A heartbreaking playoff loss emphasized the issues plaguing the Los Angeles Chargers last season. On the back of the best-scoring defense in the NFL, they were able to secure the second playoff appearance of Justin Herbert’s career. However, a relatively simple offense couldn’t keep up, and an embarrassing postseason showing spelled the end of LA’s year.
Now, adding pieces on that side of the field has to be a priority, and one analyst believes the team’s sole focus for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Chargers Predicted To Build Elite Offense Around Justin Herbert
Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach paid immediate dividends for the Chargers, at least on the defensive end. Los Angeles finished fourth in PFSN’s Defense+ rankings, but an offense heavily reliant on the run game didn’t move anybody.
Over the course of the season, even after Herbert was allowed to let loose, the Chargers could only muster the 17th-ranked offense on PFSN’s Offense+ metric. But even with the added emphasis, no running back cleared 1,000 rushing yards for the team. LA’s best producer was J.K. Dobbins, who had 905 yards on a paltry 4.6 yards per attempt.
However, PFSN’s Joe DeLeone believes all that could change with the 2025 NFL Draft, where Los Angeles builds out the offense around Herbert.
Last year, the Chargers had a ton of success with rookie Ladd McConkey, who emerged as their WR1 with 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns to his name. In the first round, DeLeone is hoping they can replicate some of that success with Tetairoa McMillan.
But not relying entirely on the passing game, he believes the Chargers should target Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in Round 2 at No. 55 overall. DeLeone’s explanation is rather simple, especially with the man in charge.
“Jim Harbaugh built multiple successful teams at the college and pro level through running the football. Kaleb Johnson has the profile of a 1,000-yard rusher if leaned on effectively in this offense. His vision, size, and burst make him an ideal fit to take pressure off Justin Herbert.”
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Taking over as the starter for the Hawkeyes last season, Johnson had a tremendous season, proving his 1,000-yard credentials with 1,537 rushing yards and a mind-boggling 21 touchdowns to his name. If not for Ashton Jeanty’s historic season, Johnson might have been the consensus best running back available in the draft.
His versatility, combined with the talent that Herbert has already shown, should be enough to build out a dynamic offense for Los Angeles. It could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle before the Chargers are considered a true contender in the AFC.