Tag: Chargers rookies

Chargers rookie report card at the quarter mark of the 2024 season

The Chargers’ rookie class has come with a mixed bag. The top two picks have been elite, but there’s been little production beyond them.

Joe Hortiz’s first draft with the Chargers has already produced mixed results. While the top two picks seem to be hits thus far, we’ve yet to see any significant production beyond those two.

The regular season is still early, and we will likely see more of those later-round players deeper into the year. Through four games, here are the grades for the rookies from the 2024 draft class.

OT Joe Alt: A-

Some pundits criticized the Chargers for not going after star playmaker with the fifth overall pick. While Malik Nabers has been playing at a high level, Alt has still proved to be a phenomenal pick. Coupled with Rashawn Slater, the Bolts have arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL. The front office has done a tremendous job building this unit through the draft, and Alt seems to be the latest example. Alt is the highest-graded rookie offensive lineman and top 15 among all offensive tackles in the league.

WR Ladd McConkey: B+

The Chargers opted to wait until the second round to select a wideout. So far, McConkey has been quite solid. In an offense that has been the second-worst passing attack in the NFL, the rookie has been a bright spot. Looking ahead, he’s likely still more suited as a No. 2 option in the NFL, but nonetheless, he’s been better than expected.

LB Junior Colson: C-

Colson has played just 42 defensive snaps so far, so this grade feels more incomplete. The team’s depth at linebacker will allow him to learn and grow this season, which should only help him in the long term. In limited reps, he has shown some flashes in the run game.

DL Justin Eboigbe: Incomplete

It’s unfair to give him any sort of grade, as he has yet to appear on the field. He was active in Week 4, so his first career NFL snaps should be coming up.

Tarheeb Still: B-

Still was active for the first time in his career in Week 4 against the Chiefs. The rookie defensive back appeared in 42 (67.7%) defensive snaps in the loss to the division rival. While he provided a spark with a sack, Still allowed five receptions on the day. There’s plenty of room for improvement for him still, but he will have to see the field with the injuries in the cornerback room.

CB Cam Hart: C+

Hart has only played four defensive snaps, but he’s been a valuable member of the special teams. He’s appeared in 64 snaps there, so his grade gets a nice boost for those contributions. Still, we need to see more from him on defense for this grade to move at all.

RB Kimani Vidal: Incomplete

Similar to Eboigbe, Vidal hasn’t appeared in any snaps for the Chargers in 2024.

3 under-the-radar rookies to watch for at Chargers training camp

While Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey headline the numerous amounts of Chargers rookies, there are a few first-year players who deserve to be spotlighted.

Rookies reported to The Bolt, the Chargers’ new training facility, for the start of training camp.

While Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey headline the rookies in attendance, there are a few first-year players who deserve to be spotlighted.

Here are three rookies to watch in Chargers training camp:

DT Justin Eboigbe

Selected in the fourth round, Eboigbe was one of my favorite players the Chargers drafted.

Eboige has the strength to anchor at the point of attack and eat up double teams. While his strong suit is defending the run, he showed the explosiveness and technicality to get after the quarterback last season.

Even after the addition of Poona Ford, the interior part of the defensive line is not a strong position group, which should make it easier for Eboigbe to crack the rotation and contribute this season.

TE Zach Heins

The Chargers signed Will Dissly to serve as an inline blocker, but no one else on the depth chart offers the same skillset. Heins does. The undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State has the frame, grit and play strength to move bodies in the run game. He might not offer much in the passing game, but Heins is NFL-ready as a blocker and it might be enough to warrant a roster spot.

S Akeem Dent

There will be a battle in the back end of the safety room and Dent has a good chance of locking up a spot. Dent is versatile, as he saw playing time at cornerback, safety and nickel during his time at Florida State. The ability to play multiple positions in the secondary should appeal to Jesse Minter. But his athleticism, explosiveness, and physicality would also serve well on special teams.

Pair of Chargers land on projected 2024 NFL All-Rookie Team

The Chargers were represented on both sides of the football.

