They misplaced a cherished teammate hours earlier than they began coaching camp. However the Chargers receivers knew simply what to do once they heard of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement.
“At this point [we’re] just treating it like the next man up,” receiver Quentin Johnston mentioned. “Him leaving was unexpected, but at the same time, we just gotta fill in the blank and keep moving.”
Williams’ sudden departure has left an already questionable receiver group with much more to show. The 6-foot-4 receiver was coming off one of many worst seasons of his profession however was nonetheless anticipated so as to add a well-recognized, reliable face for quarterback Justin Herbert. When it got here to profitable 50-50 balls, Williams was top-of-the-line ever, offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned.
And in a gaggle that was led by a standout rookie final yr, the 30-year-old Williams was a much-needed veteran presence.
“It’s not easily replaceable,” Roman mentioned. “But we like where everybody’s going. We like the guys we have, we just gotta work, keep getting better.”
Star receiver Ladd McConkey is already main the best way. Regardless of a record-setting rookie season, McConkey has already tweaked small particulars that would lead to huge enhancements in his second season, Roman mentioned. The previous Georgia star’s work ethic already units the tone: Roman walked by the receivers room on the Chargers’ observe facility Saturday morning and noticed McConkey sitting alone finding out Friday’s observe movie.
However who will step up after McConkey? After his drop-plagued 2023 rookie season, Johnston improved drastically final yr when he caught 55 passes for 711 yards receiving and a team-high eight touchdowns. However even the bounce in manufacturing hasn’t quieted some critics who stay upset within the former first-round choose.
With Williams’ departure, Johnston may take an excellent greater leap. Inspired by the assist of his teammates and coaches, he mentioned his confidence is at an all-time excessive.
“I got what it takes to still be here,” Johnston mentioned. “I just gotta go out there and prove that every day.”
Rookie Tre’ Harris can push Johnston on the surface. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi alumnus delivers a few of the identical traits as Williams, however Roman has began Harris in a job that extra mirrors how former Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer performed. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Payments in free company, had 584 yards receiving and one landing on 39 catches final season.
Harris, who caught 114 passes for two,015 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi after starting his profession at Louisiana Tech, insists to coaches he can play any place. However Roman is conscious to not overload the second-round choose, particularly after he missed a number of days of coaching camp due to a contract dispute.
Harris reported to coaching camp Friday, someday after the entire crew, however almost per week behind quarterbacks and different rookies who reported July 12.
“It was music to my ears when I heard that he signed and he was getting in,” Roman mentioned. “It’s so important for young receivers to be in camp. There’s been so many different adjustments, it’s just a different game. So far he’s been outstanding. A really smart guy. On top of everything. … Attention to detail, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good.”
Harris was a focus of his first observe Friday, changing into a frequent goal in crew and seven-on-seven durations. Receiver Jalen Reagor stored a detailed eye on the rookie because the sixth-year, former first-round choose shouted directions on which routes to run. They usually huddled on the sideline after performs.
Reagor is on his third crew after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not solely is he the Chargers’ most skilled receiver, he stays a dependable possibility outdoors together with his versatility and pace.
Chargers large receiver Jalen Reagor celebrates after making a catch in opposition to the New Orleans Saints in October.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Instances)
“He does everything really well,” Herbert mentioned. “I think he’s one of those guys, whether it’s the quick game, whether it’s the intermediate stuff or the deep balls like that, he’s definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off and he’s such a great route runner. He’s able to beat man coverage and another guy that you feel comfortable going to whether it’s zone or man, just finds a way to get open.”
Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith sustained an undisclosed harm throughout the spring, however is again to full pace for coaching camp, Roman mentioned.
The Chargers loaded up on offensive firepower throughout the draft, including two rookie receivers and tight finish Oronde Gadsden, a transformed large receiver who may add extra elevate to the passing offense. The additions seemed to be a sign from the entrance workplace that Johnston needed to take one other step ahead in his profession to take care of his place on the crew.
However just like the leaping landing go he caught over his shoulder throughout Friday’s observe, Johnston took all of it in stride.
“Water off a duck’s back,” large receivers coach Sanjay Lal mentioned throughout the spring. “I haven’t seen anything. I told him he’s a starter because he is and he’s operating that way.”
And many others.
Left sort out Rashawn Slater took a relaxation day throughout Saturday’s observe, Roman mentioned. With proper guard Mekhi Becton nonetheless celebrating his Tremendous Bowl ring, proper sort out Joe Alt shifted to the left rather than Slater, Trey Pipkins III subbed in at proper sort out and Jamaree Salyer stepped in at proper guard. Regardless of beginning at proper guard final yr, Pipkins isn’t a high contender for a beginning spot at left guard, the place Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have rotated throughout the offseason. Pipkins as an alternative will likely be a swing sort out possibility off the bench, coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned. … Working again Raheim Sanders missed a second consecutive day of observe Saturday.
