Today marks the first day of Chargers training camp at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA, where there will be plenty of action for the last couple of weeks.
While there are plenty of storylines to follow, we’re focusing on the players and the ones we’re most excited to see.
Here are Chargers Wire’s staff thoughts on who we want to see the most and why.
Gavino: CB Tarheeb Still
There will be a competition for the starting slot cornerback spot and Still will be in contention for it alongside third-year Ja’Sir Taylor. Luckily for the fifth-round pick out of Maryland, he’s already made a case after a strong showing in minicamp, where he deflected multiple passes and picked off Justin Herbert once. I expect Still to continue to make plays in camp and push Taylor for the job.
Alex: RB Kimani Vidal
Usually, getting excited about a sixth-round pick projected to be a third-stringer would be reserved for only the most deranged training camp viewer, but there’s a real shot that Vidal carves out a role in this offense. Greg Roman’s scheme has lent itself well to late-round or UDFA backs before, including presumed starter and former Raven Gus Edwards. Edwards has always been more of a committee back and JK Dobbins is coming off an Achilles tear. The momentum for Vidal could come steaming through the hole sooner than later, just as it did with Baltimore UDFA Keaton Mitchell a season ago.
Valentina: WR Joshua Palmer
Many question marks have surrounded the wide receiver position since Keenan Allen and Mike Williams left the team. Palmer is perfectly poised to take the lead. He has the most chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and this is his opportunity to have a breakout season. Palmer has shown flashes of greatness, and if he can find consistency with those moments, he will be poised to lead the wide receiver crew this year.