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Omarion Hampton could impact Chargers immediately in rookie year

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers OTA

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton could be a key contributor in his rookie year.

The Los Angeles Chargers began their rookie class with running back Omarion Hampton, the No. 22 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.

Hampton fulfills a significant role as the team’s running back, and after J.K. Dobbins left for the division rival Denver Broncos, opportunity could come knocking early for the former North Carolina Tar Heel.

CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso ranked the top five rookie running backs in terms of production for the upcoming season and Hampton came in at No. 4.

“I was lower on Hampton than the masses during the pre-draft process — he’s more old-school runner than the new-age types I prefer with side-to-side wiggle. He’s classic in every sense of the way. At nearly 6-0 and 221 pounds, he has traditional size, and he’s playing for a coach in Jim Harbaugh who’s as committed to the classic philosophy than any other in the NFL,” Trapasso wrote.

“Now, the Chargers did sign Najee Harris in free agency. He’s going to eat into Hampton’s touches in Year 1. Without question. I do think Hampton’s juice — 4.46 speed — and the fact he was a first-round pick in April will ultimately lead to him assuming No. 1 back duties in Los Angeles right away.”

While Harris is expected to receive a good chunk of carries within the offense, it’s clear that Hampton also will have a big role.

Teams don’t take running backs in the first round unless they feel very strongly about them, and Hampton definitely fits the bill.

Hampton will have a chance to earn his snaps when the team reports to training camp later this month.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...ngeles-la-chargers-immediately-in-rookie-year
 
Can you guess this Chargers lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

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Thursday, July 3, 2025
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Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


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Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/4/24461544/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Can you guess this Chargers linebacker in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Friday, July 4, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/5/24461977/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Can you guess this Chargers cornerback in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Saturday, July 5, 2025
Friday, July 4, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/6/24462430/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Can you guess this Chargers linebacker in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Monday, June 30, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/3/24460961/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Can you guess this Chargers receiver in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Sunday, July 6, 2025
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Friday, July 4, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/7/24462984/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Chargers’ Ladd McConkey can become All-Pro, says analyst

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Ladd McConkey could be in line for a big second season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is entering his second year with the team.

McConkey, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia, burst onto the scene in his rookie year, notching 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games for the Chargers.

Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton believes McConkey can become an All-Pro in his second season with the Chargers.

Ladd McConkey didn’t have a major workload at Georgia, but he showed the playmaking ability to be the Chargers’ go-to target in the aerial attack, hauling in 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

The Chargers have bolstered their pass-catching group. They signed tight end Tyler Conklin, drafted wideout Tre Harris in the second round and brought back Mike Williams, who has a strong rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert.

Still, McConkey will likely lead the Chargers in most receiving categories in back-to-back years. With an impressive 73.2 percent catch rate, he’s earned Herbert’s trust as a reliable target, and his inside-outside versatility allows him to stay on the field for most of the offensive snaps.

Heading into Year 2, McConkey is on a Pro Bowl-All-Pro trajectory.

McConkey will have some help in the receiver room this season with fellow second-round pick Tre Harris joining him from Ole Miss.

Adding Harris can give McConkey a little less attention from other defenders on the other side of the field, and that could help the Chargers become even more lethal on offense.

The best part about McConkey’s game is that there is a lot more potential that hasn’t been tapped into yet. If he can move along the trajectory he began last year, the Chargers offense will be in great shape.

McConkey and the Chargers are scheduled to report to training camp later this month.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...eles-la-chargers-ladd-mcconkey-become-all-pro
 
Former sports agent: Rashawn Slater ‘should be the first $30 million per year offensive tackle’

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Could the Bolts’ left tackle be the first to eclipse the $30 million per year mark?

Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 13 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, tackle Rashawn Slater has been one of the NFL’s elite offensive tackles. Routinely, he’s been graded among the best, and the 2024 season was his best yet. According to PFF, Slater was a Top 5 tackle in pass- and run-blocking, and was the No. 2 overall tackle, narrowly behind Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata. For these reasons, former NFL agent and CBS Sports’ writer Joel Corry expects Rashawn Slater to become the first-ever $30 million per year offensive tackle.


I guess the Chargers & Rashawn Slater aren't close on a new deal. At a minimum, Slater should be the 1st $30M per year OT. There really should be a massive reset of the OT market. The highest paid edge rusher shouldn't be making 42.22% more than the highest paid OT. https://t.co/5iQShZA0b8

— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) May 28, 2025

Slater and the Chargers have been in contract extension negotiations since the team picked up his fifth-year option in May 2024, and is expected to play on the $19.04 million option this season, which ranks No. 29 among left tackles, according to Over the Cap.

