Perhaps the most controversial decision the LA Chargers made during free agency was letting standout defensive tackle Poona Ford sign with the LA Rams on a cheap deal. After a breakout season, fans assumed Ford would be a must-sign considering the Chargers had cap space.
The Chargers' front office felt differently and found their Ford replacement in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Los Angeles selected Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell with the No. 86 pick, replacing Ford's spot on the depth chart in the process.
Expecting Caldwell to be as productive as Ford in his rookie season may be setting him up to disappoint. However, it is clear Caldwell has the potential to be an every-down defensive tackle (who is going to cost much less than Ford on his rookie deal).
Chargers replace Poona Ford with Jamaree Caldwell in third round
The reviews of Caldwell are rather polarizing as he comes into the NFL. Caldwell had his fair share of must-see moments as one of the most physically dominant nose tackles in college football last season.
However, Caldwell wasn't as consistent nor as polished as other defensive tackles that went early in the NFL Draft, leading some to tab him as a day-three prospect. The Chargers are clearly buying high on Caldwell's upside by taking him with a top-100 selection.
It's not hard to see how Jim Harbaugh may have fallen in love with Caldwell's game. Caldwell is the classic massive defensive tackle that can reset the line of scrimmage when everything is going right. Harbaugh loves domination in the trenches and Caldwell has a rare blend of size and speed that can play well in the NFL.
How high his ceiling can go will depend on the shape he can get into in the league. Executive director of player performance Ben Herbert will play a huge role in Caldwell's development and transition to the NFL.
Defensive tackle may not be the snazziest selection in the third round but championship teams are built in the trenches. With the Chargers committing early draft resources to skill positions on offense, it makes sense that the team prioritized the defensive trenches in the third round.
In a perfect world, Caldwell will come in and make Chargers fans forget all about Ford with his play. It may take some time, but Caldwell certainly has the potential to do so.