building. If he were to continue with the philosophy of the Ravens, trading back in the first round is often in the realm of play.
To run through a quick scenario, the Chargers could trade back with the Ravens and pick up another third-round selection. This would fall into the realm of criteria of the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart.
Chargers Receive: 27 & 91
Ravens Receive: 22
Now with the Chargers moving back, they would likely be selecting a defensive lineman of their choice, as it seems in the later picks of the first round, there is a large clump of talent. Then with the third-round selection that they got, they could use it on an offensive weapon, to help assist this Greg Roman-led offense.
Trading back on day one of the NFL draft would give the Chargers the best of both worlds, getting a round-one talent and another day-two selection to help bolster this roster. An idea that was never done under the previous regime of Tom Telesco.
Main Photo: Clark Wade – Imagn Images
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