Los Angeles Chargers: Recapping opening of training camp

The Los Angeles Chargers began training camp Thursday at the Jack Hammett Farm Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. It was a pad-free practice, which makes it difficult to evaluate exactly how the team is looking (especially down in the trenches), but there were a few guys that stood out and made promising plays.

Standouts

Jason Moore, WR #89: The undrafted rookie out of Findlay University really showed up in the 11 vs 11 drills. Easton Stick connected with him on back-to-back plays, including a beautiful toe-tap grab down the left sideline. Moore showed great ball skills and an ability to make plays at the receiver position. If you want to learn a little more about Jason and his background, we did a spotlight on him here.

Trevor Williams, CB #24: Trevor Williams had a rough season last year, especially considering how reliable and good he was the year before. Trevor looked back in form Thursday, he looked quick and agile. Williams recorded the only turnover of Thursday’s practice, jumping an out route to perfection and picking off Tyrod Taylor. The battle between Williams and Michael Davis for that starting cornerback spot opposite Casey Hayward should be very interesting.

Derwin James, SS #33: This goes without saying at this point, but Derwin James is an absolute monster. James was flying around today as he did all season, and he brings a certain intensity and competitiveness that can be felt from the sideline. James could very well solidify himself as the best safety in the NFL this upcoming season.

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Easton Stick, QB #2: It surprised a lot of people when the Chargers selected a quarterback with their fifth-round pick, but the North Dakota State product is in a great situation. Stick finished his career at NDSU with an amazing record of 49-3; he knows how to win. Thursday, Easton was aggressive and showed his potential to make plays. Stick pushed the ball down the field, made some great throws and has a great chance to learn behind Philip Rivers and Taylor. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the preseason.

Defense

The thing that really stood out with the defense was the pure speed of the defensive backs and linebackers. Having Thomas Davis leading a defense full of young stars in the making could take this defense from great to elite.

This Chargers defense has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL, and it showed flashes of that potential Thursday. The coaches seem to be testing out Desmond King in different spots too, which is a benefit of having such a great, versatile young defensive back.

Slot CB Desmond King also saw time at free safety and outside as CB, and he works to expand his role in the Chargers' defense.

— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) July 25, 2019

Offense

The biggest question mark with this offense right now is Melvin Gordon. Melvin did not report to training camp and there seems to be no sign of a deal getting done. This led to increased reps for Justin Jackson and Austin Ekeler, who both looked great on day one.

Since the first few practices are played without pads, it’s difficult to get a true impression on how the offensive line looks, but Forrest Lamp got some first-string reps and Dan Feeney had a few reps at the center position.

Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney split first-team reps at LG, and Feeney got some first-team work at C. Lynn said Feeney could develop into a starting center in the NFL.

— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) July 25, 2019

Play of the day

Rivers connected with Hunter Henry on an absolutely perfect ball down the right sideline that crept right over the fingertips of the leaping Kyzir White. It was followed by a giant roar from the fans, all excited to see Henry looking healthy and making a great grab on a vintage Rivers toss.

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