The Chargers stacked deck with their rookie class and selected a few players who should contribute early in their pro careers.

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter released his projections for the 2024 All-Rookie Team and named offensive tackle Joe Alt and linebacker Junior Colson.

Here is what Reuter had to say about Alt:

First-year Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz decided to bolster the offensive line instead of picking a receiver in April’s first round, so look for the team to run J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal (whom I considered for this list) behind Alt. The move from left tackle to the right side should not be an issue for the son of former Pro Bowl lineman John Alt, as Joe Alt’s power, football IQ and agility will allow him to succeed.

Alt was selected with the No. 5 overall pick and will be the team’s starting right tackle. Despite never playing the position, he is a polished and physical lineman with great size/length, overall technique, and strength.

Alt’s services will benefit Justin Herbert, who has been one of the most pressured quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020. He will also improve the ground game, which hasn’t been efficient for over a decade.

Here is why Colson was recognized among the other top rookies:

It seemed like a given that Jim Harbaugh would draft at least one of his former Michigan standouts this year, so seeing Colson land with the Chargers was no surprise. He should be in the mix from Day 1, filling running lanes and chasing backs to the outside whether it’s a stretch play or a throw to the flat. I expect him to crack the 100-tackle mark this season.

Colson is a rangy and explosive linebacker whose coverage skills are high-quality NFL traits. He has the speed to stay in phase with tight ends and running backs and is also effective in the run game.

Colson will compete with Daiyan Henley to start next to Denzel Perryman, but given his familiarity with Jesse Minter’s defense, it would not be surprising and be productive in Year 1.

Chargers announce dates for 2024 rookie minicamp

All of the players the Chargers drafted and signed as undrafted free agents will take the practice field real soon.

All of the players the Chargers drafted and signed as undrafted free agents will take the practice field real soon, as they are set to hold their rookie minicamp from May 10-12.

This means that the towering 6-foot-9 Joe Alt will make his presence known along with the new wide receiver trio, which consists of Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, Cornelius Johnson, and potential starting linebacker Junior Colson.

This will also be the first opportunity for the undrafted free agents fighting for a roster spot to catch the attention of the coaching staff.

Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu named to PFF’s 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team

The Chargers struck gold with the selection of Tuli Tuipulotu.

The Chargers struck gold with their selection of Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Tuipulotu was recognized for his hard work and efforts in his first NFL season, as he was named to Pro Football Focus’ 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team.

Tuipulotu was an outstanding run defender for Los Angeles. His 88.4 PFF run-defense grade not only led all rookies but trailed only Maxx Crosby, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Khalil Mack among qualified edge defenders.

He also finished second behind Anderson with 51 pressures. Tuipulotu was an excellent addition to a team that is perpetually trying to fix their defense.

It didn’t take long for Tuipulotu to make a name for himself upon entering the league, as he flashed behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Tuipulotu’s snaps quickly crept up as the weeks went on, and he eventually became a full-time starter when Bosa suffered a season-ending foot injury.

Tuipulotu was a mainstay in opposing team’s backfields on a weekly basis, whether it was generating pressure on the quarterback or stopping the run.

Amid the maddening problems the defense dealt with throughout the season, Tuipulotu remained a bright spot. And at only 21 years of age, his best playing days are still ahead of him.

Pair of Chargers named to CBS Sports’ 2023 preseason All-Rookie Team

The Chargers were represented by two players in CBS Sports’ 2023 preseason All-Rookie Team.

There is plenty of buzz surrounding the Chargers as they enter training camp, and one of the biggest attractions will be the team’s rookies.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso released his annual Preseason All-Rookie Team, highlighting players he believes will break out in their first professional season, and Los Angeles was well-represented.

Kicking off the group was first-round pick Quentin Johnston, tabbed as first-team perimeter wide receiver.

