Tag: Chargers training camp

Who is the Chargers’ most overrated player entering 2021 season?

Pro Football Network names the Chargers’ players who is touted higher than they should be.

The Chargers have a roster filled with talented players. For the most part, a good chunk of them have lived up to or exceeded their expectations. However, there are a few that seem to downplay them.

According to Pro Football Network, tight end Jared Cook is Los Angeles’ most overrated player.

Cook has been a quality journeyman tight end throughout his career, as the Chargers are his sixth team in 13 years. Regardless, he’s 34 years old and nowhere near the same field stretcher he used to be. He averaged just 3.4 yards after the catch per reception in 2020, along with 2 broken tackles. Furthermore, Cook played less than 50% of offensive snaps the last two years. While a serviceable addition, Cook is little more than a stop-gap as Los Angeles aims to replace Hunter Henry.

L.A. lost one of their best skill players of the last few seasons in Hunter Henry this offseason and filled the void with Cook.

The signing wasn’t a splash, but it was serviceable. While he isn’t on the same caliber as Henry, Cook is a reliable and experienced player at the position who is familiar with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and the scheme he is going to implement.

Even at over 30 years of age, Cook has still proven to be reliable, having posted 312 receptions for 2,783 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns the past four seasons, with one Pro Bowl appearance coming back in 2018 with the Raiders.

Cook hasn’t received a lot of recognition in the media, whereas someone like wide receiver Mike Williams has but has failed to live up to his first round status, failing to surpass 50 catches in his career and has just seven touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Better or Worse: Evaluating Chargers defense ahead of training camp

Breaking down the state of the Chargers’ defense heading into training camp.

The Chargers lost a few of their starters from last season, but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2020 regular season to now?

First up was the offense. Now, we shift gears to the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive Line

Offseason moves: Lost Isaac Rochell as an unrestricted free agent to Colts. Signed Christian Covington.

Summary: On paper, the Chargers possess a decent-looking interior, with the starters being Linval Joseph, Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery. Joseph will start at nose tackle after a promising season. Jones has yet to unlock his full potential, but as a defensive end in the new scheme, his traits will do him wonders. Like Jones, Tillery will fit in perfectly, where his skillset profiles better, given his length, strength and power. Behind them, there’s Christian Covington, Cortez Broughton and Breiden Fehoko. Covington has proven himself as a valuable rotational defending who is capable of disrupting the backfield, whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run. Broughton hasn’t done much since entering the league in 2019, but he has some versatility. Fehoko, an undrafted free agent, showed promise at nose tackle in his rookie season in 2020.

Verdict: Same, lacking depth

Edge Defender/Outside Linebacker

Offseason moves: Signed Kyler Fackrell from Giants. Drafted Chris Rumph II (fourth-round). Lost Nick Vigil to Vikings. Melvin Ingram remains unsigned.

Summary: With Ingram no longer taking the spotlight, Uchenna Nwosu enters the season as a starter. Yet to display himself with a full-time role, the anticipation with Nwosu going into the 2021 season is real. Not only has he flashed enough to be an impactful starter but the sky is limit knowing what head coach Brandon Staley was able to produce a career year with Leonard Floyd with the Rams last season. Bosa, one of the team’s best defensive play-makers, will play on the “edge” of the defense, but he will be used inside and outside and will have a variety of responsibilities, with the primary one being to get after the quarterback. When the team deploys situational pass-rushers, Fackrell will be the go-to option. Rumph has plenty of potential but he will need to get stronger and put on more mass.

Verdict: Same

Inside Linebacker

Offseason moves: Drafted Nick Niemann (sixth-round). Lost Denzel Perryman to Panthers.

Summary: The highly anticipated duo of Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill was short-lived after Tranquill suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2020 season. After having nearly a full year to recover, the boys will be back in town. Murray experienced growing pains right off the bat, but he made consistent growth week in and week out, with his best football coming towards the end of the season. He should be in for a strong sophomore season. Having Tranquill’s play-making skills, both against the run and pass, will be very beneficial. Kyzir White has drawn some injury concerns, but he showed major strides last season. Like Tranquill and Murray, White could be due for his best season yet. Los Angeles added Niemann to primarily serve as a special teams ace.

Verdict: Same 

Cornerback

Offseason moves: Signed Ryan Smith. Re-signed Michael Davis and Brandon Facyson. Drafted Asante Samuel Jr. Released Casey Hayward.

