Jim Harbaugh isn't afraid to say it.
The Chargers Head Coach recently told reporters that the Bolts have a special group — The Elite 10, as he called it — who represent the highest standard of training by numerous metrics.
"To be in that group, that's elite. Total respect for those that are elite, elite," Harbaugh said.
"I've never been shy about that," Harbaugh continued. "Some coaches are … because how they feel about singling out players that are great and elite. Maybe you might offend somebody for leaving somebody out.
"But I'm sure about those [10] because we see it on a daily basis," Harbaugh added.
Without further ado, here are the Chargers group of Elite 10:
Joe Alt
Alt was among the league's top right tackles as a rookie, but Harbaugh has sky-high expectations for the 2024 first-round draft pick.
"I think he's on track for a Hall of Fame type of career," Harbaugh said on the Chargers Weekly podcast with Matt "Money" Smith and Chris Hayre. "I do not feel like I'm going out on a ledge by saying that."
Josh Harris
Harris is 36 years old and elder statesman on the roster and is entering his 14th season. He is also the only current player on the Bolts to play in 200 career games.
Daiyan Henley
Henley is poised to have a monster 2025 season as one of the league's young and ascending linebackers.
Justin Herbert
Herbert was an elite player in 2024 even as he battled through numerous injuries. He should take his game to another level in Year 2 with Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman.
Derwin James, Jr.
James was the Chargers lone 2024 All-Pro selection and backed that up with a terrific offseason.
Zion Johnson
Johnson is transitioning to center and has a chance to win that starting job in the early days of training camp. If he doesn't, he could still end up as the Bolts starting left guard.
Khalil Mack
Mack is a future Hall of Fame and is 'elite' in every sense of the word. He returned to the Chargers for Year 12 in order to chase playoff glory.
Ladd McConkey
McConkey, who broke the Chargers franchise rookie record for catches and receiving yards in a season, bulked up this offseason and should flourish in 2025.
Rashawn Slater
Slater, who is going through ongoing contract talks with the Chargers, is among the best left tackles in the entire league.
Tuli Tuipulotu
The 2025 season will be a big one for Tuipulotu, who is in line to be a full-time starter for the first time in his young career.
