The Bolts are just days away from their first preseason game — and there's plenty of buzz around the team heading into the new season.
ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes dropped by at Chargers Training Camp last week to host a panel for Women in Sports Day and also got to catch practice for the day.
And when asked what she was looking forward to the most about the Bolts in Year 2 under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, she couldn't help but notice rookie running back Omarion Hampton on the practice field.
Hampton, the team's 2025 first-round pick, is part of the bigger picture of what Kimes is looking forward to watch the most this year from the Bolts.
"I'm looking forward to seeing if the run game could improve," Kimes told Chargers.com. "Some of the additions made on the interior offensive line, obviously Omarion Hampton, who I just watched walk by and had a visceral reaction to seeing how big he is in person.
"He's such a balanced and fascinating running back prospect," Kimes added. "I really, really liked him for the Chargers, I like him for Greg Roman's offense and I like what he can do for that offense because I did feel like it was missing last year to bring a little bit of balance and hopefully help out in the red zone as well."
And while Hampton continues his ramp up for his NFL debut, Kimes also made sure to talk about another member of the Bolts young core — wide receiver Ladd McConkey — whom she's also very high on.
The Chargers celebrated Women in Sports Day at Training Camp with support from Togethxr, UCLA, the L.A. Sparks, and Angel City F.C. Fans enjoyed posters, stickers, and friendship bracelets from Togethxr, all in celebration of women's sports and community empowerment.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Friday, July 25, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
McConkey now enters Year 2 coming off a season where he broke multiple Chargers rookie franchise records and has had a full offseason to improve on his game.
Count Kimes as another analyst all in on the Bolts receiver.
In fact, she believes he might have gone on under the radar after his historic rookie season as he flashed in all aspects and had the numbers to back it up.
"I think he has the ceiling of being a top 10 receiver in the NFL," Kimes said. "He was a guy I actually feel like we didn't give enough credit during the season for how good he was.
"I was pulling up numbers on receivers the other day and I had to stop and double check myself," Kimes continued. "He was fourth in yards per route run versus man coverage. Then I went back and watched some of his reps and he was like killing dudes over the middle of the field.
"I think Greg Roman did a great job springing him open out of bunches, tight formations but he's such a good route runner, we knew that in college obviously," Kimes added. "The pull away speed I thought was really impressive. I thought as the year went on we saw his usage and route tree expanding."
Not only was Kimes impressed with McConkey, but she also believes there could be a lot more to come.
"I think he is a true three-level threat," Kimes said. "He's a true wide receiver one in my opinion, the offense can flow through him.
"The sky is the limit for Ladd McConkey," Kimes added.
Kimes also made sure to mention her excitement for another Chargers receiver when asked about the player she's most looking forward to seeing this year.
The analyst is looking forward to what second round pick Tre' Harris can provide for the offense, as he fits the mold of what they needed in specific areas.
"On NFL Live last week, I talked about Tre’ Harris, another prospect I really liked," Kimes said. "Something I brought up on the show was Herbert's numbers dropping off in the red zone, space gets tight and you really need a ball winner. That's what Tre' Harris is.
"He's like a power forward," Kimes added. "The contested catch ability, the strength and concentration really shows up in the red area, so I'm excited to see him score a lot of touchdowns this year."
Kimes has similar expectations for the Chargers in 2025 — but getting back to the playoffs this year will be dependent on a couple of factors.
"I think similar to last year, playoff team for sure," Kimes said. "Whether or not they can get over the hump and win a playoff game is probably going to come down to whether the run game can elevate, interior of the offensive line could be fixed and where the pass rush comes from."