This offseason, there hasn’t been any holdouts or public conflict, as Slater missed voluntary workouts but was in attendance for mandatory minicamp.

During minicamp, Slater said “not really super concerned about it,” prioritizing his training while his agent handles the contract negotiations.

“I have no concern about it at all,” Slater said. “Realistically speaking, I’ve known for a long time, it’s how these things go. It’s not something that’s bothered me. It’s just the business of football so I have full confidence. I feel good.”

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...he-first-30-million-per-year-offensive-tackle
 
Los Angeles Chargers All Quarter Century Team: Defensive Tackle No. 2

Patriots v Chargers

Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images

Jamal Willliams is on the Chargers All Quarter Century Team. Who will join him next?

Chargers Hall of Fame member Jamal Williams won the honor to be DT1 for the team’s Quarter Century Team in a landslide. He was such a dominant force for the Bolts in his day and while the Chargers have had some good defensive lineman since, none have really played up to the level and consistency of Williams.

With him now out of the running, we turn to the final three defensive tackles who will aim for the chance to join him on the Chargers Quarter Century Team.

Let’s jump back into the poll!

Igor Olshansky (2004-2008)


The massive 6’6, 315-pound Olshansky was drafted by the Chargers out of Oregon in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He started 70 of 75 games played for the Chargers during his five years in San Diego, helping them put together some of their best seasons this century.

He ended his Chargers career with 177 total tackles, 11 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Luis Castillo (2005-2011)


Castillo was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Northwestern. He broke into the lineup immediately, starting 15 of 16 games as a rookie to post seven tackles for loss and three sacks. His best season came the following year when he notched a career-high seven sacks and seven tackles for loss all while being limited to just 10 games and nine starts.

Castillo’s career came to an end in 2012 when he was released by the Chargers despite re-signing a one-year deal after missing all of the 2011 season with a broken leg. His final career stats included 210 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, six pas breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.

Corey Liuget (2011-2018)


The Chargers used their first-round pick in 2011 to select Liuget out of the University of Illinois. His job was to help replace Castillo who was entering his final season under contract with the Bolts.

Liuget immediately started 13 of 15 games played as a rookie and went on to start all 16 games in each of the next three seasons. In his final four years with the team, injuries took a toll as he started 16 games just one more time before his time with the Chargers came to an end.

In eight years with the Chargers, Liuget totaled 274 tackles, 59 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 20 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and one fumble returned for a touchdown.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...eam-igor-olshansky-luis-castillo-corey-liuget
 
Los Angeles Chargers All Quarter Century Team: Edge Rusher No. 1

Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Chargers have had their fair share of edge rushers this century. From Shaun Phillips to Khalil Mack, which two players will make the Quarter Century Team?

We’re finally on to the edge players!

The Chargers have had their fair share of talented pass rushers this century which means this group may end up being one of the most competitive of this series. For the first time, we have five names to choose from for the Quarter Century Team’s two vacant spots.

Will stats alone push certain players onto the team? What about overall impact across all aspects of the position? What about the players who weren’t with the team all that long but made one heck of an impression in that short span?

I can’t wait to see how you all vote. Let’s get to it!

Joey Bosa (2016-2024)


Bosa was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was named the Pepsi Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in just 12 games (11 starts). Despite dealing with a rash of injuries for the majority of his career, Bosa still finished his time in powder blue with 72 sacks, the second most for a player in franchise history.

In all, Bosa started 93 games while playing in 107 total with the Chargers. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times (2017, 2019-2021, 2024).

Shaun Phillips (2004-2012)


Phillips was a day-three gem found by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Despite starting just three games in his first two seasons, Phillips found a way to contribute with 11 sacks from 2004-2005. He won a starting job in 2006, playing in 14 games and notching a career-high 11.5 sacks.

Phillips would only record double-digit sacks three times in his career, but his longevity as a seven-year starter for the Chargers helped him finish his career with 69.5 sacks (third all time, which ranked second in franchise history until Bosa bested the mark during the 2024 season.

In 2010, Phillips was named to the first and only Pro Bowl of his career. In 2009, Phillips led the league with seven forced fumbles.

Khalil Mack (2022-2024)


Mack has the shortest tenure with the Chargers amongst these players but it just felt wrong to not include the guy who tied the franchise record for sacks in a season (17) in 2023.

In three seasons, the former first-round pick of the Raiders has accumulated 31 sacks and 39 tackles for loss, both the high marks for any player by far over that span. Even when he’s not taking down a quarterback, Mack’s impact on defending the run, and even getting his hands up in the passing lane, have been essential to the Chargers defense.

