The Chargers are four days into their training camp program in El Segundo, CA. It’s important to remember that when discussing 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.
Here are four of them:
WR Ladd McConkey
Excitement is high for McConkey, the team’s second-round pick. They drafted him to boost a wide receiver group that lacks top-end talent. And so far, he has flashed since coming aboard this summer.
McConkey made an impressive grab in the red zone on Day 4. But what has stood out the most is his superb route running in the slot, showing the ability to beat both coverages and consistently make himself open.
“He’s been off to a really good start,” Jim Harbaugh said on McConkey. “Really, really excellent route runner. We knew that, and he’s been really good, really dialed in, right from the beginning.”
I’ve been saying this since he was drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see McConkey lead the team in targets and receptions this season.
WR Quentin Johnston
After a rough rookie campaign, Johnston knows how important it is to try to turn things around and carve a role for himself. While it’s still in the early stages, Johnston has looked like he’s improved in areas he struggled at.
One of his issues was creating separation, and Johnston has looked a lot sharper in his breaks to make himself an open target. Drops were also an issue, but Johnston has caught nearly everything thrown his way and has made the tough plays look routine.
WR Brenden Rice
Another wideout who has made a few splash plays is Rice, the seventh-rounder out of USC and son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Rice has a legitimate shot to not only make the roster but contribute as a rookie with his ability to win in the intermediate and deep parts of the field. He has shown that, nabbing a few catches on go routes, including a 35-yard touchdown from Easton Stick in 11-on-11.
TE Stone Smartt
The Chargers have their top two tight ends in Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst, but a few players, including Smartt, are battling for the back end of the depth chart.
Last season, Smartt came on as a pass-catcher, hauling 11 passes for 155 (14.1 yards per reception) and a touchdown. On Day 3, he had a big day in that department. Smartt had six catches in team periods, including a red zone touchdown, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.