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Chargers Camp Report: Nikko Reed Keeps Flashing as Undrafted Free Agent

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The Bolts got back to work at Chargers Training Camp on Monday, holding a two-hour session in full pads in El Segundo.

The Chargers will practice Tuesday at 1 p.m. before traveling Wednesday for the Hall of Fame Game.

Here is the Chargers Camp Report from Monday's practice:

1. Reed keeps showing up

Bookmark this name when you're watching the Chargers preseason opener on Thursday night.

The undrafted free agent cornerback had another strong day Monday as he continues to be one of the brightest players on the entire roster throughout camp.

Reed, who had a pick 6 on Thursday, has now flashed in almost all of the Bolts 10 practices so far in camp.

"I would say [consistency] is probably the most impressive," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said Monday after practice. "The old adage is, 'Make a play a day and people will start to know who you are.'

"Especially if you're undrafted, it's like how do you get people in the building, organization to really remember who that guy is? You make a play every day," Minter continued. "That kind of stands out, everybody starts talking about you whether it's the veteran players, everybody that's involved in this decision.

"I think he's doing a great job, consistent, competitive, love where his head is at, love where he's at," Minter said. "Excited to see him play real football on Thursday."

Monday's practice make perhaps the defensive play of the day in the red zone.

With wide receiver JaQuae Jackson running a go ball toward the end zone, Reed stayed with him step for step before diving at that last second for a pass breakup.

The play drew cheers from both the crowd and defensive sideline, and wasn't Reed's only strong play of the session, too.

He also locked down Dez Fitzpatrick in a 1-on-1 drill to force an incompletion.

Reed, who played collegiately at Colorado and Oregon, is listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.

"I like where the room is at ... young guys like Nikko have stepped in and taken of the extra opportunities," Minter said. "Sometimes the guy that takes advantage of the extra opportunity can make a push."

Check out some shots of the Bolt Fam at The Bolt for Back Together Saturday 2025!

2. Lambert-Smith shines in 1-on-1s

The Chargers had wide receivers and defensive backs work in 1-on-1 drills on Monday.

Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith was among the stars of the drill has had a reception on all three of his routes against three different cornerbacks.

The fifth-round rookie first hauled in a comeback route against Ja'Sir Taylor and later had a contested catch against Reed.

He saved his best for last on the final rep of the drill when he used his speed to get past Cam Hart in the middle of the field.

Fellow rookie Tre' Harris also had a solid drill as he used a great release off the line to get a catch against Trikweze Bridges. Harris later had a catch against Eric Rogers and also had a 9-yard touchdown catch from Justin Herbert in a red-zone drill.

Hart and Quentin Johnston produced two good battles as they split their reps against each other, while Donte Jackson and Derius Davis did the same in their pair of matchups.

3. Molden mixing back in

With the preseason opener now roughly 72 hours away, the Chargers worked on tackling drills in Monday's practice.

Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale and safeties coach Adam Fuller each led a drill as they focus was on wrapping up a ball carrier.

And while every defensive back likely won't play against the Lions in Canton, the drill served as good prep for younger players as they adjust to life in the NFL.

Of note: Chargers safety Elijah Molden participated in the drill, his first big step of working back into practice after rehabbing injuries this offseason.

"He's also done a really good job of being very meticulous and getting his body back to where it needs to be," Minter said of Molden. "I think with the extra time, we've been able to really work him and make sure when we cut him loose, he's prepared for that.

"You're not just like, 'Hey, cut it loose but then a lot of times it's something else maybe that goes.' I think the training staff has been incredible with him and I'm excited every day that he's out there more and more," Minter added. "He's been able to be in a lot of our walk-throughs, which is great. He's an elite communicator, he's a general on the back end. Very excited."


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