For those of you who want the Chargers to take an offensive playmaker with the 22nd pick, be prepared for disappointment. That's at least what ESPN's Jordan Reid has heard from around the league.
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.
While tight end and even wide receiver remain major needs, the defensive line is a huge weakness on the current roster.
The front office has yet to develop a legitimate long-term replacement for Poona Ford, who had an incredible 2024 campaign. The team has signed Naquan Jones and Da'Shawn Hand in free agency, but those two have combined for just 21 career starts. In other words, they aren't long-term answers at the position.
Grant would make a lot of sense for the Chargers, which goes beyond the Michigan connection. He is a good run defender and showed flashes of being an above-average pass rusher in college. Tyleik Williams is a bit more of a wild card, but he has the size and athleticism that GMs love regarding his overall upside.
Taking a defensive lineman in the first round is never the sexiest selection, but it may be just what this team needs. Justin Herbert still needs more weapons, there's no doubt about that. For those who may criticize the team's decision to potentially take a defensive lineman, it's important to look at what Joe Hortiz did in last year's draft.
In his first draft as the team's general manager, he took offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick and landed star wideout Ladd McConkey in the second round. Malik Nabers was available with the fifth pick, and he eventually went on to have an excellent rookie campaign.
The former LSU product still would have been a great pick, but Alt may have been an even better one. The Chargers have their franchise right tackle, who will help protect Herbert for years to come.
Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh like to build through the trenches, and fans must get used to that. The formula led to the No. 1 scoring defense in 2024 and an 11-6 regular-season record.
The track record of those two speaks for itself, and they've earned the right to be given a chance. At this point, one of Grant, Williams or even Oregon's Derrick Harmon seems likely to be a Charger here in a few weeks.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Insiders believe Chargers will target this position
