Draft buzz has had the Chargers taking a receiver since the beginning of last year’s offseason. Whether it was Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr, the Chargers were always mocked to select a receiver. They opted to take Joe Alt last season then taking Ladd McConkey in round 2. This process was very successful.
Now moving into this year’s offseason, the same idea is prevalent. The Chargers have been mocked to take a receiver in the first round, whether it’s someone like Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden, Luther Burden III, or even a falling Tetairoa McMillan. That said, the Chargers have other pressing needs and have yet to show the willingness in this new regime to invest in receivers.
The Chargers Will Not Take A Receiver In The First Round Of The 2025 NFL Draft
Prospects Available Do Not Align With What The Chargers Need At Receiver
It is obvious to see that the Chargers DO need another receiver in the room. Even if you feel McConkey is a true number one option in this offense, there is very little outside of him. But if you are looking at the prospects predicted to go in the first round vs the exact need for the Chargers, there is not a clean matchup.
The receivers [Egbuka, Golden, Burden, and McMillan] who are expected to be drafted in the first round are all “Z” or slot receivers, with the exception of McMillan, who is expected to be gone before the Chargers anyway. The Chargers do not need another “Z” or slot starter, as they have McConkey to handle both of those roles, coupled with Quentin Johnston to provide relief at “Z”.
However, an “X” receiver is what the Chargers are desperately looking for. A guy who can jump up and high point passes, and become a reliable boundary target for the superstar quarterback, Justin Herbert. Outside of McMillan, none of the projected first-round guys will be able to play “X” at a high level. So why would the Chargers invest a first-round selection in a player who is not on the best track to succeed?
If you are looking for a positive outlook, day two of the 2025 NFL Draft may very well be the answer to this problem. In previous Chargers draft-related work, I have described players like Jayden Higgins, Jack Bech, and Elic Ayomanor as fits for this Chargers team, all players who are projected to be second-round selections.
Needs At Other Positions Are Much More Pressing
If the Chargers were to ignore receivers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, what position would they target instead?
With the current state of the roster, there are plenty of options available to the Chargers, especially considering this year’s draft could have a very wide array of outcomes. EDGE, Defensive Tackle and Tight End are all positions I would argue are the biggest of needs for the Chargers.
If the Chargers were to draft a Tight End in round one, this would definitely help remedy the lack of receiver talent and keep Chargers fans happy. However, if Tight End prospects Coleston Loveland and Tyler Warren are gone, it should be defense for the Bolts.
The Bolts’ defense line is spearheaded by Khalil Mack, who is on a one-year deal, Tuli Tuipolotu, who has shown enough flashes to be a long-term piece, and Teair Tart, who is also on a one-year deal. These guys, coupled with a few other one-year deal defensive linemen, show an outlook that is quite empty. After 2025, a barren defensive line room with no young talent creates a recipe that would disallow the Chargers from truly competing long-term.
By drafting a real difference maker in round one on the defensive line, you can have premium positions on a cheap contract, allowing for more cap flexibility and generally stronger roster control. A recipe for success has been shown to be the process that General Manager Joe Hortiz follows.
Simply put, just look at how they handled last year’s draft. Premium trench position in round one, and a pass catcher in round two. 2025 should repeat history: The Chargers selecting a premium trench player in round one and a receiver in round two.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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