Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft couldn't have gone any better for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs were able to move back one selection (32nd overall) with the Philadelphia Eagles while also gaining a player they hope can be their left tackle of the future, Ohio State's Josh Simmons.
Simmons, who many would have considered to be the best tackle in this class, fell to the last pick in the first round due to a torn patellar tendon. Though his medicals are a question mark, Kansas City clearly saw what they needed to from that standpoint to green light the pick.
Meanwhile, one of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals made quite the confusing first-round pick. The Los Angeles Chargers selected University of North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the draft. A pick later, University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden was taken by the Green Bay Packers.
Given Golden was available for the Chargers, choosing to draft Hampton over him may end up being a huge mistake.
stud.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 25, 2025
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Chargers Drafting Omarion Hampton Has Chiefs Fans Laughing
On paper, Los Angeles drafting Hampton makes sense. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to run the ball, and their best running back is Najee Harris. While Harris has never had a season under 1,000 rushing yards, he isn't an explosive back, meaning the Chargers needed to add one.
However, wide receiver was a much bigger need for Los Angeles. Although they brought back Mike Williams this offseason, they need more pass catchers. Third-year receiver Quentin Johnston has continually proven he can't catch. In two seasons, Johnston has an embarrassingly low 58.6% (93/158) competition percentage when targeted.
Adding Golden would have immediately brought another threat for Kansas City to worry about when they play. Instead, the Chiefs are only left to worry about Ladd McConkey again.
To make matters worse for Los Angeles, this draft is loaded with running backs. The same cannot be said about the wide receiver position. If they wanted to draft a guy who had the potential to have a big impact like McConkey did as a rookie, Golden was likely their last chance.
Nonetheless, there are still a fair number of receivers left that can be contributors for the Chargers this season. Yet, Chiefs' kingdom should still be laughing that Los Angeles chose to pass on Golden.