5 Takeaways: What We Learned From 1st Week of Chargers Training Camp

Jul 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

The first chunk of Chargers Training Camp is in the books.

The Bolts have held three practices, none in pads, and are off Sunday. They will get back to work Monday before practicing Tuesday in San Diego in full pads.

Here is what we've learned from the first week of camp:

1. All eyes on the WRs

The Chargers were less than an hour into their first camp practice when stunning news broke.

Mike Williams was retiring.

Justin Herbert was one of the first Chargers players to react publicly to Williams' decision.

"I want what's best for Mike. He's always been there for us and we're going to be there for him," Herbert said. "It's obviously a tough situation, I've got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player and the man that he is."

Williams was expected to provide an outside presence at wide receiver that helped stretch the Bolts passing attack downfield in 2025.

But that role now shifts to someone else, with Jalen Reagor and rookies Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith among the likely candidates.

Reagor hauled in a 50-yard touchdown from Herbert in the opening practice while Lambert-Smith caught a 10-yard score from the quarterback in a red-zone, 7-on-7 drill.

Harris, who missed one practice before signing his rookie contract, has also shown an early rapport with Herbert.

Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are obviously still on the roster, too, and each have flashed in the early days of camp. Johnston, for example, caught a 40-plus yard touchdown in Friday's practice.

Even as the pads come on, expect all eyes to remain on this group.

"It's always tough. Like I said, you can't replace a guy like that," Herbert said of Williams. "Thankfully we got a receiver room that continues to push each other, they compete and they want to be the best.

"Thankfully, we got a lot of guys in that room that are going to make plays," Herbert added. "We've seen it last year and the year before, it's a veteran group and I'm excited for the opportunity for these guys."

Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said: "You lose a Mike Williams, that it is what it is, it's not easily replaceable. We like where everybody is going, we like the guys we have. We just have to work and keep getting better. I like the trajectory we're on."

2. The cornerback depth is strong

Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said this spring that he envisions the Bolts cornerback room like a basketball team, with different sizes and skillsets helping craft a deep and versatile room.

That's been the case so far in camp as competition for playing time is starting to heat up.

With Derwin James, Jr. spending an ample amount of time in the slot, second-year corners Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart have worked at the outside spots.

But so, too, have Donte Jackson and Bemjamin St-Juste, a pair of offseason free-agent additions. Ja'Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard have also mixed in the secondary as well.

The Bolts have also rolled out their dime package with six defensive backs (three corners and three safeties) with various combinations.

All in all, while starting positions aren't set yet, Minter clearly have a number of options available at cornerback.

"We got a lot of guys out there that can play," James said. "They all bring something different to the table, and I feel like you can never have enough corners in this league.

"You know how the season goes ... I feel like we have a lot that can battle and make plays, so it's only going to help us in the long run," James added.

3. The Chargers O-line is in flux

The Chargers have held three practices and rolled out a different unit in front of Herbert each day.

Some of that is because Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman are rotating at left guard and center, respectively.

Mekhi Becton, meanwhile, missed the past two practices for his Super Bowl ring celebration with the Eagles.

And the Bolts gave Rashawn Slater a rest day Saturday, meaning right tackle Joe Alt switched to the left side as Trey Pipkins III slotted into Alt's spot.

The Chargers likely won't settle on a starting combination any time soon, not with Bozeman and Johnson battling it out for two interior spots. Jamaree Salyer, by the way, has drawn praise from both Roman and Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

We should get a better sense of this group by the end of next week.

Until then, the top storylines here are Slater's potential contract extension and the battle at left guard and center.

"Like any high-level negotiation contract — I've seen plenty of them done in Baltimore and been involved in discussions internally — they just take time," Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz said Wednesday of Slater. "Every conversation has been great, both sides we're making progress and feel good about it. Feel good about the progress we're making."

4. Hampton working as RB1

Omarion Hampton figures to play a key role in the Chargers offense this season.

But the Bolts 2025 first-round pick has been thrust into the top running back spot with Najee Harris on the Non-Football Injury List with an eye injury.

Harris, who signed as a free agent this offseason, was involved in a July 4 fireworks mishap before camp began but has since reported.

"Najee is here, he's in meetings," Harbaugh said. "It's great to have him."

While Hampton looks the part at 6-foot and 220 pounds, we'll get a better sense of his ability once the pads come on.

"He's been attacking it, hitting it hard," Harbaugh said of Hampton. "Still got some days before we're in pads but I think he's going to be ever better in pads.

"Looked good without them," Harbaugh added. "He's well trained and ready to roll."

Roman added: "He's afforded himself very well. I love how he finds the hole, love everything about him, really. It's unfortunate Najee is not able to practice right now, but we're just glad Najee is in the fold and he's going to be alright. Yeah, [Hampton is] going to get more reps and whatnot, and he's taking advantage of them, too. He's definitely going to factor in with what we do."