Summary: Davis will fill in as one of the starters on the outside. Chris Harris Jr. will mainly man the slot, but he will move outside in base. Like how Staley used Troy Hill with the Rams, Samuel Jr. will be in a similar situation, playing inside and outside. Facyson, who impressed in spring practices, will be fighting for playing time. Smith has experience as a starter, but he was signed to help the special teams department. The team also has Tevaughn Campbell, Donte Vaughn and John Brannon, who will all be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Verdict: Slightly better

Safety

Offseason moves: Drafted Mark Webb. Lost Rayshawn Jenkins to Jaguars.

Summary: The Chargers get the heart and soul of the defense back now that Derwin James is finally healthy after missing the entire 2020 season with an injury. Adderley enters year hopeful of turning things around after two rocky seasons. By utilizing his versatility and allowing him to be more aggressive, where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage, the staff believes they will be able to get the most out of him. Alohi Gilman, a sixth-round pick of last year’s draft, is a candidate to play that ‘Money’ role also known as a sub-package linebacker. Webb, this year’s seventh-round pick, is currently seen as special teams ace. However, his versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run could earn him playing time this season.

Verdict: Slightly better, lacking depth

Chargers RB Joshua Kelley sets lofty goal for 2021 season

Chargers running back Joshua Kelley wants to have a big impact in the 2021 season.

There was plenty of hype surrounding running back Joshua Kelley heading into the 2020 regular season after he was one of the training camp standouts.

Unfortunately, Kelley was unable to live up to the summer hype after his confidence deteriorated, following fumbles in back-to-back games early on, which then negatively impacted his special teams performance.

Now heading into Year 2, Kelley will be in a three-man battle for two spots behind Austin Ekeler alongside Justin Jackson and rookie Larry Rountree III.

If he earns a spot on the 53-man roster, Kelley not only wants to show he’s capable of having a bounce-back season, but assert himself as one of the top rushers.

“I want to rush for 1,000 yards, however that can be,” Kelley said. “I have a lot of high expectations for myself but I think I can reach them if I keep working and keep trusting the process.”

There’s no denying Kelley’s skillset and work ethic to produce in this league. He has the power to run through defenders, good change-of-direction, vision, burst, decent speed and passing game ability.

However, in front of a new coaching staff, Kelley must show an improvement on special teams in order to make the squad, along with an increase in confidence when running the ball.

Only time will tell if Kelley is able to meet his goal, let alone make the team, but one thing is certain and that is that he wants to have a huge impact on the team this upcoming season.

Better or Worse: Evaluating Chargers offense ahead of training camp

Analyzing the shape of the Chargers on the offensive side of the ball.

The Chargers lost a few of their starters from last season, but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2020 regular season to now?

Let’s break it down by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback

Offseason moves: Signed Chase Daniel as an unrestricted free agent from the Lions. Lost Tyrod Taylor as a UFA from the Texans.

Summary: The Chargers are locked in with their quarterback of the future, Justin Herbert. After losing Taylor to Houston, they brought in Daniel, who’s familiar with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. Daniel isn’t as intriguing as other backups across the league, but he has been considered an ideal veteran mentor for young quarterbacks, which is what he is, a preceptor to Herbert. Easton Stick, meanwhile, has gotten the short end of the stick, as he has limited experience after not having a preseason last year due to COVID-19. Stick will battle it out this year for a spot, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he is on the outside looking in, relegated to practice squad role or being released.

Verdict: Slightly better

Running Back

Offseason moves: Drafted Larry Rountree III (sixth-round). Lost Kalen Ballage as an unrestricted free agent to the Steelers.

Summary: Expected to be a major contributor, Austin Ekeler will remain a do-it-all back in Lombardi’s system. Justin Jackson can be a threat in both the running and passing game, but he’s struggled to stay healthy. Joshua Kelley was a bright spot in training camp last year, but he dealt with fumbles and special teams blunders and simply just couldn’t find his groove during the season. Rountree brings an enticing skillset, projecting as a short-yardage/goal-line specialist and special teamer with upside to grow into a larger role. The battle between Jackson, Kelley and Rountree will be one of the more compelling position battles this summer.

Verdict: Slightly better

Wide Receiver

Offseason moves: Drafted Josh Palmer (third-round). Signed Austin Proehl.

Summary: The Chargers did the right thing by paying Keenan Allen last offseason after proving himself as one the league’s top wideouts yet again. Mike Williams, who is entering the final year of his contract, is expected to take on a big role this season. Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson are both coming off of promising years. Palmer is a nice-sized receiver who comes with a solid game, possessing the hands, body control, and speed. Considering that Lombardi goes through a lot of different personnel packages depending on the defense scheme they’re facing, all three should receive a good portion of playing time. Assuming the team rolls with six wideouts, the final spot is a battle between five players: Joe Reed, K.J. Hill, John Hurst, Jason Moore and Proehl.

