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Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson is on the road covering training camp. Today’s stop: the Los Angeles Chargers.
Note: This camp visit occurred on July 26.
About the QB
There is still an evolution underway with Justin Herbert and his leadership style, but any dismay is overblown. Jim Harbaugh will be a big help in that development.
Newbie to watch out for
I hate to be obvious, but second-round wide receiver Ladd McConkey was the first name that came up when I asked which young player in the draft had the staff most excited. The way he comes in and out of breaks is already high-level. I think they’ll line him up all over the place and he’ll eventually become a target monster.
Keeping my eyes on
After a rough rookie season, wide receiver Quentin Johnston’s camp looks encouraging. He made a great catch on the sideline Friday and looks like he’s playing bigger, with confidence and not fighting for the ball. Be patient with expectations, but the staff is excited about him.
Fantasy thought
I’d be cautious about Herbert’s volume this season. He’ll do great things with Harbaugh, but the Chargers’ commitment to the run is real. I also think it’ll take time to sort out the WR group. Right now, I’m not even sure who the top target will be.
What I saw that was interesting
The sparsely-crowded subway train that regularly passes the practice fields is fun. When the Chargers were in San Diego, they practiced beneath a rock cliff that spawned conspiracies about spying on opponents. The tinfoil hat in me wants a Chargers staffer to infiltrate that train. And no, the Harbaugh/Michigan irony is not lost on me.
Wildcard
Much depends on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has Harbaugh’s trust to shape his scheme and personnel. His role-specific system has similarities to Brandon Staley’s in that there’s a lot of post-snap cover-up to do. Minter will have to simplify roles but maintain scheme complexity. He’s well-regarded by the Baltimore Ravens staff, where he worked before Michigan. Time will tell if he can ascend as an NFL coordinator as well.
