With eight day three 2025 NFL Draft selections, the Los Angeles Chargers have plenty of defensive targets to scout. The first domino of the 2025 NFL Combine just fell, and this allowed the Bolts to really see who does and does not fit their defensive needs. Especially considering on the back end of the roster, the Chargers are very thin.
That said, what are some defensive targets the Chargers should look into adding to fill out their 90-man roster requirements? Who are some prospects that could fit this Jim Harbaugh-led team?
Defensive Depth Positions The Chargers Need to Target on Day 3 Of The 2025 NFL Draft
Linebacker: Plenty Of Impending Free Agents
The Chargers linebacker room in 2024 was much more impressive than initially believed. This was in large part due to the breakout of Daiyan Henley and his development under the Jesse Minter scheme. This, combined with strong contributions from veteran Denzel Perryman and major surprise Troy Dye, the Chargers linebacker room was quite underrated.
If the Chargers were not to sign back any of their impending free agents (Perryman, Dye, special team standouts Nick Niemann, and Shaq Quarterman), they would have just Henley and 2024 draft pick Junior Colson on the roster.
The lack of development from Colson coupled with the rest of the linebacker room being in-house impending free agents, means an infusion of new, cheap talent is much needed. Gambling on the Chargers to select at least one linebacker in the later rounds of the NFL Draft would be a very safe bet as it stands.
Linebacker Targets In The Day 3 Range of The 2025 NFL Draft
This Linebacker class is pretty strong compared to past drafts, especially at the top. Although the depth of this group has not been garnering much attention by the media, there are still some real standouts that could allow the Chargers to find value on day 3.
Danny Stutsman: Early Day 3 Contributor
The first name that comes to mind is Danny Stutsman, who just had an incredible combine led by his 4.52 40-yard dash. He is projected to go in the fourth round (119th on the 2025 NFL Draft Consensus Board) and become a contributor to any team that decides to call his name. Draft analyst Ian Harper describes Stutsman as “the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s defense, and that should carry into the NFL quickly. He commands the run game well and can be an instant impact player in any scheme.”
I’m all-in on Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman. 👀
He’s the total package at LB and deserves far more recognition than he appears to be receiving.
His closing speed and pass rushing upside as a blitzer is obvious. But his coverage ability at 6’4” and 240 lbs. is really impressive. pic.twitter.com/TuQ5nhib9c
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) February 21, 2025
Teddye Buchanan: Combine Winner Could Stay Local
If you are looking for another combine winner who is slightly lower on the consensus board, check out Teddye Buchanan out of Cal. He is currently ranked 225, with the likely ability to move a few spots up the board. With his impressive combine performance, coupled with his coverage ability, the Chargers could very well look to take Buchanan as a special teams ace who can develop into a defensive contributor.
Teddye Buchanan (@TeddyeBuchanan), #10 for @CalFootball, fills up the stat sheet. Tackles, sacks, pressures, FFs, PBUs.
Not only that, but he can move. Very good play speed and rangy at the LB position to work all over the field, horizontally and vertically.#NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/gSywAVY9aw
— Nathan Cooper (@ncoopdraft) February 18, 2025
Shaun Dolac: Stop Sleeping on Him!
Shaun Dolac out of Buffalo is a deep sleeper, as he is ranked 383 on the consensus board. He is considered as “The Most Disrespected Linebacker in the Draft” as he is not getting much buzz at all. He projects as a seventh round/priority free agent out of this draft class. This is way too low considering his ability to command a defense; his production and work ethic are outstanding. The former walk-on deserves a real NFL shot, and as Harbaugh has always said, “Competitors welcome.”
Doesn’t take long for Buffalo LB Shaun Dolac to pop.
FBS leader in tackles is everywhere for the Bulls. Same program that produced Joe Andreessen last fall and Malcolm Koonce, Ja’Marcus Ingram & Khalil Mack in years past.
Name to know 📈 pic.twitter.com/pvTAgrX3sD
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 21, 2024
Cornerback: Unproven Starters + Impending Free Agents
The Chargers 2024 Draft had General Manager Joe Hortiz hit on two day three selections at cornerback, with Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart becoming valuable starters for this Minter defense. As impressive as they were, Hart struggled through injuries and Still has more to prove before the Chargers should allow him to be the unquestioned starter in 2025.
Even with those two young, talented defensive backs on the roster, that still leaves the Chargers with an empty room. The only other players that will be in the cornerback room in 2025 as it stands currently are not-so-fan-favorite Ja’Sir Taylor and the intriguing Deane Leonard.
Going into the 2024 season, Asante Samuel Jr and Kristian Fulton were the starters, and now both are leaving in free agency. While Fulton could be brought back, depth is still needed. Especially as the weirdly impressive play from Eli Apple could be moving forward to a different team.
Cornerback Targets In The Day 3 Range of The 2025 NFL Draft
The Chargers 2025 NFL Draft strategy needs to include a cornerback option, especially after learning crucial information at the combine. Whether that is bringing a guy in early in the draft as well as a depth option on day three or repeating last year’s process and going for day 3 steals who can contribute, more bodies are needed in the room.
Quincy Riley: Interest Has Already Been Shown
Currently ranked as the 127th best prospect on the 2025 NFL Draft consensus board, Quincy Riley is very reminiscent of what Tarheeb Still was for the Chargers last season. A cornerback who is flying under the radar and can play both inside and outside.
As a fluid mover, he is said to have great instincts in zone coverage, which would perfectly match what the Chargers are targeting defensively. Furthermore, the Chargers have already shown they have an interest in the Louisville corner. It was reported that he met with the Chargers at the combine. Could he follow the trend of the Chargers finding day-three steals in the draft?
Bilhal Kone: Aggressive, Lengthy Corner
Coming out of Western Michigan, Bilhal Kone has a big jump in talent to get adjusted to. Draft analyst Ian Harper describes Kone as follows: “If he enters a system that plays a majority of Cover 2, he has all the tools to be a playmaker. His instincts and length let him cover a ton of ground and he should be able to thrive as a starter with some refinements.
Luckily for the Chargers defensive target, the Bolts played the fourth most zone coverage in 2024 and would love a player of his instincts and length. Ranked as the 220th prospect on the consensus board, the Chargers may very well be able to target him later on day three as a developmental prospect.
Zah Frazier: Combine Shocker Earned Himself A Draft Selection
Possibly the most interesting of the group, Zah Frazier absolutely blew up the 2025 NFL Combine. From being completely unknown to now being ranked as the 250th best prospect on the consensus board, he is slowly climbing up draft boards. A 4.36 40 yard dash, as well as being above average in nearly every other testing metric, surely will allow someone who was off many scouts’ radars to pop up very quickly.
Frazier is a tall, long and fast cornerback who uses his tools to knock down passes consistently. The Chargers desperately need another outside cornerback, and if Frazier can use his tools to develop with Minter, he very well could turn into a value selection in the back end of day three.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images