ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked the skill players (running backs, wide receivers and tight ends) of every team in the NFL. For the Chargers, they checked in at No. 22 overall, which was one ranking above the Broncos.
While the 2024 season was unquestionably a success for the Chargers, it’s clear Jim Harbaugh & Co. agreed with that last-place ranking for playmakers. While slot receiver Ladd McConkey will return after a 1,149-yard regular season and a 197-yard performance in the playoff loss to the Texans, the Chargers are overhauling the rest of their lineup. Lead backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were moved on, wideout Joshua Palmer left for the Bills and Quentin Johnston’s role as a full-time starter isn’t guaranteed after an inconsistent (if improved) Year 2.
Los Angeles revamped these positions during the offseason. At running back, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards departed, and veteran Najee Harris and running back Omarion Hampton came in. Harris provides durability and productivity, as he’s rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. Hampton was efficient at North Carolina, and his brusing style between the tackles is perfect for Greg Roman’s offense.
At wide receiver, they lost Joshua Palmer. Meanwhile, they brought back Mike Williams and used one of their high draft picks on Tre Harris. Both players are big-bodied wideouts who should pose as vertical threats and take some of the attention away from Ladd McConkey, who was sensational in his rookie season. Quentin Johnston showed growth in Year 2, but he still must clean up the dropped passes.
At tight end, Will Dissly returns from last season. Tyler Conklin, the former Jet and fifth-round pick, Oronde Gadsden II, join Dissly. This position group offers well-rounded skillsets between Dissly and Conklin and passing-game upside from Gadsden.
Overall, Justin Herbert’s supporting cast isn’t going to stand out on paper compared to other teams in the league. But as a whole, there are established veterans and promising young players, making it a potentially dynamic offensive unit this upcoming season.