One of the major storylines of the first year of Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh at the helm was just how much of a hand the first batch of rookies had in an eventual playoff berth.
And so far in 2025, it's been much of the same with the Chargers 2025 draft class..
"You can probably tell by my smile how great it has been," Harbaugh said Tuesday about the rookies while wearing a wide grin.
From the first to sixth round, and even undrafted players, a number of first-year players have been able to leave their imprint on the opening half of the Bolts season.
There's been eight rookies that have each played three games for the Chargers so far this year, with seven of them even seeing action in at least five of them.
Nearing the midway point of the season, they are starting to really become game-changers.
"I'll probably miss some names but Oronde Gadsden, of course, has been great," Harbaugh said. "Tre' Harris, R.J. Mickens really coming on strong… It's exciting."
Gadsden in particular has not only been an impactful rookie for the team — he's been one of the most impactful rookies in the NFL so far.
He now ranks fourth on the team in catches (27), receiving yards (385) and touchdowns (two) despite being inactive for the first two weeks of the season.
After another stellar performance in primetime in Week 8, the fifth-round pick became the third rookie tight end since 1970 to have over 300 receiving yards across a three-game span with 306 yards from Weeks 6 through 8.
He's gone from late round rookie to one of Justin Herbert’s most reliable targets.
"As soon as he got here for camp we knew he was going to be pretty good. We're definitely going to get him the ball as much as we can because good things happen when he gets it," Herbert said following Week 8.
Ladd McConkey added: "He's a stud. I saw that in OTAs and training camp. I knew he was special. Now he's getting his opportunity and he's playing like a vet."
The rookie tight end was lauded throughout the summer for his work both on and off the practice field, and it's paid dividends in a massive way for the Chargers offense.
"Just trying to be consistent every day in practice and be a reliable target," Gadsden said after Thursday's win. "Those two things can take you a long way."
Chargers first-round pick Omarion Hampton was on a similar level of offensive impact when he was on the field in the first part of the season.
The rookie running back was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 6 but was an integral part to the Chargers hot start to the season as he carried the load in the backfield.
Hampton ran for 314 yards and two rushing touchdowns, as well as caught 20 passes for 136 yards in five games.
Even having a lot on his plate as a rookie running back, he has set a good baseline early.
"I think he's in great place to climb from and I trust he'll continue to be a great player," Harbaugh said of Hampton earlier in the season. "I really think that. Around him every day and just how much it means to him and how important it is for him, good place to climb from."
Harbaugh later added: "I could tell that he was getting that rhythm of pro football. He's competitive in the way that he likes it. He wants to be out there."
Perhaps what popped the most for Hampton was what he displayed in college with his physicality.
From Weeks 1-5, the rookie was tied for second with 22 missed tackles forced and tied for fifth with 3.79 yards after contact among running backs with at least 50 carries, according to Pro Football Focus.
It remains to be seen when Hampton returns off Injured Reserve this season, but there's no doubt he's stood out early in his career.
"What somebody does speaks so loudly that you don't have to hear what they say," Harbaugh said of Hampton's quiet demeanor. "That's the case with him, the way he trains, the way he practices."
Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman added: "We saw it in college and the film wasn't lying. This guy is a powerful, explosive player with a strong will."
The Chargers Day 2 picks, wide receiver Tre’ Harris and defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell, have played a big part in the season as well even if the numbers aren't big. Both rookies have played in all eight games, with Harris starting four of them and Caldwell starting three.
And for Harris, the early portion of his rookie season hasn't been flashy, but his dirty work as a blocker has turned heads in the building.
The second-round pick has repeatedly seen a lot of action even when he's not catching the ball, as he has been a difference maker for the Chargers in the run game.
He's come along strong as a pass catcher as well, as six of his 11 receptions so far this season have gone for first downs. And he caught his first NFL touchdown in Week 8.
"We knew he was tough, you could see that on the college tape, but he's exceeded expectations," Harbaugh said. "The better they do, the more they get, the more they earn. You can see it building and building for him.
"He's just a football player and that's the best definition you can give someone," Harbaugh added.
The same can be said about Caldwell, who leads all Chargers defensive linemen in defensive snaps through the first eight weeks.
The No. 86 overall pick in the draft has seen a lot of action, especially as the unit has battled through injuries of late, taking on double teams and doing a lot on the interior.
Still, Caldwell ranks 16th among all rookie defenders and fourth among rookie defensive linemen in splash play rate (6.8 percent), according to The Athletic.
"He's getting pass rush production, he's playing well against the run," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said earlier in the year. "He's what we hoped he would be going back to the draft and he certainly hasn't disappointed."
"He's a big guy that can hold up really well in the run game and be dominant at the point of attack and take on double teams and single blocks," Minter added. "Then he also has an element of twitch that a lot of guys his size don't have and some pass rush knack."
Even players like Mickens have become a big factor recently, as injuries and a trade in the safety room have elevated his spot on the depth chart.
The rookie sixth-round pick notched his first career interception on Thursday Night Football and has become a staple in the Bolts secondary over the last few weeks.
"I've still been preparing the same way," Mickens said. "I've been preparing the same way and getting that boost of confidence and that trust. That your coaches trust you, the front office trusts you and your teammates believe in you, it was easy.
"Just making that transition was smooth with my teammates," Mickens added.
Other players like Kyle Kennard, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and undrafted linebacker Marlowe Wax have stepped up when needed, especially on special teams, and continue to stay ready for when their number is called.
"If one man can do it, another man can," Harbaugh said. "Tremendous example to set."
Similar to last season, the rookie class has come in and made their mark on the way to a 5-3 start.
And it's been just what the Chargers have needed in all phases as they cross to the second half of the season.
"The young guys that keep stepping up," Harbaugh said after Week 8. "It's really great for our team."
He added: "They're getting their opportunity, they're capitalizing and making the most of it."
