The LA Chargers gave fans a small taste of what is to come during OTAs and added to that the following week during mandatory minicamp. While there is still a long way to go until the 2024 season, fans are starting to get an idea of what to expect out of Jim Harbaugh's first season in Los Angeles.
This early in the process there has not been any massive standouts that are head and shoulders above their peers. That will naturally happen with more practices (particularly during training camp) but for now, the new-look Chargers are still finding their footing.
That doesn't mean that there aren't any highlights from these practices. In fact, most of the highlights this early on have seemingly come from surprising sources. That was yet again the case on Wednesday, as the most notable play from the 7-on-7 sessions was a bombed touchdown pass to a surprising wide receiver: Simi Fehoko.
herbo 🎯 simi pic.twitter.com/1UzdRjqHWQ
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 12, 2024
Simi Fehoko reels in touchdown bomb from Justin Herbert during Chargers minicamp
The Chargers signed Fehoko off the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad last season after Mike Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury. Fehoko only played six games for the Chargers, hauling in just one catch for nine yards.
Despite his lack of production last year, Fehoko has a chance to still earn a roster spot with the Chargers if he makes more plays like this.
The wide receiver position is one of the most interesting on the entire roster for the Chargers heading into the 2024 season. Not only do the Chargers not have a true No. 1 receiver but the rest of the room is still a work in progress.
The only givens that will produce at a (hopefully) high level are Joshua Palmer and Ladd McConkey. Aside from that, there are no guarantees. The No. 3 receiver spot is anyone's for the taking and nobody is truly safe to make the 53-man roster.
Fehoko might not be the biggest name and he might not have the benefit of being a draft pick for the Chargers but if Harbaugh has taught fans anything already it is that he will give playing time to the players that deserve it the most. Draft priors mean nothing to Harbaugh as he looks to build something in LA.
This is just one play for Fehoko that happened to be captured and posted on social media. This alone does not tell the entire story, nor does it guarantee that the veteran wide receiver will make the roster in September.
But if Fehoko continues reeling in catches like this and impresses the coaching staff then he has as good of a chance as anyone to make the roster and play a role in the offense next season.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense are building something that is essentially completely new in 2024. Those that can establish a rapport with the starting quarterback and prove themselves to be useful in practice are going to be the ones who benefit the most.