The LA Chargers are entering the team's second offseason with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who still has ample ties to players he previously coached at the University of Michigan. Los Angeles drafted two Michigan players last year and could follow in those footsteps this go around.
Tight end Colston Loveland has emerged as an early favorite for Chargers fans but he may not be in the realm of possibility as he climbs the draft boards. Right behind Loveland as a potential day-two pick in the draft is edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, who could inject youth into the team's edge-rusher room.
Stewart is already being mocked to the Chargers months ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With Stewart firmly established as a real Chargers draft target, fans can't help but be thrilled with the showing he turned in on the first day of the Senior Bowl.
Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart is explosive 🧨
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) January 28, 2025
(@SSN_Michigan / @josaiah_stewart)
pic.twitter.com/YiYTSljSGp
Potential Chargers' draft target Josaiah Stewart shines at Senior Bowl
Stewart's explosiveness jumps off the screen not just in this practice clip but in his reps with the University of Michigan. He is exactly the kind of raw athlete teams take a chance on to develop into (hopefully) the next big NFL star.
There is no better coach in the league to develop Stewart than his college coach. Harbaugh and the Chargers coaching staff have proven in just one season they can and will get the most out of players and Stewart would be no exception.
Stewart is a bit green in his technique as he was able to win with speed and strength at the college level. That speed and strength will take Stewart a long way as a rookie. If he can sharpen his skillset he will be a truly dynamic every-down outside rusher.
The Chargers are also the perfect landing spot for Stewart in the sense he won't be asked to do too much in his first season. Assuming the Chargers bring one of Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack back, the team will already have its starting edge rusher room in 2025.
Stewart would come in as someone to dispel Mack and give the veteran some time on the sidelines during the season. He would not have to be an every-down player and instead would only be put in positions to succeed as a pro.
The one bad thing about Stewart is he has all the makings of being a massive draft climber in the coming months. Players with Stewart's athletic profile always climb the ranks as the draft gets closer and closer.
That could end up keeping Stewart out of LA if the Chargers use the first two picks in the draft on bigger positions of need. But only time will tell.