Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup: Mel Kiper makes his first pick of 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft is still three months away but once a team has had its season officially come to an end, it's one of the first things fans start discussing. It's also the most exciting element of the NFL offseason. 

The Los Angeles Chargers hold the No. 22 overall pick in the first round and Chad Reuter of NFL.com has the team's top positional needs as edge rusher, defensive tackle, center, safety and wide receiver. 

In the course of the next three months, you will likely come across over 100 mock drafts as analysts and fans try to pinpoint which players the Chargers will take in the draft. Here, we have three recent mocks that have been written up, including one by the original draft guru himself. 

Chargers mock draft roundup

Mel Kiper, ESPN: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

This is probably the player you will see mocked to the Chargers the most this draft season due to the team's need at tight end and Colston Loveland having played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. 

Kiper: "How about a seam-stretching tight end for quarterback Justin Herbert? Loveland is a tough matchup for defenses -- he's 6-5, 245 pounds, and he has some speed. He had 56 catches, 582 yards and 5 TDs this season despite subpar play from Michigan's quarterback room. He played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, too, so there's a built-in connection.

L.A. has to also look at the receiver group. Four WRs are off the board already, which is why I opted for Loveland. It's just too big of a reach to Utah State's Jalen Royals, TCU's Savion Williams or Texas' Isaiah Bond. But if one of those guys rises over the next few months, that might be the priority."

Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

In this mock, Loveland goes to the Denver Broncos two slots ahead of the Chargers. That leaves the Chargers to select Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, who was the player to catch the game-tying touchdown on fourth down against Arizona State in the College Football Playoffs. 

"Texas must convert 4th-and-13... TO STAY ALIVE! CAN THEY HOOK 'EM?! TOUCHDOWN, MATTHEW GOLDEN!" - Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/a38XeAakMx

Flick: "One of the biggest risers in the 2025 class, Golden is lightning in a bottle. At 6'0", 200 pounds, Golden has the size, speed and run-after-catch ability to consistently hit big plays—he had gains of 20-plus yards in 15 of the Longhorns’ 16 games this season en route to a 58-catch, 987-yard, nine-touchdown season. The Chargers’ passing game revolved around rookie receiver Ladd McConkey in 2024, and while McConkey was brilliant, Los Angeles needs to give quarterback Justin Herbert more weapons. Golden would be a good start."

Vinnie Iyer, The Sportings News: James Pearce, Edge, Tennessee

We may not see many defensive players mocked to the Chargers in the first round this year, but if the team loses Khalil Mack in free agency and/or decides to cut Joey Bosa as a cap casualty, a guy like James Pearce could make a lot of sense. 

Iyer: "The Chargers awaiting Khalil Mack's decision about his future as a pending free agent who turns 34 in February. Joey Bosa needs to be boosted by a freakish pass-rushing bookend such as Pearce, who can at least be productive in special packages, if not straight up as Mack's replacement."

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

Chargers projected to receive a trio of compensatory draft picks

Chargers predicted to trade for 2-time Pro Bowl wide receiver

Chargers projected cap casualties include surprising, but correct decision

Raiders appear to be zeroing in on member of the Chargers' front office

4 breakout candidates for Los Angeles Chargers in 2025