With a defensive staff connection, the Chippewas pass rusher could emerge as a fit for Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to host Central Michigan EDGE Michael Heldman on a pre-draft visit, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
After bringing back former safeties coach Chris O’Leary as defensive coordinator to replace new Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, the Chargers have a built-in connection to Heldman. O’Leary spent one season at Central Michigan as defensive coordinator and safeties coach in 2025, helping produce the edge rusher's most productive season.
Jack Reeber - @jackreeber.rawThe 23-year-old Romeo, MI native spent all five seasons of his college career with the Chippewas after redshirting his freshman season in 2021, appearing in 53 games with 42 starts. Heldman totaled 120 tackles (64 solo), 34.5 tackles for loss for 137 yards, 19.0 sacks for 99 yards, 132 total pressures, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles over that span.
Heldman earned first-team All-MAC honors as a redshirt senior this past season, recording 48 total tackles (24 solo), four pass breakups, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 16 tackles for loss. He posted a 92.9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking first among 852 qualifying edge rushers in 2025. His 92.9 pass-rush grade ranked third at the position, while his 86.7 run-defense grade ranked 11th. He also generated 53 total pressures as a pass rusher and recorded 25 solo tackles against the run.
At six-foot-four, 260 pounds with 32-inch arms, Heldman is an athletic freak. He posted a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score, ranking 26th out of 2,105 EDGE prospects since 1987. At Central Michigan’s pro day, Heldman ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, along with a 40-inch vertical, a 10-foot-3 broad jump, 29 bench press reps, a 4.34 short shuttle and a 7.05 three-cone drill.
With the edge position still a priority for Los Angeles following the loss of star defensive end Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders in free agency, taking a shot on a player like Heldman—whether as a late Day 3 pick or through undrafted free agency—could be worth exploring.
He’s a highly productive, high-motor defender who consistently finds ways to impact the game as both a pass rusher and run defender. Adding a player with his athletic profile and proven production would give the Chargers valuable depth and developmental upside at a key position of need with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, while also providing a potential rotational piece who could grow into a larger role over time.