Caldwell is tied for the most pressures among rookie defensive tackles through the first two weeks of the season and tied for third among rookie in Pro Football Focus’ run defense grade (69.0) so far.
At 6-foot-1 and 340 pounds, he’s been able to use his athleticism to create advantages.
“He’s playing really well,” Minter said about Caldwell. “He’s getting pass rush production, he’s playing well against the run. He’s what we hoped he would be going back to the draft and he certainly hasn’t disappointed.
“He’s a big guy that can hold up really well in the run game and be dominant at the point of attack and take on double teams and single blocks,” Minter added. “Then he also has an element of twitch that a lot of guys his size don’t have and some pass rush knack.”
The rookie has logged the second-most snaps among Chargers defensive linemen so far through the first two weeks, as he came into the season ready for whatever role awaited him.
Now, Caldwell hopes to build on his early flashes, saying he’s continuing his detailed approach in the film room and throughout the week — and looking to create more havoc.
“It’s a huge motivation just seeing I got to the quarterback again,” Caldwell said. “Even though I had the possibility to do it at Oregon, getting home and getting the sack just gives you that extra boost in the next play, next game, however you look at it.
“You feel like you can go get another one and want to get another one,” Caldwell added. “It just feels great to be disruptive. Once the offense and QB get off schedule a little bit, it just gives your defense so much boost.”