Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Training Camp Preview

Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Training Camp Preview

After their worst season in nearly a decade, the Los Angeles Chargers are ushering in a new era with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was plucked away from the reigning National Champion Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh previously spent four seasons with San Francisco (2011-14), going 44-19-1 with one NFC Title. He can coach, but will he be able to turn this ship around with Justin Herbert behind center in year 1? That remains to be seen.

Three Position Battles To Watch:

RB2: Kimani Vidal, J.K. Dobbins

I don’t think this is much of a question if Dobbins stays healthy. But he hasn’t over the last two seasons, so let’s have the conversation. He’s played just nine games since his rookie season, tallying 100 carries for 542 yards and three touchdowns behind a good Ravens offensive line and will have another above-average unit to run behind in Los Angeles. Vidal, a sixth-round rookie, is a big body who was very elusive at Troy, logging 1,661 yards on 5.6 yards per carry with 14 scores as a senior.

ILB: Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley

The Chargers have one of two inside linebacker slots taken up with Denzel Perryman. Colson, a third-round rookie, is already familiar with Jessie Minter’s defense from their time at Michigan. He was a second-team All-Big 10 linebacker at Michigan and a three-year starter. Henley, a second-year linebacker, doesn’t quite have that same advantage, which may give Colson the leg up heading into the 2024 season.

WR3: Quentin Johnston, Brenden Rice, DJ Chark

It remains to be seen how much 11/10 personnel the Chargers operate with, but they have multiple intriguing options. Johnston played in all 17 games as a rookie, hauling in 38 catches for 431 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’s the presumptive favorite. Chark has six seasons of NFL experience under his belt in Jacksonville, Detroit and Carolina, but hasn’t always been the most durable duck on the pond.

Rice, the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, got selected in the seventh round in the 2024 NFL Draft– excellent value for him. However, that may mean he may not have much expectations to produce as a rookie, even though he led USC in touchdowns (12) after recording 45 receptions for 791 yards last year.

Rookie To Watch: Ladd McConkey, WR

The Chargers may be running the rock more with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, but McConkey has a clear path to being one of Justin Herbert‘s top pass catchers. He can play in the slot or on the outside, is a great route-running ability and has great hands. It’s going to be fascinating to watch his chemistry with Herbert right away; it wouldn’t surprise me if he leads this team in receptions as a rookie. He’s that talented, while also being very fluid.

Ready to Breakout: Joshua Palmer, WR

Once again, I understand they’re going to be running the football more with Roman as the playcaller. But three of the Chargers’ top targets–Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler–are in new places. Palmer had 38 catches for 581 yards and a pair of scores last season after recording career highs in catches (72) and yards (769) the season prior. I expect him to get closer to the latter than the former in 2024, even if the pure volume of passing plays isn’t there.

Fantasy Sleeper: Gus Edwards, RB

Three words: Goal line carries. They are going to rotate between Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and Kimani Vidal, among others, but I think Edwards’ ability to get into the end zone with his physical, down-hill running ability gives him an edge here. He’s currently graded as the RB35, and I think that’s too low for a running back who will be getting the majority of goal-line touches.

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