EL SEGUNDO – It’s day one of organized team activities for the Los Angeles Chargers, the day after Memorial Day, at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers have begun their voluntary offseason workout program, which will continue this week until the mandatory minicamp starts on June 10. With phase three starting, it included the Chargers’ franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert. Notable players present on Tuesday included Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Joe Alt, and Mekhi Becton. However, Rashawn Slater was not seen during the media availability as he is seeking a contract renewal.
Ric Tapia – The Sporting Tribune
Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers rolls out to pass during an OTA practice session at The Bolt on May 27, 2025 in El Segundo, California.
Recent discussions about the Chargers have focused on the offensive line and the team’s new additions. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was present, engaging with players as they prepared for the offseason programs. Notably, Joe Alt and Harbaugh were observed standing off to the side, watching plays and learning new techniques as Alt approaches his second year in the NFL.
Mekhi Becton, fresh off winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, is enjoying his time on the field with his new teammates. His growing bond with the recently acquired running back, Najee Harris, is quite evident. There were plenty of smiles among the offensive linemen as they ran drills and practiced techniques, including Jamaree Salyer, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Joe Alt, and Becton. Bozeman took most of the snaps at center which was an interesting look early in OTAs.
As the offense prepares to make significant moves to protect Herbert, the defense is building something special. Mack has been mentoring Tarheeb Still, on what it means to be a professional, both on and off the field.
Now entering his second year in the league, Still has been consistently arriving at the Chargers’ practice facility for the past two months. He mentioned that Mack has been encouraging him to push harder during training. Initially, Still was only coming into the facility from Monday to Thursday, but after Mack told him, “I’ll see you Friday,”. He decided to increase his commitment by coming to work on Friday at around 9 AM to work out with Mack. As a veteran player, Mack arrives earlier than Still because he is in the training room getting treatment.
Ric Tapia – The Sporting Tribune
Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs during an OTA practice session at The Bolt on May 27, 2025 in El Segundo, California.
“Then Khalil was like, ‘Why are you not coming in tomorrow?’ I said, ‘You know what, you’re right.”
Still, 22, is eager to learn from Mack because he loves to soak up new knowledge every day. The motivation Mack provided Still was something he couldn’t forget, especially as he observed how the future Hall of Famer was working out well before it became mandatory.
“Just having a lot of conversations with Khalil about on the field stuff, off the field stuff,” Still said. “Just soaking it all in and taking his advice.”
The relationship between Mack and Still began during this offseason as they continued to train together. They established a routine of working out from Monday to Friday, taking the weekends off to rest and prepare for the upcoming week.
“Next morning, I met him in the weight room and we got to work in,” Still added. “After that, it was an every Friday thing.”
Things improved from that point as he eagerly embraced the opportunity to spend time with the future Hall of Famer. Still talked about what stood out from the advice given by Mack.
“Khalil just showed me how to be intentional every day and taking advantage. Small incremental gains every day to get to where I want to be, to set myself up later.”
During his media availability on Tuesday, Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale praised Still after the first session of OTAs. It’s uncommon for 22-year-olds to exhibit a high level of maturity when they join the NFL, but Clinkscale believes Still stands out among his peers in the league.
“Tarheeb has done a great job of maturing,” Clinkscale said. “Overnight, it just seems like he’s a different person and he’s doing a great job.”
Still has high expectations for the upcoming season, recognizing that there is significant room for growth as a player. Taking the next step in his development is important, but he understands that this transformation cannot happen overnight. He values patience and is committed to understanding the process. Still is aware of his improved skills as he approaches his sophomore season with the Chargers..
“Understanding where to be, when to be there-it’s really starting to make a lot more sense,” Still said. “Still a lot more room to grow.”
Clinkscale identified tackling as one of Still’s main focuses for the upcoming season.
While Still isn’t going through the process alone, he builds a relationship with Mack and also establishes a unique one with Cam Hart.
Hart and Still were both selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with Still being picked 137th overall and Hart following as the 140th overall pick. Their relationship began at that point and grew stronger as they both received more playing time after the bye week.
“He’s like my best friend, I’m not gonna lie,” Still said as he stared at Hart, who was standing in the back row during the press conference.
Still enjoys spending time with Hart outside the facility, as they share a unique bond both on and off the field. Their competitiveness is unmatched; they challenge each other in nearly everything they do, which is one reason why they thrive in each other’s company.
Hart was standing in the back row during Still’s media session. As Still stepped away, Hart moved behind the microphone. Hart mentioned that Still reminds him of a time when he had more interceptions than Still during an individual practice. He also shared insights about their unique relationship.
“We talk trash to each other every day.”
Hart disclosed that he has not yet received medical clearance to practice after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He suffered a torn labrum during the playoff game against Houston and stated that he expects to be cleared in the next two weeks, allowing him to participate in minicamp.
Still and Hart have both made a significant impact on the secondary, as one of their teammates, Tony Jefferson, has observed. Jefferson was part of last season’s practice squad after coming out of retirement. He earned playing time late in the season and has become a mentor to the younger players, who look up to him as an uncle.
“Those guys have the right mindset, the right attitude, they work hard and listen,” Jefferson said. “They always got me to lean on. I’m Unc.”
In 2023, Jefferson began working as a scouting intern with the Ravens. He was supervised by Joe Hortiz, the general manager of the Chargers, who had previously served as the general manager for the Ravens. Additionally, Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, had also coached Jefferson during his time as a player for the Ravens from 2017 to 2019.
“Two fifth-round picks, that’s a steal,” Jefferson said. “You’ve got two guys that can come in and be available, make an impact on the secondary.”