Johnston is the final piece of the puzzle in the receiver group for Justin Herbert. He has the size and skill set unlike anyone else on Los Angeles’ roster. I’m most fascinated by his run-after-the-catch prowess. Easiest path to production as a rookie for a receiver, beyond being an absolute freakshow athlete or route runner — the former is natural and the latter typically takes at least a season to fine-tune as a pro. While occasionally clunky as a rebounder at his stature, Johnston is an agitated gazelle in the open field. Oh and if you call Herbert an elite quarterback, you won’t hear gripes from me — he’s capable of elite quarterbacking flashes every time out. That helps.

Johnston will have to further refine his route-running prowess and clean up drops issues that he had in college. But if and when he does, he has the size and speed combo to be a threat to opposing secondaries for years to come.

Third-round pick Daiyan Henley was also given first-team honors alongside Lions’ Jack Campbell.

Henley is an older prospect but glides in coverage and plays with the ball skills of a safety. While Los Angeles isn’t rock-solid in the middle of its defensive line, there are plenty of stars on that side of the ball that’ll help get Henley into advantageous situations as a rookie.

Henley is a complete player with excellent speed and range, good vision to play through blocks, an understanding of pass concepts that allows him to excel in coverage, burst and aggression as a blitzer and plenty of special teams experience.

A wide receiver and defensive back convert, Henley’s only been playing the position for three years, so he needs to refine the little details of the position. But he has the necessary traits and makeup to be special teams ace from the jump and a steady starter for the Bolts in his second season.

Chargers sign 18 undrafted free agents after 2023 NFL draft

After drafting seven players, the Los Angeles Chargers signed 18 who went undrafted.

The Chargers wasted little time in filling out their roster after their haul in the 2023 NFL draft, signing 18 undrafted free agents.

Below are the members that Los Angeles signed Saturday night.

EDGE Brevin Allen, Campbell

S Tyler Baker-Williams, North Carolina State

OL Johari Branch, Maryland

CB Cameron Brown, Ohio State

WR Terrell Bynum, USC

DL Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina

RB Elijah Dotson, Northern Colorado

LB Nathan East, Samford

TE Michael Ezeike, UCLA

EDGE Andrew Farmer, Lane College

S AJ Finley, Mississippi

RB Tyler Hoosman, North Dakota

LB Mikel Jones, Syracuse

DL Terrance Lang, Colorado

OT Nicolas Meslop, Delta State

CB Tiawan Mullen, Indiana

CB AJ Uzodinma, Ball State

WR Pokey Wilson, Florida State

Ranking Chargers’ rookies by potential 2022 impact

Ranking every rookie draft pick in order of their potential impact in 2022, beginning with the top pick, Zion Johnson.

With training camp set to start on July 27th, Chargers fans will soon get a true first look at the 2022 rookie class, which features at least one full-time starter in first-round guard, Zion Johnson. Meanwhile, the rest of the class will battle for rotational snaps throughout July and August.

Here’s a quick overview of the entire draft class, with players ranked by their potential impact as rookies.

1. G Zion Johnson

As mentioned in the introduction, Johnson is already cemented as a starter. Part of the reason for that is the lack of talent opposing him in a competition, but part of it is that Johnson has the talent to be an impact player right away. He may not get off to a scorching start the way 2021 first rounder Rashawn Slater did at left tackle, but Johnson also has the unenviable task of creating chemistry with both Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton during training camp as their battle for the right tackle spot unfolds. Matt Feiler’s presence a year ago has been cited as a big reason Slater’s transition to the NFL went so smoothly, and Johnson will not have that benefit (although center Corey Linsley is a top-tier running mate on the other side). Even so, the expectations will be high for the Boston College product, and early returns from OTAs suggest he’ll be up to the challenge.

2. RB Isaiah Spiller

Despite being the Chargers’ third pick of the draft, Spiller clocks in second here because of how wide-open the competition for touches is behind Austin Ekeler. It’s a situation that’s been discussed at length this offseason: Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree have struggled, Spiller was billed as a top back in this draft before ultimately falling to the 4th round, etc. OTAs didn’t give us much in the way of definitive rankings between the three of them, which means training camp will be all-important in determining what exactly Spiller’s role will be. If he performs well, Ekeler could finally have the running mate LA has been searching for since Melvin Gordon left in free agency after the 2019 season.

