Week 1 is right around the corner.
And with the 2025 season opener on tap for next week, ESPN gathered a panel of 10 analysts and insiders to rank players based on expected performance for the 2025 season for their annual top 100 prediction rankings.
The Chargers had three players who they believe to be among the best this upcoming season.
The Bolts highest-ranking player was quarterback Justin Herbert at No. 35. Herbert is entering Year 6 with the Bolts.
With a couple of new offensive pass catchers and an explosive running back, Herbert could be primed for a big season.
ESPN's Kris Rhim wrote:
The Chargers invested heavily in their offense, upgrading the line and adding pass catchers through the draft and free agency. Last season, L.A. struggled to run the ball, and its passing offense relied too much on rookie receiver Ladd McConkey. With first-round running back Omarion Hampton and the Chargers' wide receiver additions -- from Keenan Allen to second-round pick Tre Harris -- Herbert has the opportunity to put up the gaudy stats that were missing last season.
ESPN's Mike Clay projected the Chargers quarterback to throw for 4,161 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as well as 63 carries for 266 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Next up on the list was Pro Bowl safety Derwin James, Jr., at No. 89 after what was arguably a career season.
James thrived in Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter's new scheme in 2024, lining up primarily in the slot. James was disruptive last season — and ESPN believes more of that is on the way in 2025.
Rhim wrote:
Under first-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, James had a career renaissance in 2024, earning All-Pro honors for the third time. He thrived playing mostly at nickel, a spot that enhances his strengths as a run defender and pass rusher. With Minter leading the defense again in 2025, there's no reason to think James won't have another career season.
Clay has the star safety projected 102 tackles, 3.0 sacks, eight passes defensed and two interceptions.
The final member of the Bolts was wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who had a historic rookie season and made his debut on the list.
Not only does ESPN have them topping last year's numbers — they have him projected for 96 catches, 1,202 yards and six touchdowns — they believe he will benefit a lot from new additions.
Rhim wrote:
McConkey was the engine of the Chargers' offense in 2024. Now, he has help with running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, receiver Keenan Allen and a handful of promising Chargers rookies. Even though the additions might lead to less action for McConkey, he's expected to have another big season.
In terms of players who just missed the list, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler asked league personnel evaluators to identify who were the biggest snubs.
And among the biggest was second-year tackle Joe Alt, who many have high expectations for heading into 2025.
Fowler wrote:
The premier offensive tackle club is tough to crack, but Alt is knocking on the door.
Alt ranked fourth among tackles in pass-rush win rate (94.3%) while playing from the right side as a rookie. This year, Alt moves to left tackle due to Rashawn Slater's season-ending leg injury. League evaluators believe he can handle the switch -- and thrive as a result. He's brimming with upside at 22 years old.
