It’s hard to quantify the first season of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers as anything but a success. Even with the worst year of Justin Herbert’s career — at least statistically — he led them to only the second playoff appearance of the franchise under Herbert.
However, a heartbreaking loss that saw their franchise quarterback throw more interceptions in one playoff game (four) than he did the entire regular season (three) is going to stick with many. As a result, the team is looking to recalibrate and come back stronger next season. The latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN, courtesy of Brentley Weissman, offers L.A. that exact chance.
22) Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
“The Los Angeles Chargers missed out on adding [Omarion Hampton] to their backfield, so they’ll turn their sights to the other side of the ball. With Joey Bosa moving on, the Chargers could use more talent in their edge-rushing group,” writes Weissman.
“Mykel Williams is a toolsy prospect who is still scratching the surface of his potential. His production isn’t there yet, but his flashes are exciting. He’s a tough, physical edge defender with good length.”
The fourth-best defense on PFSN’s Defense+ metric doesn’t need a major overhaul. However, losing a perennial Pro Bowler like Bosa requires a response, and Williams fits that bill.
55) Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Weismann writes, “It feels like the Chargers will almost certainly draft a tight end early this year. They signed Tyler Conklin, but this tight end class is too talented to ignore. [Mason Taylor] is a smooth athlete with strong receiving skills.”
Last season, Los Angeles didn’t rely heavily on Herbert’s passing talent — partly by design and partly due to the lack of production from the receiving group, especially tight ends.
No one in the group reached 500 yards, and outside of Will Dissly, that number barely hit 220. Conklin helps, but Taylor — with nearly 10 yards per catch — is a smart addition to pair long-term with Herbert.
86) Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
“After striking gold with Ladd McConkey in last year’s draft, the Chargers try again with Jalen Royals. Royals is an instinctive route runner, a good athlete, and excellent after the catch.”
This pick makes sense. The 17th-ranked offense on PFSN’s Offense+ metric needs more weapons. At this stage of the NFL Draft, Royals might be the best value. He averaged 15.2 yards per catch and had 21 career touchdowns. If he clicks like McConkey, the Chargers may have their receiver duo of the future.
125) RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
A Harbaugh offense will always lean on the run, and the Chargers were no exception last year with J.K. Dobbins. Adding Najee Harris brings more power, but to round out the group, RJ Harvey is a perfect complement.
In his final two seasons, Harvey ran for 1,416 and 1,577 yards with 16 and 22 touchdowns, respectively. His ceiling is elite, and with the right competition around him, his value could rise even more.
158) Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
L.A.’s defense was a bright spot in 2024, but its ceiling could be higher. Some depth in the secondary would go a long way.
Tommi Hill might not top any draft boards, but he was consistent for Nebraska. Not exactly a ball hawk, but extremely efficient in pass coverage. With four years of college experience, he brings a veteran presence.
181) Ricky White III, WR, UNLV
Ricky White III is a potential deep-ball threat. He had one season averaging over 20 yards per reception and another nearly at 17. He could be a vertical weapon for Herbert and add explosiveness to a relatively conservative offense.
199) Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
Like Hill, Mello Dotson may not start right away, but he adds valuable depth. He had nine interceptions in his final two college seasons, showing strong ball skills and a knack for big plays.
209) Jacob Gideon, OC, Western Michigan
Injuries forced the Chargers to finish 18th in PFSN’s OL+ metric, but with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt anchoring the line, the base is there. Jacob Gideon has 2,300+ snaps of experience and NFL-level power. With more flexibility in his game, he could be a long-term fit.
214) Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
The Chargers’ front seven need help after Bosa’s departure, and Jamon Dumas-Johnson could step in right away. At 245 pounds, he brings size, instincts, and disruption to the interior.
256) Efton Chism, WR, Eastern Michigan
A late-round flyer, Efton Chism projects more as a WR3 or WR4. But with strong route running and special teams upside, he’s the kind of player who can find a role in L.A. if given time to develop.