Much of the offseason has suggested the Chargers will likely look at taking an offensive weapon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Because they drained most of their longtime players that Justin Herbert worked with, it would make sense to go in that direction, especially with their early-round picks.
That explains why players like tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan and wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas have become favorites for the No. 22 pick in recent weeks. Either would be an excellent fit for the offense and boost an already improved group from last season, but there's a chance Jim Harbaugh and Co. might go in a different direction.
It's a scenario that ESPN's Jordan Reid recently explored in a detailed piece providing all the latest updates for all 32 teams less than two weeks before the draft.
The Chargers could go the unexpected (yet unshocking) route and go for a defensive powerhouse in round 1
With so many standout defensive players in the 2025 draft class, the idea of the Chargers taking one off the board in the first round would be unexpected, given how most experts have had them going offense first, but it wouldn't be necessarily shocking, based on who would be making the pick.
Reid suggests that could be in their future because of general manager Joe Hortiz's time with the Ravens and the kind of strong defensive line they had during his tenure. On top of that, a Michigan player with a built-in connection to Harbaugh is available and could become a Charger because of it.
"The trenches have always been an emphasis for Chargers GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh, and sources expect this draft to be no different.
Knowing Joe and his days with the Ravens, they were always strong up the middle, so I think they'll go best available defensive line," said a highly ranked NFC executive. Defensive tackles Kenneth Grant (Michigan) and Tyleik Williams(Ohio State) could be in play for them in Round 1 or Round 2, respectively. Both are consistent run defenders who fit what the Chargers want."
Assuming they will want to bolster the defense early, too, it's hard to feel that either player would be a bad pick for the Chargers. The division isn't getting any easier, and after watching the Chiefs' failure in the Super Bowl, having a great pass rush and indestructible front four is an absolute must, so adding to that is a no-brainer.
It is even more plausible that passing on an offensive weapon like tight end in the first round wouldn't be as devastating as it might have been in years past, making taking a defender that much more appealing. This year's class is filled with top performers, and holding off until round 2 or 3 could still get them a talented starter.
Given the history of both Harbaugh and Hortiz, this seems like a more realistic approach to the first round than most other scenarios discussed this month, especially the Michigan connection with Grant. It's at least something Chargers fans will want to keep in mind going into night one of the draft next week and should maybe be more excited about the idea of adding a defensive lineman to the roster, too.