Verdict: Slightly better

Tight End

Offseason moves: Signed Jared Cook as an unrestricted free agent from Saints. Lost Hunter Henry as a UFA to the Patriots. Re-signed Stephen Anderson. Drafted Tre’ McKitty (third-round).

Summary: It wasn’t long into the free agency period before Henry was gone, being picked up by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. In correspondence, the Chargers got Cook, who’s another guy familiar with Lombardi’s offense. While he isn’t getting any younger (34), Cook will offer some upside in the passing game and mentorship to the younger players. Another intriguing receiving option is Donald Parham, who should be a mismatch up the seams and in the red zone. In need of an in-line blocker, Los Angeles added McKitty. McKitty’s blocking prowess will get him on the field early on, but he also offers upside as a receiver.

Verdict: Slightly worse

Offensive line

Offseason moves: Signed Corey Linsley from Packers, Matt Feiler from Steelers and Oday Aboushi from Lions. Drafted Rashawn Slater (first-round) and Brenden Jaimes (fifth-round). Lost Dan Feeney to Jets, Sam Tevi to Colts, Cole Toner to Texans.

Summary: The Chargers knew their offensive line ranked near the bottom in both the pass and run-blocking departments and a great amount of their success lies in the hands of Herbert, which is why they made the point to build it from the ground up. Slater was one of the draft’s biggest steals, solidifying Herbert’s blindside protection. Linsley was the most expensive signing, but he was the most vital as he is one of the best centers in the league. They have two new starting guards in Feiler and Aboushi. Bryan Bulaga is back to man the right tackle position. After spending time at tackle in college, Jaimes will likely kick inside, but he has versatility to protect the edges in a pinch.

Verdict: Much better

5 breakout candidates to watch at Chargers training camp

Identifying five Chargers players who are due to break out in bigger roles.

The Chargers have a roster filled with players that have proven themselves, but there are some that have flashed but have yet to show what they’re truly capable of in a large capacity.

With that being said, here’s a look at five Chargers players who are primed for a breakout season that will draw some attention at training camp, which begins on July 26.

 

 

Which Chargers defensive player will benefit most from new coaches?

Identifying the Chargers player on the defensive side of the ball that could be in for a big year.

For many, a new coaching staff brings a new opportunity to provide a first impression. For some, it’s a chance to be used properly. For others, it could be a chance to have the best coach in your career.

For the Chargers, there’s a handful of players that should benefit from first-year head coach Brandon Staley and the defensive staff that he brought in, but to me, there is one in particular that stands out.

Safety Nasir Adderley, who has is entering Year 3 and has yet to live up to the expectations that most second-round picks have, is due for a breakout season under Staley and defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill.

Adderley struggled in his second season after missing a good chunk of his rookie campaign due to a hamstring injury. While he showed some flashes in spurts, he was too inconsistent in the single-high role in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

Instead of assigning Adderley to the free safety position, Staley believes that he will be able to get the most out of him by utilizing his versatility and allowing him to play more aggressive, where he will be play in the slot (Star) and a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money).

Not only will the roles that Adderley will be tasked with favor his skillset and his style of play, his coaches have been proven to get the most out of their safeties.

Under Staley’s watch, he helped Rams’ John Johnson turn into one of the team’s top defensive play-makers, and former sixth-round pick Jordan Fuller into a solid starter in his rookie season.

On the other hand, Broncos’ Justin Simmons developed into a second-team All-Pro player in 2019 and a Pro Bowl selection in ’20 and Kareem Jackson was a dominant force in the back end under the guidance of Hill.

If Adderley takes the leap, him and Derwin James could easily be one of the top safety duos in this league.

Projecting the Chargers’ specialist depth chart in 2021

Predicting the specialists the Chargers will roll with into the 2021 season.

Over the past month, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Line

Edge Defender

Interior Defensive Line

Linebacker

Cornerback

Safety

To round things up, I project what the special teams room will look like heading into this season.

Kicker: Alex Kessman

It doesn’t sound as intriguing as other position battles, but this will be one of the most polarizing in Chargers training camp. This will be a three-way competition between Michael Badgley, Tristan Vizcaino and Kessman. In my opinion, the undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh comes away with the job. Kessman hit a career long and school record 58-yard field goal this past season and converted 12 of 18 kicks of 50 yards or longer in his collegiate career, which is the best rate in NCAA history. It’s not an easy task to fend off two veterans, but given the new coaching staff, Kessman might have the upper hand as they could be looking to start the special teams unit from scratch.

