The Los Angeles Chargers have officially signed seven members of their 2025 NFL Draft class to rookie contracts, while also bolstering their roster with the addition of 18 undrafted free agents. The signings come as the team prepares to enter a new season with a mix of promising talent and depth across multiple positions.
Headlining the Chargers’ draft class is Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell, selected 86th overall. The 6-foot-1, 340-pound lineman was an anchor for the Ducks’ defense in 2024, starting all 14 games and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. He notched 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Caldwell previously played at Houston, where he tallied 38 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two blocked kicks in two seasons, and began his collegiate career at Independence Community College.
Joining Caldwell is standout pass rusher Kyle Kennard, drafted 125th overall out of South Carolina. Kennard had a dominant 2024 campaign, capturing the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors after posting 11.5 sacks, ranking eighth nationally. A transfer from Georgia Tech, Kennard played in 54 total games across both programs and finished his college career with 143 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks.
At wide receiver, the Chargers added explosive playmaker KeAndre Lambert-Smith with the 158th pick. A transfer from Penn State to Auburn, Lambert-Smith led the nation in yards per catch (19.6) among players with at least 45 receptions, tallying 981 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. He finished his career with 176 receptions for 2,702 yards and 19 touchdowns. Notably, he is the nephew of former Pro Bowl safety Kam Chancellor.
With the 165th pick, Los Angeles selected Oronde Gadsden II, a tight end from Syracuse whose name is etched in school history. Gadsden is Syracuse’s all-time leader in receptions (141) and receiving yards (1,970), providing a reliable target with strong hands and route-running ability.
Other draftees include Branson Taylor, a guard from Pittsburgh taken at No. 199, RJ Mickens, a safety from Clemson drafted at No. 214, and Trikweze Bridges, a Florida defensive back chosen with the final pick in the draft at No. 256.
In addition to these draft selections, the Chargers signed 18 undrafted free agents to add further competition and depth across the roster. Notable names include former Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Illinois defensive lineman TeRah Edwards, Virginia Tech’s Josh Fuga and Jaylen Jones, Kansas wideout Luke Grimm, and South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders.
To make room on the roster, the Chargers waived outside linebacker Chris Collins.
With this mix of draft talent and undrafted standouts, the Chargers are clearly focused on building a young, competitive roster capable of contributing across all phases of the game. Training camp will provide a key opportunity for these rookies to prove themselves as the team eyes a return to postseason contention.
