It's been hard for the Chargers not to get excited about what Jamaree Caldwell has brought to the table in his first training camp.
The Bolts third-round pick has stood out in multiple ways so far this preseason with his versatility, whether it's being a big presence on the interior and taking up double teams or pushing the pocket to disrupt the quarterback.
Whatever his role has been, his goal always remains the same.
"I don't really have a preference," Caldwell said on Monday. "You just put me in there … if you want me to play quarterback, I'm going to try my hardest.
"Just wreak havoc," Caldwell added. "That's how I look at it."
And he's been able to flash his ability to do so in limited action this preseason.
Caldwell has notched 10 total tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss so far in the three preseason games he's seen playing time.
His 80.7 Pro Football Focus defense grade ranks third among rookie defensive tackles this preseason, as he also has the second-highest tackling grade with a 73.5.
Coming into the league having played two different roles in his last two years of college (at Houston and Oregon), Caldwell said he's been progressing in his adjustment to the league.
"I was coming from Oregon … not penetrating as much," Caldwell said. "Here, I feel like I'm doing better at getting a bit closer to the quarterback than I was my year at Oregon. That's been my main focus, being more destructive going vertical."
He later added: "I wouldn't say it's similar to college, it's pretty fast. I know I've been going against some 1s and 2s as well, but I feel like it's been faster, a lot stronger guys."
Perhaps where he's shown up the most has come in what he's been able to provide in the run game.
Caldwell has the second-best PFF run defense grade (83.1) among all defensive tackles this preseason and is tied for the most run stops as well with four. He also is tied for the lead at his position with six tackles on run plays.
With no live action during camp practices, he's relished the opportunities he's had on run downs during the preseason.
"It's very valuable," Caldwell said. "That last team was a big duo team, a big, 'Put it down and crunch the ball team.'
"I feel like those reps preparing me for the next game," Caldwell added.
Those around the team have also been impressed with the rookie's play early in his first season.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 340 pounds, Caldwell has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff and one of the defensive leaders on the team for the things he's able to do and his versatility.
"I thought he was going to be pretty twitchy and athletic, and he played kind of drastically different schemes, one at Houston and one at Oregon in what they asked him to do," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said following the first preseason game. "His ability and improvement he's made in taking on double teams has been remarkable. He's so powerful."
Khalil Mack added earlier this month: "He's a big guy, you wouldn't know he has the feet that he has, the footwork that he has. He has some finesse to him, which is exciting to see. Just knowing the type of though process I have, I love when guys can push that pocket, push the middle and he's one of those guys."
The rookie named Teair Tart as someone he's talked to and learned from but has also gotten a lot of value from everyone in the room as well.
While it is early, the emergence and encouraging play of Caldwell so far makes his position group one of the deeper aspects of the roster on paper — something he says has been beneficial to everyone in the room.
And a year after the defensive line position was a revelation for the Bolts and integral to the defensive success, they are confident that the unit could be a force once again this year.
"It's crazy. Our D-Line coach [Mike Elston] says every day, 'Everybody here could be a starter,'" Caldwell said. "It's competitive, everybody is fighting for a starting role. I feel like it's been great.
"Nobody is big-headed, everybody's just helping each other out and communicating," Caldwell added. "Everybody is making each other better in the room."
