Chargers Training Camp is rapidly approaching.
The team will host 17 open practices as they welcome fans back to The Bolt in El Segundo. (Note: two of the practices will be held at University of San Diego.)
The Bolts are looking to build on an 11-win season and playoff berth in Year 2 of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, as the competitiveness has gone up another level throughout the offseason.
Chargers.com will take a look at each position group and battles leading up to training camp. Next up? The defensive line.
Who's on the roster?
Teair Tart, Da'Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Christopher Hinton, TeRah Edwards, Josh Fuga
Camp Outlook
The Chargers defensive line underwent a bit of a makeover this offseason.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter summed up the recent approach along the defensive trenches.
"We traded maybe one or two guys for two to three guys when you look at it," Minter said.
Tart is back from a season ago and is now among the leaders of the group.
Tart, signed as a free agent in August, set career-highs in Pro Football Focus' defense (76.9) and run defense grades (70.9) as well as his second-best pass rush grade (75.6), all of which ranked in the top 16 among all defensive tackles with at least 300 snaps.
And while the Bolts lost a few pieces from a year ago, they replenished the room with the additions of Hand and Jones, both of whom signed in free agency.
Ogbonnia, Matlock and Eboigbe were all on the roster a year ago and could factor into the rotation in 2025.
Keep an eye on Eboigbe, a 2024 fourth-round pick who played sparingly as a rookie but bulked up this offseason.
Caldwell, meanwhile, was the Bolts recent third-round pick. Hinton spent most of last season on the practice squad while Edwards and Fuga are undrafted free agents.
A year ago, the Bolts defensive line room was a bit unproven before flourishing as a unit.
Minter expects the same progression in 2025.
"It was a little bit going into the year by committee and then that stuff sort of takes care of itself based on a guy getting in a rhythm, getting in a groove, playing really well," Minter said.
Get your first look at the Chargers in uniform for the 2025 season!
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players pose for photos at the team's annual Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Player to Watch: Jamaree Caldwell
Tart, Hand and Jones are all veterans who should provide quality play and leadership up front.
But the Chargers are also excited about Caldwell, who could be a pivotal piece to the room for both 2025 and the years to come.
"Some of the plays, you watch film on him and you just see him toss bodies. It's really impressive," Chargers GM Joe Hortiz said during the draft. "He does a really good job staying square, physical, strikes with his hands, he's got feel. Big man, quick feet."
Caldwell began his college football career at a pair of community colleges before ending up at Houston.
He tallied 8.5 total sacks in 2022 and 2023 but didn't have any in 2024 when he transferred to Oregon and was asked to take on more of a run-stuffing role.
The Chargers hope that Caldwell flashes in both situations as he learns and grows as a rookie.
Caldwell is expected to line up as the nose tackle in base defense and then shift to 3-technique in nickel situations.
Key Question: Who steps up among this group?
The Chargers will go into the 2025 season with plenty of size along their defensive line.
Tart is 315 pounds while Hand (302) and Jones (313) offer beef, too. Caldwell weighs in at 340.
"We're one of the bigger defensive lines in the NFL. Everybody is excited about that," Harbaugh with a smile.
Chargers training camp practices should be plenty competitive as players get a chance to don the pads and battle for playing time and starting roles.
The play of the defensive line a season ago was a key reason why the unit finished the season as the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense (17.7 points per game).
If any of the aforementioned players blossom into steady and productive linemen — something that is very possible under the tutelage of Minter and Chargers defensive line coach Mike Elston — this group could once again set the tone for the defense in 2025.
