The Los Angeles Chargers are heading into 2025 after a successful first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Going from Brandon Staley to Harbaugh was the best decision for this franchise, especially since Justin Herbert is under center for the future.
One of LA’s biggest strengths last season was their ability to get the run game going between the duo of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Edwards was released by the Chargers right before free agency started and Dobbins was replaced by Najee Harris, who comes from Pittsburgh on a one-year deal with the Chargers.
Without Dobbins or Edwards on the roster, the Chargers are now in a depserate need for getting a running back to pair with Harris. Not to mention, who knows if Harris will even be in LA beyond 2025. The Chargers are going to need to draft a complimentary back who could potentially become next year’s starter.
LA needs to draft a running back in NFL Draft next month
The Chargers currently have ten draft picks heading into the draft next month and there should be no reason why they don’t come out of the event with their hopeful RB2. Unless they make a signing before then, LA needs to find a running back prospect to put in the same room as Harris.
4 RB prospects that make most sense for Chargers to pair with Najee Harris
RJ Harvey - UCF
You want to talk about production? RJ Harvey out of Central Florida has recorded 2,993 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground the last two seasons. In his starting career at UCF (2022-2024), Harvey has averaged 6.6 yards per carry. That is a lot of miles on him, but there’s no denying that the production is there.
Harvey can create plays after contact and can be considered a bruiser which is perfect for this Chargers offense. If the Chargers can snag him in on Day 3, it would be a very underrated steal.
TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State
As a four-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes, TreVeyon Henderson was productive throughout his college career in both the run and the pass game. He had double digit rushing touchdowns in three out of four seasons and had a career-high 7.1 yards per carry in 2024.
Coming from a successful program, putting Henderson in the same backfield with Harris would help create versatility for LA’s offense and the winning mentality is there. Henderson might be there in the third round, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him be taken in the second round.
Kaleb Johnson - Iowa
Kaleb Johnson might be one of, if not my favorite running back prospect out of Iowa. While this RB draft class is led by Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton, Johnson has the chance to be the best back to come out of this draft if he lands in the right spot. Putting him with the Chargers is such a perfect fit.
He has a massive frame, standing at 6’, 225lbs who is coming off a career year with the Hawkeyes. Despite being a bigger back, Johnson still rushed for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Iowa produces fantastic players all the time and Johnson might be the next great one to come from that school.
Cam Skattebo - Arizona State
One of the more well-known prospects who bursted onto the scene in a big way for Arizona State, Cam Skattebo could easily become a steal for any team that wants to take a risk on him. He can run, catch, and knock defenders that are coming at him. When he gets into the open field, he becomes very difficult to bring down.
In four years at ASU, Skattebo rushed for 1,000+ yards twice and had no less than six rushing touchdowns. He’s coming off a career-high 21 touchdowns on the ground last year. If Skattebo is sitting there on the final day of the draft and the Chargers haven’t drafted a running back, there should be no hesitation by the Chargers to call the pick in for Skattebo.