They misplaced a cherished teammate hours earlier than they began coaching camp. However the Chargers receivers knew simply what to do once they heard of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement.
“At this point [we’re] just treating it like the next man up,” receiver Quentin Johnston stated. “Him leaving was unexpected, but at the same time, we just gotta fill in the blank and keep moving.”
Williams’ sudden departure has left an already questionable receiver group with much more to show. The 6-foot-4 receiver was coming off one of many worst seasons of his profession however was nonetheless anticipated so as to add a well-known, reliable face for quarterback Justin Herbert. When it got here to successful 50-50 balls, Williams was among the best ever, offensive coordinator Greg Roman stated.
And in a bunch that was led by a standout rookie final 12 months, the 30-year-old Williams was a much-needed veteran presence.
“It’s not easily replaceable,” Roman stated. “But we like where everybody’s going. We like the guys we have, we just gotta work, keep getting better.”
Star receiver Ladd McConkey is already main the best way. Regardless of a record-setting rookie season, McConkey has already tweaked small particulars that might end in massive enhancements in his second season, Roman stated. The previous Georgia star’s work ethic already units the tone: Roman walked by the receivers room on the Chargers’ follow facility Saturday morning and noticed McConkey sitting alone learning Friday’s follow movie.
However who will step up after McConkey? After his drop-plagued 2023 rookie season, Johnston improved drastically final 12 months when he caught 55 passes for 711 yards receiving and a team-high eight touchdowns. However even the soar in manufacturing hasn’t quieted some critics who stay dissatisfied within the former first-round decide.
With Williams’ departure, Johnston might take a fair larger leap. Inspired by the assist of his teammates and coaches, he stated his confidence is at an all-time excessive.
“I got what it takes to still be here,” Johnston stated. “I just gotta go out there and prove that every day.”
Rookie Tre’ Harris can push Johnston on the surface. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi alumnus delivers a number of the similar traits as Williams, however Roman has began Harris in a task that extra mirrors how former Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer performed. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Payments in free company, had 584 yards receiving and one landing on 39 catches final season.
Harris, who caught 114 passes for two,015 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi after starting his profession at Louisiana Tech, insists to coaches he can play any place. However Roman is aware to not overload the second-round decide, particularly after he missed a number of days of coaching camp due to a contract dispute.
Harris reported to coaching camp Friday, in the future after the entire crew, however practically every week behind quarterbacks and different rookies who reported July 12.
“It was music to my ears when I heard that he signed and he was getting in,” Roman stated. “It’s so important for young receivers to be in camp. There’s been so many different adjustments, it’s just a different game. So far he’s been outstanding. A really smart guy. On top of everything. … Attention to detail, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good.”
Harris was a focus of his first follow Friday, changing into a frequent goal in crew and seven-on-seven durations. Receiver Jalen Reagor saved a detailed eye on the rookie because the sixth-year, former first-round decide shouted directions on which routes to run. They usually huddled on the sideline after performs.
Reagor is on his third crew after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not solely is he the Chargers’ most skilled receiver, he stays a dependable possibility outdoors along with his versatility and velocity.
Chargers extensive receiver Jalen Reagor celebrates after making a catch in opposition to the New Orleans Saints in October.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Occasions)
“He does everything really well,” Herbert stated. “I think he’s one of those guys, whether it’s the quick game, whether it’s the intermediate stuff or the deep balls like that, he’s definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off and he’s such a great route runner. He’s able to beat man coverage and another guy that you feel comfortable going to whether it’s zone or man, just finds a way to get open.”
Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith sustained an undisclosed harm through the spring, however is again to full velocity for coaching camp, Roman stated.
The Chargers loaded up on offensive firepower through the draft, including two rookie receivers and tight finish Oronde Gadsden, a transformed extensive receiver who might add extra raise to the passing offense. The additions seemed to be a sign from the entrance workplace that Johnston needed to take one other step ahead in his profession to keep up his place on the crew.
However just like the leaping landing move he caught over his shoulder throughout Friday’s follow, Johnston took all of it in stride.
“Water off a duck’s back,” extensive receivers coach Sanjay Lal stated through the spring. “I haven’t seen anything. I told him he’s a starter because he is and he’s operating that way.”
And many others.
Left deal with Rashawn Slater took a relaxation day throughout Saturday’s follow, Roman stated. With proper guard Mekhi Becton nonetheless celebrating his Tremendous Bowl ring, proper deal with Joe Alt shifted to the left instead of Slater, Trey Pipkins III subbed in at proper deal with and Jamaree Salyer stepped in at proper guard. Regardless of beginning at proper guard final 12 months, Pipkins isn’t a prime contender for a beginning spot at left guard, the place Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have rotated through the offseason. Pipkins as an alternative can be a swing deal with possibility off the bench, coach Jim Harbaugh stated. … Operating again Raheim Sanders missed a second consecutive day of follow Saturday.
