The Chargers added a few coaches with ties to Western Michigan, hiring former defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary to oversee the defense and former linebackers coach Sean Spence in the same role.
With the two in Los Angeles, there is a clear connection to one of their former players and NFL draft prospect edge rusher Nadame Tucker.
Defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell went to social media to endorse Tucker, one of his former college teammates, in response to a tweet that highlighted Tucker’s production working under Spence this past season.
“‘dame been a dawg since I’ve met him , just needed a chance to prove it to everyone…. Was amazed when I first seen him in Juco,” Caldwell said.
The two were members of the Houston Cougars’ defensive line together before Caldwell transferred to Oregon for his final collegiate season in 2024 and was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tucker was a dominant force during the 2025 season, leading the FBS in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (21.0). His performance earned him the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Tucker has publicly praised O’Leary, stating that playing in his defense allowed him to “play freely” and use a specific technique that compared to the style of Khalil Mack.
Tucker projects a mid-round selection, and he would be a solid addition to a positional room that is lacking depth and pass rush juice.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Jamaree Caldwell endorses potential Chargers draft target
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