With at least one more season to go with the Chargers, Mack has an opportunity to assert himself further into team annals. With 10 sacks in 2025, he’d break into the top 12. With 14, he’d tied Leroy Jones for 10th all time.

Since joining the Chargers, Mack has been named to the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons. During the 2023 season, Mack crossed the threshold of 100 career sacks to become just the 19th player in league history to do so.

Melvin Ingram (2012-2020)


Ingram was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL out of South Carolina. After being seen as a ‘tweener coming out of college, Ingram reshaped his body to become one of the best finesse pass rushers in the NFL.

From 2015-2018, Ingram started every single game for the Chargers, amassing 36 sacks and 49 tackles for loss. From 2017-2019, he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls.

Ingram’s 49 career sacks with the Chargers rank seventh all time in franchise history.

Shawne Merriman (2005-2010)


Merriman was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Maryland. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 57 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. The following year, Merriman earned First-Team All-Pro honors with a whopping 17 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. In 2007, he was named a Second-Team All-Pro after notching another 12.5 sacks and a career-high 19 tackles for loss. Unsurprisingly, he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2005-2007.

After that 2007 season, the injury bug began to wreak havoc in his career. A torn PCL and LCL limited him to just one start in 2008. The next year, Merriman reportedly played through a painful foot injury which limited him to just four sacks. In 2010, Merriman suffered a calf injury that led to him being placed on injured reserve after just four games.

Merriman ended his Chargers career with 43.5 sacks and 50 tackles for loss, the former number placing him 11th all time in franchise history for sacks.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...sa-khalil-mack-shawne-merriman-shaun-phillips
 
Can you guess this Chargers tackle in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/9/24464411/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Los Angeles Chargers Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2025 roster

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2025 Chargers are hoping that their upcoming season ends more positively than 2024’s did. Here are three Secret Superstars who can help Jim Harbaugh’s team on its way.

If you evaluate draft prospects long enough, you’re going to have swings and misses along the way.

I regret to inform you up front that Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert was one of my Vlad Guerrero-level swings, with far less positive impact. Herbert’s traits were obvious, but as he was in an offense that I thought should have been locked in a shed and set on fire, it was tough to tell how those traits would transfer to the NFL. When you see a 6’6, 236-pound rocket-armed guy missing screen passes wildly, and making the most of his deep-ball opportunities when he had them (which wasn’t nearly enough), you can be distracted when you play too much attention to the scheme, and not enough to isolating the player regardless of his environment.

Which proved to be a valuable lesson for me.

That said, five years into Herbert’s NFL career, are we still waiting for the quarterback his most ardent supporters hope to eventually see? Not that Herbert’s 2024 season, his first under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, was bad for the most part — in the regular season, he completed 332 of 504 passes for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 101.7 — the first time Herbert broke 100 in his NFL career.

Then, of course, came the 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, when Herbert (who had the NFL’s lowest interception rate in the regular season at 0.6%) threw four picks in his worst game to date.


Before the Chargers' 32-12 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, Justin Herbert had never thrown more than two interceptions in an NFL game, and he had three picks in the entire 2024 regular season.

Then... well, this happened. pic.twitter.com/b9TE13zhY2

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) June 17, 2025

Harbaugh blamed the protection, which didn’t hold up well against Houston’s ravenous pass rush, after the fact. Herbert blamed himself, as all great quarterbacks do, whether it’s true or not.

The only thing you can do after something like that is to look forward.

“Just like every other loss,” Herbert said in June of that disaster. “You take a look on what you did wrong, what you did right and try to improve. If I spend any more time on worrying or focusing on a loss like that, I think I’m doing a disservice on my teammates. Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted to, like I said at the end of the year, but you’ve got to move on and take a look at what you did wrong. Be honest with yourself, be critical, but you can’t let it take up too much of your time.”

The time is now for Herbert and the Chargers to take the proverbial next step. If they’re to do so, they’ll need help from a full roster that has been assembled to perform at a championship level. It’s the second time in his professional career that Herbert has had the same offensive coordinator two years in a row — he also had Joe Lombardi in 2021 and 2022, for better or worse. Harbaugh is a fierce quarterback developer who understands exactly what he has in Herbert, and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter oversees a unit that propelled itself from 26th in Defensive DVOA in 2023 to ninth in 2024, Minter’s first year in charge.

The receiver group has been upgraded with Mike Williams’ return to the Bolts, as well as the draft additions of receivers Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The tight end group has been similarly bolstered with Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II, son of the man who caught Dan Marino’s final touchdown pass.

However, in this installation of our “Hidden Gems” series, in which we examine one underrated veteran, one underrated free-agent signing, and one underrated draft pick, we’re looking at three guys who have been, and will be, involved in Minter’s defense.

