4. Caldwell catches Chargers eye on film

The Chargers did not draft Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a player that actually went one pick before Hampton in the first round.

But they certainly studied him in the pre-draft process … and kept wondering who the massive defensive tackle was next to him that kept showing up on film.

“Derrick Harmon is a great player,” Harbaugh said. “But you’re watching him and you’re like, ‘This other guy here is really good, too.’ They’re both really good.

“Excited to have that athleticism. It’s unique what Jamaree Caldwell has. And the strength and power,” Harbaugh added.

Hortiz relayed a story where Chargers defensive line coach Mike Elston came into his office and simply said, ‘Nose tackle!’ That tidbit emphasized how Caldwell flashed even when Harmon was the main study that day.

“One of Mike’s favorite guys,” Harbaugh said of Caldwell.

Caldwell brings a large presence at 6-2 and 332 pounds in the middle of the Bolts defensive line.

“Some of the plays, you watch film on him and you just see him toss bodies. It’s really impressive,” Hortiz said. “He does a really good job staying square, physical, strikes with his hands, he’s got feel. Big man, quick feet.”

Caldwell now joins a position group that features the likes of Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Otito Ogbonnia and others.

“We’re one of the bigger defensive lines in the NFL. Everybody is excited about that,” Harbaugh with a smile.

5. Where Caldwell fits into the defense

Caldwell began his college football career at a pair of community colleges before ending up at Houston.

He tallied 8.5 total sacks in 2022 and 2023 but didn’t have any in 2024 when he transferred to Oregon and was asked to take on more of a run-stuffing role.

The Chargers said they expect Caldwell to line up as a the nose tackle in base defense and then shift to 3-technique in nickel situations.

“He can play both and that’s the great thing about him,” Hortiz said. “He had more sack production at Houston and you see the feet and that burst when he played in that role. We do think there’s some untapped pass rush with him.”

Harbaugh added: “That makes a defensive tackle a three-down player.”