Punter: Ty Long

Long enters camp in competition with Lachlan Edwards, who was signed earlier this offseason. Even though the special teams department needs some remodeling, Long didn’t do anything last season that should put his spot in jeopardy. Despite having three of his attempted punts blocked, Long still managed to average 47 yards per punt on the season.

Long Snapper: Ryan Langan

Like the kicker position, I project that the Chargers roll into the season with the undrafted free agent. Langan, the former Georgia State product, will be fighting for the job with the third-year Cole Mazza. Over four seasons in college, Langan was a two-time All-Sun Belt player and was a finalist for the Patrick Mannely Long Snapper of the Year Award. Mazza, on the other hand, will be entering the final year of his deal that would owe him $850k. In a stat less position, Los Angeles decides to go with the cheaper option.

Watch it: Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. working out with top rookies ahead of training camp

Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. prepares for his rookie campaign.

The Chargers return to Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA in a little over two weeks for the start of training camp.

While players have some down time before they prepare for the 2021 season as a team, that doesn’t mean the work stops, especially for rookies like cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel Jr. was spotted working out with some of the other top first-year players, which included wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Elijah Moore and cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr.

Here are some of the clips, courtesy of Chargers Pulse.

Drafted in the second round, Samuel Jr. heads into camp looking to lock up the other outside cornerback spot opposite Michael Davis. He will be competing with Brandon Facyson, who impressed in spring practices.

At Florida State, Samuel Jr. stymied top receivers on a weekly basis, posting 97 tackles, 29 passes defensed and four interceptions over 31 games.

Now, Samuel Jr. is eager to carry over his quickness, instincts and ball skills to the pro level in hopes of supplying a dominant force to what could be one of the better secondaries in the league.

Which Chargers offensive player will benefit most from new coaches?

Identifying the Chargers player that should be in for a big year under OC Joe Lombardi.

For many, a new coaching staff brings a new opportunity to provide a first impression. For some, it’s a chance to be used properly. For others, it could be a chance to have the best coach in your career.

For the Chargers, there’s a handful of players that should benefit from first-year head coach Brandon Staley and the offensive staff that he brought in, but to me, there is one in particular that stands out.

Wide receiver Mike Williams, who is entering the final year of his contract, is in a prime position to have his best season to date under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.

Williams will be playing the ‘X’ receiver, which is the same role that was held by one of the league’s best wideouts, Saints’ Michael Thomas, who has put up record-setting receiving numbers dating back to 2018.

While Williams will have to fend off other play-makers for targets like Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook, Tyron Johnson, among others, the nature of the offense naturally favors the role he will be playing.

“As much as this offense will resemble New Orleans, he plays the ‘X’ and the ball has always kind of found the ‘X’ receiver in this offense,” Lombardi said about Williams.

Williams has been known for his big-play ability down the field, whereas Thomas did the majority of his work in the short to intermediate parts of the field. How Williams will be utilized in that role will be an intriguing storyline at training camp.

Thomas has averaged a little over 150 targets per season during his first four healthy campaigns, and Williams has averaged 80 targets the last three seasons. If Williams can surpass over 100 targets, I believe he could be due for over 70 catches for 1,200 yards and 8-10 touchdowns.

“I see a big role for him. If I were a betting man, I’d bet on nice numbers coming from him on the stat sheet,” Lombardi said.

Should he stay healthy and have a big year, Williams could garner a nice-looking contract extension next offseason, whether that be with Los Angeles or somewhere else.

DT Justin Jones: Chargers defense will be ‘scary for a lot of teams’ in 2021

Justin Jones raved about the Chargers’ new defense under Brandon Staley.

Heading into the 2021 season, the Chargers boast a talented crop of players on the defensive side of the ball.

On top of that, they will be in a system under the defensive mind of Brandon Staley that will bring out the strength of his players.

Instead of being scheme specific, Staley finds what his great players are elite at and what his good players are great at, and he builds from there.

Since he was hired, some of the top play-makers like Joey Bosa, Kenneth Murray and Chris Harris Jr. have expressed their enthusiasm about the new defense.

Justin Jones, who believes it will be a problem for opposing offenses, was the latest to rave about it.

“So just being able to do that, especially in this new scheme which enables everybody to be who they are as players, it’s just gonna be really cool and really scary for a lot of teams,” Jones said.

Last season, with Staley overseeing the Rams defense, the team finished first in defensive efficiency, yards allowed per game and points allowed per game, and tied for first in the NFL with four defensive touchdowns.

Staying healthy will be key but the Chargers defense has a good chance of finishing as one of the top three units by the end of the season.