3. S JT Woods

Many people were surprised to hear Woods’ name called as early as it was when the Chargers picked him up in the third round, which seems to suggest they have big plans for him. As a rookie, I’d guess his primary role is going to be backfilling Derwin James’ safety spot when the All-Pro moves to dime backer or into the slot. However, he’ll first have to prove he’s more capable in that role than Alohi Gilman. Woods will also be valuable injury insurance if James or Nasir Adderley is forced to miss time, which represents a massive upgrade on the razor-thin group the Chargers put on the field in 2021 when similar issues struck them. With a 4.36 40, expect him to also make an impact on special teams right away.

4. FB Zander Horvath

It may seem ambitious to name a fullback drafted with the team’s last pick of the cycle in the top half of these impact ratings, especially when he’s still facing a competition with incumbent Gabe Nabers to make the team. But teams rarely draft fullbacks unless they have a vision for them, and Horvath profiles as an immediate impact player on special teams, an area where Nabers has been serviceable but not a standout. Daniel Popper of The Athletic also believes that the fullback spot is Horvath’s to lose heading into training camp. With his background as a running back at Purdue, Horvath may also get a few goal-line touches if the bruiser-type running backs continue to struggle this season.

5. DL Otito Ogbonnia

We’ve entered primary backup territory, as Ogbonnia will likely be a rotational player at best with the likes of Morgan Fox and Jerry Tillery soaking up most of the snaps at 5-tech. It’s possible that Tillery ends up as a surprise cut or trade before the season starts, but I think it’s more likely that he makes the roster and plays out his rookie contract before leaving in free agency next offseason. Fox wasn’t a huge impact player in Carolina, but performed much better with the Rams, when he was in the same defensive system as the Chargers’ current one. It’s a testament to how improved the defensive line is that Ogbonnia won’t be playing a lion’s share of the snaps, but it also means that the fifth-rounder likely won’t make a significant impact as a rookie. Considering he’s just 21 this season, with Tillery and Fox on expiring contracts, year two may be his chance to shine.

6. CB Ja’Sir Taylor

Popper has Taylor making the roster as LA’s fifth corner as of right now, citing his inside/outside flexibility and special teams upside. I tend to agree, although the competition on the back end of the roster between Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tevaughn Campbell, and Kemon Hall will be a fierce one. The former Demon Deacon has an unreal amount of college experience under his belt, with 62 career games played over 5 seasons at Wake Forest. That seasoning could be enough to take him over the top. With an elite speed grade and experience as a returner, Taylor should be one of the favorites at gunner as well.

7. OL Jamaree Salyer

I was a huge fan of Salyer coming into the draft, primarily because of his ability to play all five spots along the offensive line. For a brief while, people theorized that he may even be in the mix for a starting spot if Matt Feiler moved to right tackle to quash the battle between Norton and Pipkins. With Feiler staying at guard, it’s more likely that Salyer is the team’s primary backup there, with the loser of the right tackle competition serving as the swing tackle and free-agent pickup Will Clapp backing up Corey Linsley at center. With that hierarchy all but established heading into training camp, Chargers fans should almost hope that Salyer’s impact is low. Because if he is asked to be a high-impact player as a rookie, it likely means that one of Feiler or Zion Johnson have gone down with injury.

8. CB Deane Leonard

Leonard still faces a bit of an uphill battle to make the roster, although he was making plays left and right in OTAs. Carrying that momentum into training camp could be enough to catapult him over Taylor, Campbell, and Hall for that CB5 spot, but I think it’s more likely he becomes a priority practice squad addition. Leonard is a bit more of an unknown than Taylor, simply because the former played three seasons at Calgary in Canada before transferring to Mississippi. While the game has grown tremendously in recent years north of the border, adjusting to the level of competition in the NFL may take an extra year or two for Leonard, and that’s okay! Luckily, the Chargers aren’t in a position where they need to ask him to contribute right away.

