https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/25/chargers-training-camp-preseason-player-rankings/

Gavino Borquez and Alex Katson
August 25, 2022 11:04 am PT

Inspired by The Athletic’s Bo Wulf, who ranked all 84 Eagles by their
offseason performance, the Chargers Wire staff ranked all 80 remaining
players by the same criteria, putting them in various categories which
factor players coming in and the stakes involved.

Won a starting job

1. Joshua Palmer

If we were ranking the best players in training camp, Palmer would still
be at the top. Palmer solidified himself as an integral piece of the
offense this summer. The former third-rounder shined in practices and
built a solid rapport with Justin Herbert, and in preseason play by
consistently separating from defensive backs with Keenan Allen-like
routes and catching everything thrown in his direction. Palmer’s
all-around skill set should see him thrive as the Z receiver this
season, with his impressive route running, reliability, and ball skills.

2. Trey Pipkins III

I said it before the summer, but I believed that Pipkins had the leg up
for the starting right tackle job over Storm Norton. Pipkins played well
in his only two starts in 2021, and spent this offseason working with
highly touted offensive line developer Duke Manyweather. He carried that
over to the summer, showing consistency in pass protection, allowing
just one pressure in the first two preseason games and faring well
against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Should have earned a roster spot

3. Breiden Fehoko

One of the better run defenders from last year’s team made plenty of
strides this summer. Building on his strong 2021 campaign, Fehoko racked
up tackles for losses, split double teams, and made life for the
second-team offensive line difficult. However, he looked more
technically refined as a pass rusher. I think he’s made his case to make
the 53-man roster.

4. Michael Bandy

Having six wide receivers on the 53-man roster wasn’t a discussion
entering the summer. Bandy is the reason there is one. After a stellar
preseason opener against the Rams, Bandy followed that up with another
eye-popping performance, catching eight passes on nine targets for 69
yards and a touchdown. If Bandy doesn’t make the cut, don’t be surprised
if he’s on another roster because a player like him who runs NFL-quality
routes is not going left unnoticed.

Newcomer, exceeded expectations

5. DeAndre Carter

Carter was signed primarily to be a return specialist, or so we thought.
He showed up to training camp and immediately looked like the Chargers’
fourth-best receiver, cementing himself a role on the offense and
special teams.

6. Bryce Callahan

Adding more talent in the cornerback room was a priority for Brandon
Staley this offseason. Callahan proved to be worth the investment. He
broke up multiple passes since the start. Staying healthy is key for
Callahan, who has played very well when he’s seen the field. He’s landed
on injured reserve with an array of lower-body injuries in the past
three seasons, including last season when a knee injury robbed him of
six games.

7. Jamal Davis II

With Kyle Van Noy playing inside linebacker this summer, the Chargers
will look to keep a fourth edge defender on the roster, and Davis has
proved himself to be that guy. There aren’t a lot of tools in his bag as
a pass rusher, but Davis has been impactful as a run defender with his
power to set firm edges and effort to chase down plays.

8. Khalil Mack

Mack is as advertised, a game-changer on the edge. After suffering a
foot injury last season, Mack looks healthy and has given fits as a pass
rusher and has been stout against the run. While he may not return to
his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber of play, Mack, opposite Joey
Bosa, will still present a player capable of boosting a group that
ranked 25th in pressure rate and 28th in run defense a season ago.

9. Zion Johnson

Johnson was drafted to strengthen the offensive line, which is what he’s
shown to do right off the bat. He has held his own in pass protection
with his outstanding combination of power, smarts, and agility. But he’s
been elite as a run defender in preseason action, which should be a huge
boost for the right side that struggled in that department last season.

10. Jamaree Salyer

Salyer has been arguably the most impressive rookie on the roster,
showing awareness usually reserved for longtime offensive line veterans.
The sixth rounder looks like the future at left guard, even with Matt
Feiler locked in until the end of 2023.

11. Zander Horvath

Horvath, the seventh-round pick, competed with Gabe Nabers for the
starting fullback job, and the signs are pointing to the rookie winning
the competition. Horvath has been playing with the first team on special
teams. In contrast, Nabers has primarily played in a tight end role.

Better than ever

12. Chris Rumph II

One of the storylines of the summer was Rumph’s added weight and
strength after boasting a lean and lanky frame during his rookie
campaign. That translated to the practice field. On top of his
athleticism, more power popped in Rumph’s pass rushes and when setting
the edge against the run. He showed he will be a reliable rotational
edge defender behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in 2022.

13. Joshua Kelley

It was thought that rookie Isaiah Spiller would win the job as the
second running back. However, Kelley steadily emerged as the front
runner. Kelley’s offseason program, which helped him gain weight,
translated to the field. Kelley has looked more physical, elusive and
decisive as a runner, breaking through tackles and making defenders
miss. In the passing game, he has caught the ball well and improved in
pass protection, an area Kelley struggled with early on in his career.

14. Easton Stick

Keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster was always likely. But
Stick is making a strong push for the second quarterback on the depth
chart over Chase Daniel. Stick put on one of the best performances in a
Chargers uniform in the preseason opener against the Rams. His
athleticism was on display. But what stood out was his improvement as a
passer. He showed great feel in the pocket and was quick to get the ball out

15. Michael Davis

Davis entered this summer as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart
after serving as the No. 1 last season following the offseason additions
of J.C. Jackson and Bryce Callahan. But as the saying goes, no pressure,
no diamonds. That is what Davis has lived by, as he’s responded to all
the added competition with very promising play on the field. He’s looked
sticky in coverage and has gotten his hands on the football. If Jackson
is out for the first and even the second game of the season, Davis will
start on the outside opposite Asante Samuel Jr. However, he’s earned the
right to be deemed CB2.

Surprised, maybe won a roster spot

16. Ja’Sir Taylor

Taylor started hot in OTAs and training camp, then cooled off equally
quickly. After a personal coaching session from Staley before one
practice, he’s improved. He executed on a slot blitz on Saturday for a
tackle for loss and has shown flashes as a gunner in live-game action.
In the final practice, Taylor further made his case to make the 53-man
roster by picking off Justin Herbert in 11-on-11.

17. Deane Leonard

Leonard was praised for his coverage skills throughout training camp.
However, Leonard was the primary culprit for the Chargers’ uneven play
in the secondary in the preseason opener against the Rams. Despite
staying on receiver’s hips and being in a good position along the
boundary, Leonard struggled to get his head around often, which led to a
couple of big plays. He also had some hiccups as a tackler against the
Rams. While he is still raw, Leonard’s flashes are legit, and he has the
potential to develop into a capable depth piece on the outside.

18. Ryan Hunter

Hunter seemed to be firmly on the outside looking in entering camp, but
he’s been impressive in camp and in the first preseason game. Although
he struggled against the Cowboys, Brenden Jaimes did also. It’s possible
Hunter makes the team over Jaimes or Will Clapp.

Stayed healthy

19. Justin Herbert

Herbert has been as advertised this offseason and there seem to be no
barriers to a potential MVP-caliber season. Developing chemistry with
his receiving corps has been his main focus.

20. Rashawn Slater

Slater was phenomenal as a rookie, earning a spot on the Pro Football
Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team, a Pro Bowl selection, and
second-team All-Pro. But, with nothing to prove, Slater won’t log a
single preseason snap. Instead, he got plenty of valuable reps against
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, continuing to
show great technique with his upper and lower half, functional strength
and agility to keep them at bay.

21. Joey Bosa

Bosa’s main goal this offseason has been building a rapport with new
pass rush partner Khalil Mack. As one of the faces of the franchise,
he’s looked the part while resting for preseason action.