Heading into the third week of camp for the Chargers, some noticeable trends are starting to appear. The defense is fast, physical, and ready to make a play at any moment, and credit is due to the mentality that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is instilling in his players. “It’s a hungry group, and they enjoy putting the work in to become better, and you saw it today with some of the plays the defense made and the high level of competition between offense and defense,” Minter said.
The defense on all levels has made plays, and even the guys fighting for playing time and roster spots have all had moments against the offense early in camp. “There are five, six, seven guys that can all play,” Minter said about the defensive line. “They can all do the things that we want them to do.” Minter later added: “That group as a whole is big, physical, and understanding how we want them to play.”
Teair Tart and Otito Ogbonnia have been among the standouts against both the run and the pass. However, perhaps the most significant development has been the play of Justin Eboigbe, a 2024 fourth-round pick who played just 26 defensive snaps as a rookie. Eboigbe has flashed almost every day in practice and drew praise from Minter on Thursday. “He’s been dominant there at times,” Minter said.
Undrafted free agent cornerback Nikko Reed had another strong day Monday as he continues to be one of the brightest players on the entire roster throughout camp. Reed, who had a pick 6 on Thursday, has now flashed in almost all of the Bolts’ 10 practices so far in camp.
“I would say [consistency] is probably the most impressive,” Minter said Monday after practice. “The adage is, ‘Make a play a day and people will start to know who you are.’
“Especially if you’re undrafted, it’s like, how do you get people in the building, organization to remember who that guy is? You make a play every day,” Minter continued. “That kind of stands out. Everybody starts talking about you, whether it’s the veteran players or everybody who’s involved in this decision.
The offense also had moments as rookie receivers Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith both had multiple eye-popping moments early in camp. “He’s surging. He’s getting good, showing some good things,” Harbaugh said. “What I like to say about young players, ‘He’s a good player. And the longer it takes to figure that out, the better he’ll be.’
“We’ll keep letting it happen … but we’re fired up about KLS( KeAndre),” Harbaugh added.
The Chargers Head Coach, unprompted, was then quick to bring up another wide receiver who had caught his eye.
“Have you noticed Derius Davis showing up? He’s showing up in a big way,” Harbaugh said.
“We know what he can do on teams, but I’m talking about as a receiver. Legitimate weapon on offense. Very pleased with the way he’s playing as well.”
As the Chargers continue practice leading up to the preseason, which opens against the Detroit Lions for the Hall of Fame game, all arrows are pointing up for the Bolts.