What CB Deane Leonard brings to the Chargers

Breaking down what the Los Angeles Chargers are getting with cornerback Deane Leonard.

The Los Angeles Chargers recently inked cornerback Deane Leonard, their seventh-round selection at the 236th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, to a four-year deal worth $3.66 million.

Few players will have a more unconventional route to the pros than Leonard, who began his career with the Calgary Stampeders in his native Canada. He became a first-team All-Canadian in 2019 after notching 22 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four interceptions.

From there, Leonard set his sights on playing college football in the United States and wound up at Ole Miss before the start of fall camp in 2020. This resulted in an uneven junior season with only 14 tackles as Leonard got integrated with the Rebels, but he flashed good ball skills with four breakups. 

In 2021, Leonard saw consistent playing time in an Ole Miss system that frequently utilizes six defensive backs to prevent long plays from developing. Leonard started 11 games and racked up 50 tackles (30 of which were solo takedowns) and eight pass breakups. 

In a stacked class of premier defensive backs, Leonard’s name struggled to rise to the surface. However, a solid pro day showed promise for the expansion of his skills at the next level. Leonard ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and put up 14 reps in the bench press. His measurements at 6-1 and 194 pounds are a sturdy build to play outside cornerback.

Leonard’s tape demonstrates a dependable coverage piece and asset in the run game. His tackling form and aggressiveness are prominent and does not let ball carriers drag him for extra yards. He wraps up well and rarely whiffs on his approach.

In man coverage, Leonard mirrors routes well and is able to keep pace through breaks and route running nuance. Leonard’s feet are quick and responsive, which allows for an abrupt closing burst to underneath routes. Deeper down the field, Leonard is often able to turn his head to look over his shoulder for the ball to track the trajectory and time his leaps. Leonard’s biggest area of weakness in man is his functional strength in press coverage. His hand strikes barely affect the progress of the route, so receivers can simply power through him to their desired destination.

In zone coverage, Leonard has keen reactions to the developments of the play. He keeps the action in front of him and doesn’t guess about the offense’s plan of attack. Leonard’s eyes can get him in trouble when watching the quarterback, which can lead to some late recoveries. However, Leonard’s athleticism can bail him out of those situations and help reel in the size of throwing windows when they appear.

Ever since Brandon Staley took over, the Chargers have been in the market for athleticism. Leonard, while far from seasoned, has exceptional movement skills and jets to the ball. On top of that, he is a sound tackler and has experience on special teams. However, Leonard can afford to gain a bit of weight and improve his decision-making as well as discipline in coverage.

Ultimately, Staley has found another twitchy defender whose intangible speed and quickness can mask his areas of growth.

Chargers rookie Rashawn Slater receives high praise from veterans

Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater is far and away ahead of his years.

The precocious nature of tackle Rashawn Slater has earned him a reputation as a sharp, technically sound blocker and a tough player at the line of scrimmage, who’s already capable of stymieing one of the league’s best pass rushers.

Only months into practice and some of his fellow brothers in the trenches have already taken note of how the rookie is adapting to the NFL and how he’s applying it in on the field

“He’s a hard worker. He’s got grit. He wants to learn. As a tackle – an offensive lineman, really – that’s what you need to do. You need to learn from your mistakes and ask questions. He’s asking all the right questions,” Matt Feiler said.

The revamped offensive line is capable of having plenty of success this season but in order for it to all come to fruition, the unit must be on the same page at all times, which is why Slater’s communication skills have been above par.

He’s been asking questions. I know he has been talking to Bryan [Bulaga] a bunch about playing tackle. There is only so much communication that the interior guys can help with. He’s received all of that. He’s a great dude and works hard. He’s a great player,” Corey Linsley said.

It’s not an easy task protecting the blindside from Day 1 in this league, but from a mental, physical and technical standpoint, Slater is tailor-made for the NFL, with potential to be an All-Pro player down the road.