The Los Angeles Chargers’ push for improved wide receiver performance in the upcoming NFL season is hardly a secret. After years of using significant draft capital to strengthen the position with little long-term success, the pressure is on to finally see results.
One of the few positives from last season was the breakout of the second-round pick, who quickly established himself as one of the top rookie wideouts in the league. As quarterback Justin Herbert’s most consistent and reliable target throughout the year, Ladd McConkey became a cornerstone of the offense. Recognizing the need to bolster the receiving corps further, the Chargers used another second-round pick this year to bring in Tre Harris, with the hope that he too could make an early impact. k Ladd McConkey
However, early signs out of offseason training activities (OTAs) are less than promising. Reports from Chargers camp indicate that both Harris and fellow rookie receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith are off to a sluggish start. According to the team’s wide receivers coach, the two rookies are currently lagging behind the rest of the group in terms of fitness and readiness. He attributed this to the busy pre- and post-draft schedules that typically interfere with a player’s training routine and physical conditioning.
While Harris, as a second-round selection, is still seen as a secure piece of the roster moving forward, the situation is more precarious for Lambert-Smith. Drafted on Day 3, he’s viewed as a developmental prospect and will need to prove himself quickly to earn a roster spot.
The coaching staff hasn’t expressed overt frustration, but the message is clear: both players need to accelerate their development and physical preparation. With expectations already set that at least one rookie receiver will need to contribute meaningfully to the offense this season, there is no time to waste. The Chargers are counting on more than just potential—they need production, and they need it soon.
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