Because as important as Justin Herbert is, it’s about more than the quarterback.

Underrated Veteran: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu​

Los Angeles Chargers v New York Jets
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Chargers selected the 6’3, 266-pound Tuipulotu with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 draft, and in his second NFL season, Tuipulotu was one of the young players who didn’t “improve” under Minter, because he was already in a pretty good place after a rookie season in which he had eight sacks, 51 total pressures, 39 solo tackles, 34 stops, 10 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

In 2024, Tuipulotu personified the old axiom that for pass-rushers, there are times when sacks don’t happen for a while... and then they can come in waves. Tuipulotu had nine sacks, 43 total pressures, 19 solo tackles, 20 stops, 11 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in the 2024 season. But he didn’t get a sack until Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, and then? BOOM. From Week 9 through Week 11, there wasn’t a more prolific quarterback disruptor in the league.


Who has the most sacks (seven) and total pressures (19) in the NFL over the last three weeks?

That would be @chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, who is wreaking utter havoc everywhere right now. pic.twitter.com/mlPHuB0xc1

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 19, 2024

All of that landed Tuipulotu on the “Secret Superstars” team for Week 11, so why not put him here, too? Tuipulotu logged fewer overall snaps in 2024, especially early in the season as the Chargers rotated their edge guys, but his effect on the defense was clear when he was out there more often. The Chargers’ pressure rate jumped from 31.6% to 36.8% when Tuipulotu was on the field, and the sack rate also increased from 6.2% to 7.6%.

“Just being under this defense, I’ve learned a lot,” Tuipulotu said in late January. “I’m in the system and I know the system, but I can take another step, for sure, just understanding everyone’s job to make it easier for me to be out there.

“We were a good defense this year, and I’m happy with where we’re going.”

Maybe with a few more snaps in 2025, Tuipulotu can affect the direction of the Chargers’ defense even more.

Underrated Free-Agent Signing: CB Donte Jackson​

Pittsburgh Steelers v Las Vegas Raiders
Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images

The 2024 Chargers got themselves a serious steal in the person of Maryland cornerback Tarheeb Still, who mastered Minter’s complex defense pretty quickly. In his rookie season, Still allowed 49 catches on 75 targets for 582 yards, 257 yards after the catch, three touchdowns, four interceptions, four pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 80.0.


CB Tarheeb Still of the @chargers didn't just have two interceptions against Kirk Cousins and the @AtlantaFalcons -- he also deflected a deep corner route to Drake London. The fifth-round rookie from Maryland is balling out in Jesse MInter's underrated defense. pic.twitter.com/967Aq7wTJz

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) December 3, 2024

Still made Secret Superstars for Week 13 after that Falcons game. Are we sensing a trend here?

It’s also nice when your most precocious cornerback has an older veteran from whom to learn, and the Chargers hope they got that guy in former Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson on a two-year, $13 million deal with just $7 million guaranteed.

Quite the bargain given Jackson’s 2024 season with the Steelers — he allowed 38 catches on 62 targets for 282 yards, 198 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, five interceptions, three pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 75.2. The Chargers didn’t just pay Jackson to be a mentor for Still and fellow 2024 fifth-round pick Cam Hart, another defender whose arrow is pointing straight up. Jackson is here to start right away, and he has the experience to excel wherever they put him — a must in Minter’s versatile coverages.


In Jesse Minter's @chargers defense, you have to be able to seamlessly disguise coverage, know where your help is and when you're the help, and get aggressive to the ball when the fundamentals are set.

I think that CB Donte Jackson is a great fit for all of it. pic.twitter.com/4GWggNBqQc

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 14, 2025

“You know, everybody’s playing their role,” Jackson said of Minter’s defense during his introductory press conference. “The way that the safeties and those guys are moving around, everybody’s basically positionless. [It] just forces the offense to make a lot of mistakes.

“It’s a young group, but definitely just more infatuated with just a bunch of positionless players, man, and everybody just kind of banding together and playing dominant defense. One of the best defenses in the league last year. [I’m] just super-excited.”

When asked whether he sees himself as one of those positionless players, Jackson answered in the affirmative.

“I mean, we talk mostly about being outside. But definitely, I’m a football player. Whatever door is open, I’m able to walk through and be successful. So whatever, Coach, anything you need from me, whatever the team needs from me, I’m willing to do. Football player first, and like I said, it’s kind of a culture around here of guys knowing what to do in different positions and knowing how to play different positions.

