Offensive storylines to follow as Chargers begin training camp
The top storylines to follow on the offensive side of the ball as Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers begin training camp.
On Wednesday, the Chargers will begin the process of building out their 53-man roster for the 2024 season as training camp begins at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Let’s highlight some top storylines on each side of the ball as it gets underway. We will begin with Greg Roman’s offense.
The rushing attack
Jim Harbaugh made it clear that the Chargers will be a physical offense that wears down defenses on the ground. Greg Roman comes with a run-heavy mindset. So this will be the first time we see it all come together.
The backfield consists of newcomers Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and Kimani Vidal, who join third-year Isaiah Spiller. What will the rep share look like between the backs? Is Dobbins, who has battled injuries the past few seasons, healthy?
The offensive line has two new additions: Bradley Bozeman and Joe Alt. Bozeman replaces Corey Linsley. Alt will transition from left tackle to right tackle, while Trey Pipkins will kick inside to right guard. Can Zion Johnson improve? What will the blocking scheme look like?
Will Dissly was signed to serve as the team’s inline blocker? What type of impact will he have?
Wide receiver room
Once a strength of the Chargers, the wide receiver room lacks top-end talent after the losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. How will the group shape up and who will step up as Justin Herbert’s top targets?
Josh Palmer has the most experience in the group. Can he play to the level of a No. 1 wideout? Expectations are high for rookie Ladd McConkey. The team hopes Quentin Johnston can shake off his rough rookie campaign and contribute in Year 2. DJ Chark hasn’t had a productive season since 2019 with the Jaguars when he earned Pro Bowl honors. Will seventh-rounders Cornelius Johnson or Brenden Rice raise eyebrows?
Joe Alt’s transition to right tackle
Alt was selected with the No. 5 overall pick and will be the team’s starting right tackle. Will Alt’s transition be smooth? He should instantly help in the run game, but the focus will be on how Alt looks in pass protection. We will see how he fares in that department in one-on-ones against veterans Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Tight end room
The Chargers added two new faces to the position room: Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst. As I mentioned earlier, Dissly will primarily make his money as a blocker in the run game. Hurst, on the other hand, should have an impact in the passing game. He was productive in OTAs. Can he continue to develop a rapport with Herbert?
Donald Parham and Stone Smartt return. Parham has come on as a pass-catcher but has struggled to stay healthy. Can he stay on the field? Smartt has also flashed as a receiver. Will it be enough to earn a roster spot? Undrafted free agents Zach Heins and Luke Benson are intriguing players. Can one of them steal a spot?
