The Chargers are still a week into their training camp program in Costa Mesa, CA. It’s important to remember that when talking about player stock with plenty of time left in the offseason, plus three preseason games.
That being said, there are some standouts for Los Angeles in the early going.
QB Justin Herbert
The contract extension for the former Oregon star is what caught everyone’s attention last week, but more attention should be on how Herbert has looked in camp. Unlike other training camp players, Herbert has nothing to compete for. But how quickly he’d get both comfortable and vertical in this new offense was a question mark.
Herbert had off-season labrum surgery and didn’t throw for a number of months leading into June OTAs. For him to look as clinically efficient as he does slinging it downfield to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and others is great news for both the offense and his recovery.
What perhaps gets lost in the downfield nature of the offense is Herbert’s ability to go through his progressions. The fact that he is actively recalibrating his reads to throw a target open deep as he scans the field instead of defaulting to the check-down is a win early on in camp.
WR John Hightower
Unlike Herbert, John Hightower is one of several players competing for a roster spot. So far, so good. He’s racking up touchdowns and catching bombs from Herbert when given the opportunity.
Purely looking at this from Hightower’s perspective, he needs to take advantage of his opportunities as much as possible in the early going. As of now, it’s uncertain how long Jalen Guyton is going to remain on the PUP list. Considering the unlikelihood that either Allen or Williams play in the preseason, Hightower will get his chances to make an impact there as well.
The Chargers will need a go-ball specialist and Hightower is proving he can be that guy if his number is called on.
CB J.C. Jackson
Jackson not being one of the names on the Chargers’ original PUP list prior to training camp stunned me. Keep in mind that we’re talking about a player recovering from a torn patellar tendon for practice capacity in about nine months here.
And like nothing had ever happened, he’s back to winning reps against receivers like Allen in camp:
When the injury was initially suffered late last October, there was debate as to whether Jackson would be able to start next season. The fact that he’s trending towards being cleared in full capacity for Week 1 is truly miraculous for the Chargers and Staley’s defense.
WR Quentin Johnston
It’s worth pointing out that it hasn’t necessarily been a flawless camp for Johnston. Monday’s practice, in particular, had the rookie receiver fight through a case of the drops.
But the upside has shown itself in the early going. Johnston’s looked like the fastest player on offense with the long strides he generates as a former track star. He’s also shown consistent effort to make high-point catches despite the “body catcher” concerns that followed him leading up to the draft.
Video: #Chargers rookie 1st round pick WR Quentin Johnston continues to make nice catches at Training Camp.
So much for "draft experts" saying he only catches with his body.. 👀pic.twitter.com/1nNXVZq55j
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 29, 2023
There will be some growing pains associated with Johnston’s rookie campaign, but having him as the team’s third or fourth receiver depending on how they view Josh Palmer is outstanding. He’s going to make some great plays with Herbert this year.
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel came to Costa Mesa, CA, this year with a little bit of competition on his hands. With Jackson and Michael Davis set as the outside corners, Samuel was left to cross-train and compete for the slot role against Ja’Sir Taylor.
Now it should be said that regardless of who wins the slot competition, both players will likely play quite a bit this season. Staley likes to be multiple with his defensive backs, and I’d probably take the under on all four corners staying healthy for 17 games in general.
But Samuel has shown off some improved coverage abilities in the slot against several of the Chargers’ better receivers, including a red zone stand in Wednesday’s practice, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Samuel will still have to likely show out as a tackler in the preseason and the remaining padded practices. For now, things are looking good for the former Florida State defensive back.
WR Mike Williams
Williams is yet another Chargers receiver who’s having a solid camp. Outside of the touchdowns and deep shots, we’ve seen from the offense and quarterback Herbert, the usage of Williams is perhaps the most interesting aspect.
Kellen Moore had Williams lining up in the slot to take advantage of his size mismatch vs. smaller defenders. Both Samuel and Taylor had the challenge of defending Williams in the slot. Early on in camp, it’s been a bit of a one-sided battle. Williams’ leverage and closer-to-complete route running tree have really come in handy for Moore’s offense approach.
Most importantly, Williams’ new development gives the Chargers optionality. If they can play all four main receivers either outside or in the slot, it puts more of a strain on opposing defenses trying to counter.
LB Eric Kendricks
It’s important to note that Kendricks is not just taking over as starting middle linebacker. He’s also taking over the responsibility of Staley’s green dot defensive communicator. All three levels of the defense will depend on Kendricks’ recognition and reaction ability.
It’s hard to tell just how that dynamic will play in a real live game yet. For now, things seem to be going swimmingly. The defense has had its fair share of wins in camp and the run defense seemingly shined at Monday’s public practice, per Guilty As Charged’s Tyler Schoon.
Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and Staley have also given praise to Kendricks as a communicator.
S Raheem Layne
Layne is looking to secure the fourth safety spot on the roster. He snagged the first interception of camp last week. So far, he’s been the Chargers’ third most dependable safety, with the development of JT Woods still taking some time.
Layne has the ball-hawking corner instincts as a convert to safety, and it tends to show up whenever anyone watches him. While the Chargers have sometimes been connected to free agent John Johnson, one has to wonder if Alohi Gilman and Layne playing well is enough to quiet those talks.