“Whatever opens up, I’m super, super there for it, and I’m just super-excited. It’s an awesome group and obviously an awesome city, an awesome facility, but just a great group of guys, man, a great group of leaders, and it’s going to be fun,”

Jackson may be most excited about playing with Derwin James — they were both drafted in 2018, and teaming up is something that’s been on their minds for a while now.

“Yeah, yeah, been knowing Derwin for a long time, man, since coming out of the draft,” Jackson said at his introductory press conference in April. “Obviously, [we] played in college through the same three years [Jackson at LSU; James at Florida State]. So, just excited. You know, we’ve been talking and been wanting to play with each other. We’ve liked each other’s games from afar just from watching over the years.”

Every great team has those players who have been around enough to help the kids with their football acumen at the same time that their own athleticism is still more than NFL-ready. Donte Jackson could well be the man for this particular cornerback room.

Underrated Draft Pick: DI Jamaree Caldwell​

Illinois v Oregon
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

As much as my pre-draft evaluation of Justin Herbert sucked, I’m a bit more confident in the NFL futures of two other former Ducks in the 2025 class. Let’s start with pass-rushing monster Derrick Harmon, who the Steelers selected with the 21st overall pick. Harmon led the NCAA in quarterback pressures among interior defensive linemen, and given his insane gap versatility, he might just be the next Cam Heyward over time.


Who led the nation in pressures among IDL with 55? That would be Oregon's Derrick Harmon, and there's a lot of "Holy #$%^" on his tape. Watch him cross the blocker's face, get skinny through gaps, bull a guard, and work the open field. Ideal 3/4i, but he can line up anywhere. pic.twitter.com/6Qr9VuQQfu

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 22, 2025

But you know how it is when you’re watching one player over and over, and a teammate stands out as well? That’s what happened for me when I was studying Harmon, and Jamaree Caldwell announced his presence with authority as Oregon’s man in the middle. Caldwell transferred to Oregon after two seasons with the Houston Cougars, and his combination of earthmoving size (6’ 2⅛, 332 pounds at the scouting combine) and pure athleticism showed up over and over on tape. Like a lot of defensive tackles who soak up blocks so that others can shine — Caldwell was double-teamed on 270 of his 541 snaps in 2024 — the stats aren’t mind-blowing.

Which is why the tape is so important to Caldwell’s overall story. One sack, 25 total pressures, 22 solo tackles, 21 stops, five tackles for loss, and one forced fumble? Pretty good, but you’ve got to check out the end zone view to see how well this guy can wreck protections over and over.


I love me some Hog Mollies, so Oregon's Jamaree Caldwell is definitely on my radar. The gap-shifting quickness at 330/340 is nuts, and the power to work doubles shows up over and over. Maybe it's just the No. 90 and the green/gold unis, but I get a bit of a B.J. Raji hit here. pic.twitter.com/anNhtPJ4jn

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 18, 2025

The Chargers, who took Caldwell with the 86th pick in the third round, were all over it.

“Derrick Harmon is a great player,” Harbaugh said after the draft. “But you’re watching him and you’re like, ‘This other guy here is really good, too.’ They’re both really good. Excited to have that athleticism. It’s unique what Jamaree Caldwell has. And the strength and power.”

“Some of the plays, you watch film on him and you just see him toss bodies. It’s really impressive,” general manager Joe Hortiz said. “He does a really good job staying square, physical, strikes with his hands, he’s got feel. Big man, quick feet.”


Jamaree Caldwell can flat out GO at 342 pounds.

Good Day 1 for the Oregon product. pic.twitter.com/kclKp78I84

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 28, 2025

Not bad for a guy who stepped away from the game in the 2020 COVID season to help his mother financially. Caldwell had already gone through a circuitous route that included some junior college time. But when he came back to the game, Caldwell came back hard.

”Right down the middle of them,” Caldwell said at the Senior Bowl, when asked how he gets past blockers. “You’ve got to set it up with the bull rush. Get the bull rush going. I’m somebody that’s willing to learn, someone who is willing to bounce back from adversity, and someone that’s willing to — I use my little term — die in the trenches. And not allow someone to just bully you out of the trenches.”

Sounds like a Jim Harbaugh personality to me.

BONUS TRIVIA: In professional football, there have been exactly two players with the first name “Jamaree.” Both play for the Chargers, and both weigh over 320 pounds: Caldwell, and offensive guard Jamaree Salyer. It’s nice that they’ve hooked up on the same team!

(All advanced metrics courtesy of
Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions).

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...tuli-tuipulotu-donte-jackson-jamaree-caldwell
 
Can you guess this Chargers tight end in today’s in-5 trivia game?

bftb_in_5.0.png


Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

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Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/7/12/24466309/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5
 
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