Los Angeles

Chargers

Popper adds that he believes “secondary touches are open for competition, though if J.K. Dobbins is healthy, I think he wins that job.” Those drafting rookie Kimani Vidal would be interested in knowing that Popper believes Vidal is currently third on the running back depth chart. It’s about what we’d expect to see heading into training camp, as the Chargers brought in both Edwards and Dobbins via free agency this offseason, while Vidal is a sixth-round rookie. However, Edwards is entering his age-29 season and appeared to be on the decline at various times last season, and Dobbins has a lengthy injury history that includes a torn ACL suffered in 2021 and a torn Achilles suffered last year. While we’d expect the two veteran backs to get ever chance at earning the top two spots on the depth chart, the younger and likely more explosive Vidal could impress in the coming weeks.

In addition to Herbert’s early praise of McConkey, ESPN’s Kris Rhim writes that McConkey “has been perhaps the team’s best route runner” this offseason. The Chargers traded up in the second round to select McConkey, adding the rookie to a wide receiver room that traded away Keenan Allen to the Bears and saw Mike Williams join the Jets via free agency. Playing in a wide receiver room that’s lacking a clear WR1, McConkey has a chance to earn a significant role with the Chargers and take that role for himself with a strong showing in training camp and the preseason. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers are expected to deploy a run-heavy approach that could. While the target volume could be sparse at times, McConkey could turn into a reliable WR3 or better this season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the contract is the richest for a No. 34 overall pick in league history, although the exact values have yet to be released. McConkey’s agent, Chris Cabott of Equity Sports, reportedly confirmed the deal to Rapoport late Monday afternoon. The contract reportedly bests the No. 34 overall quarterback premium from a year ago, at least as far as guaranteed money is concerned. McConkey has every opportunity to lay his claim to a healthy target share for an offense that saw its top four skill position players from 2023 walk in the offseason.

“It’s like he’s been a four- or five-year vet,” Herbert gushed. “He understands the game. He understands leverage. He’s a smart player, and he’s very athletic. I’m really looking forward to getting him the ball.” Herbert’s assessment is matched by the Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller, who reports McConkey “displayed the most potential throughout the offseason program.” On the one hand, it’s not surprising a highly-experienced second-round prospect is looking good in shorts and t-shirts. On the other, McConkey is playing with a quarterback entering his prime and an exacting head coach in Jim Harbaugh. Standards are going to be high. So far, McConkey is meeting them. Although the situation is jumbled, McConkey is the modest favorite for No. 1 duties in L.A.

This one comes as a bit of a surprise, as there seem to be no reports on what may be ailing Edwards at this time. ESPN’s Kris Rhim reports that Edwards “has worked off to the side with trainers during minicamp, and wasn’t [present] during OTAs,” but any details of an injury have not been disclosed. Edwards, 29, is expected to open the season as the Chargers’ RB1 but could find himself in a committee with veteran J.K. Dobbins and rookie Kimani Vidal. Given the age and injury history of both Edwards and Dobbins, Vidal continues to look like a valuable stash in early fantasy drafts despite his sixth-round draft capital.

The Chargers will have control over the towering lineman for the next five years considering his first round selection. Alt is expected to immediately enter the starting lineup at right tackle for a rebuilding Chargers team with an all new coaching staff under Jim Harbaugh. A likely emphasis on a run-balanced offensive approach in Los Angeles, paired with stout tackle play on both sides of the line, should allow the Chargers to improve upon their offensive line play from a season ago after allowing the 12th-most sacks in the league.

Linsley previously said he was “99 percent” sure he would retire this offseason and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted he is “set to retire” when reporting the transaction. The Chargers also restructured his contract earlier this offseason in anticipation of the announcement. Linsley’s retirement should be made official sooner rather than later. The veteran center played for 10 years, the final three of which came in Los Angeles. He earned one Pro Bowl nomination and one First-Team All-Pro nod during his decade of football. The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman in March as a potential replacement for Linsley.

Lal, a former receivers coach in Seattle, has reportedly put the second-year wideout “through some of the same drills he used with DK Metcalf to help spur faster breaks in a route.” “He’s got a lot of juice. He almost bounds when he runs,” Lal said of Johnston. “Working on his body positioning is one of the biggest things that we’ve done. He’s really improved some of his stop-type of routes, like keeping his shoulders over his feet longer and not looking early. That’s a big jump he’s made so far.” Johnston blamed a lack of focus on his untimely dropped passes during his disastrous rookie season in LA, and pledged to work harder to eliminate mistakes on the field. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said in May that the team expects Johnston to “launch” in 2024. The team is expected to use Johnston in more varied ways after he lined up out wide on 90 percent of his routes in 2023.

Jefferson has ties to several members of the Chargers staff. Jim Harbaugh is the older brother of Jefferson’s former coach, John Harbaugh, and Chargers GM Joe Hortiz was in Baltimore during Jefferson’s previous tenure with the team. After sitting out the 2023 season, Jefferson has decided he’s interested in a return and will get a chance to leave his mark with the Chargers in the coming weeks. Jefferson will be 32 this season. While his best days as a player are likely behind him, his experience as a starter would bring added value to any roster that’s looking to add depth in its secondary.

Leatherwood spent the 2023 season on Cleveland’s practice squad but last appeared in an NFL game in 2022 with the Bears. Chicago claimed Leatherwood off waivers after the Raiders cut him just ahead of the season. Leatherwood was a disastrous pick for the Raiders. He began his career at right tackle but was quickly moved to right guard when that didn’t work out. The former first-round pick was a highly-regarded prospect entering the league but is now at risk of flaming out after just three seasons. He is far from a lock to make the Chargers’ roster at the end of training camp.