So, the Chargers are in a completely different spot from last year’s NFL draft. Just a year ago, they were positioned at No.5 overall, which they used to pick Joe Alt. But now they are way down the picking order. Sitting at No.22, it’s pretty difficult to determine whom the Chargers could target. And even if they do have a plan, their preferred player could be long gone until they are on the clock. So, with that being said, one Chargers legend decided to give his take on what his former team could do with the No.22 pick. Considering they address a few other positions before the draft comes along.
Chargers play-by-play announcer Matt Smith asked Jahleel Addae on the Chargers Weekly Podcast his opinion on how the Chargers could use the No.22 pick. Let’s just say what he told could make the Chargers a force to be reckoned with if they listen to him. “If you don’t address running back in free agency, you gotta go running back at 22. If you fill the tight end position and get a wide receiver. It’s either you go 22 running back or you go a guard.” So, Addae wants the Chargers to position themselves as a ground-and-pound and a hard-nosed team by bringing a star running back into the fold.
And instantly Smith agreed, albeit adding one factor that could make a huge difference, “The only time where you can really maximize value at running back is when you’re ready.” He used the examples of the Ravens and the Eagles, who exploded last season with Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley leading the charge. Henry was signed as a free agent and rushed for more than 2,000, including playoffs. As for Barkley, words cannot define his impact in Philly.
countdown to draft pic.twitter.com/DlOQainUHW
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 7, 2025
More than 2,000 rushing yards, Offensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl in his first year as an Eagle. Simply generational. But can the Chargers really get that kind of difference maker from the draft? See one name they could target is UNC’s Omarion Hampton. I mean the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah referred to Hampton as a complete package. One that comes with Barkley’s home run ability, pass-catching capability of a receiver and, of course, the explosive running to blend with. Like 1,660 rushing yards and 15 TDs last season are some monstrous numbers, you know.
Will they get him? Well, that’s a different question. Hampton could easily be a first round pick. But if he isn’t, the Bolts should definitely bring him to LA. Who knows maybe, he could be the next Barkley in the making. And while the Chargers are invested in the thought of drafting a running back, they also have to address another vital position. If they don’t, then expect them to dearly miss 5-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa.
Chargers bid adieu to former No.3 overall pick Joey Bosa
Since getting picked by the Chargers in 2016, Bosa spent 9 years playing for the Bolts. His first six seasons in LA saw him make the Pro Bowl four times, thereby emerging as the league’s best edge rusher. However, the day he signed his 5-year, $135M extension, Bosa had a steady decline. He only played 28 games in the last 3 seasons, plagued by constant troubles with injuries. But time and time again he expressed his whole-hearted desire to remain a Charger for life. Hell, he even took a pay cut last offseason to continue playing in LA.
Still, the Chargers couldn’t get around the fact he had a $36.4M cap hit in 2025. And also a $12M roster bonus they didn’t want to pay. So, the inevitable happened and the Chargers decided to cut Bosa. Choosing to file for divorce has saved the Bolts $25.36M in salary cap space. This means Bosa’s exit has increased the Chargers cap space to $90.6M. Seems like the financial windfall of getting rid of their 9-year veteran was too much for the Chargers to ignore.
As for Bosa, he leaves a gaping hole in the Chargers’ D-line. Actually, not only him, but the Chargers have also moved on from Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree. So, they need to get some new bodies in and fast for their D-line. If not, then the Chargers can say goodbyes to their hopes of a deeper playoff run come 2025. Without a monstrous sack leader like Bosa, there’s no way the Chargers can build on their last season’s success. Can they?
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