4 Prospects Los Angeles Chargers Should Avoid With No. 22 Pick In 2025 NFL Draft

Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers largely exceeded expectations in 2024.

After putting up a 5-12 record in 2023, the team went 11-6 and made the playoffs in Harbaugh’s first season with the team in 2024. That playoff run didn’t go how the team wanted, but it was a good first step nonetheless.

This offseason, the team approached free agency knowing some key pieces were needed. Versatile offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, cornerback Donte Jackson, and running back Najee Harris highlight the team’s outside additions, while edge-rusher Khalil Mack and defensive lineman Teair Tart were re-signed.

Now, the team will approach the 2025 NFL Draft with some very specific needs. For one, the team needs at least one more pass-catcher to go next to Ladd McConkey. Additionally, another defensive lineman would be welcomed on the roster.

Today, however, we’re going to identify players the Chargers should NOT draft in the first round.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan is quite possibly the best natural wide receiver in this class.

The big-bodied Arizona product is an elite red-zone threat with sure hands and better-than-expected speed. However, McMillan wouldn’t exactly be the best fit in Los Angeles.

The Chargers already have Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston on the roster, and both receivers are big targets like McMillan. Johnston was a first-round pick by the team just two years ago, so they may be scared off by McMillan.

A speedy receiver like Matthew Golden would likely be a better fit. Herbert needs another guy like McConkey who has no problem getting open in space.

Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

Like wide receiver, the Chargers also need to add at least one cornerback.

The team brought in Donte Jackson, but Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still are currently penciled in at the other starting spots. Still performed decently in 2024, but Hart could be upgraded.

The Chargers could be tempted to select Shavon Revel out of East Carolina. Revel is a ball-hawking corner with solid speed who also isn’t afraid to get physical. The only problem is, Revel is coming off a serious injury and may not be at full speed right away.

There are much safer corner prospects for the Chargers than Revel. The team should focus on adding that position later in the draft.

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Nick Emmanwori is an intriguing defensive prospect who will likely interest Jim Harbaugh.

Emmanwori plays with a relentless motor and isn’t afraid to make contact. However, the South Carolina product is kind of a tweener, with some scouts believing he should move to linebacker at the next level.

While Harbaugh will like Emmanwori’s triats, the Chargers don’t need a safety or a hybrid at this point. Derwin James and Alohi Gilman are an enviable duo in the secondary, and the Chargers have more pressing needs no matter how intriguing Emmanwori is.

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

We know Jim Harbaugh loves his running backs, so Omarion Hampton will likely be on the Chargers’ board.

The team brougth in reliable veteran Najee Harris this offseason, though, and Harris has gained 1,000 yards in each of his NFL seasons. The team also has Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal on the roster still, so this group should be deep enough for the 2025 season.

Hampton was a monster in college and would likely be a monster in Los Angeles. However, the Chargers need to hold off and possibly draft a running back later in the draft.