Let’s face it, not everyone had a stellar 2023 season. But this new Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff offers a reset. And what better place to prove that you’ve been working hard all offseason and are ready for a fresh start than training camp.
It’s easy to predict who will be the most exciting to watch but aren’t you more curious about the guys that may surprise you, pulling out some moves that make you think they’re really ready for the season? I’m looking for those guys, and below are some that I think may rise to the top during training camp, setting themselves up for a better 2024:
Predicting The Los Angeles Chargers Most Improved Players of 2024
Isaiah Spiller, Running Back
Isaiah Spiller hasn’t really gotten going as he dealt with some injuries in 2022 and played very few snaps in 2023. It also didn’t help that he was in a running back rotation behind Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. Even though J.K.Dobbins and Gus Edwards stand in the way, with a team that really wants to run the ball, this is as good a year as any for him to take a leap.
Running backs coach Kiel McDonald said during OTAs that Spiller has a lot of room to grow but that he’s maturing and has great feet, can accelerate, and catch, and also has great recognition in terms of blitz pickup. Spiller has shown these traits during past preseason games and I can see them coming out again during training camp. Things are looking up for Spiller if he can keep progressing.
Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver
Quentin Johnston has a lot to prove after his atrocious rookie season, which had a bit too many dropped passes in critical moments. Now, I’m not the biggest Johnston fan but I do think he’s been working hard this offseason to correct issues and we’ll see if that hard work pays off in training camp. During his press conference this offseason he mentioned that he was being more critical and focused. He’s more confident this year and that should translate into camp and beyond if his preparation is right and this new coaching staff can bring out his best.
Josh Palmer, Wide Receiver
Josh Palmer has been making waves since 2022 when he got more of an opportunity to make an impact in the absence of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams due to injury. He looked really good in camp last year and throughout the season, despite injuring his knee in Week 8 and missing six games. Palmer is the guy that many are counting on to pick up where Allen and Williams left off, so I expect him to come out of training camp on a high, ready for a productive season.
J.K. Dobbins, Running Back
J.K. Dobbins has not had an easy time in the NFL. He’s been hurt much of his career and just hasn’t played enough to see success. When he was healthy and able to play the entire 2020 season, he had 10 rushing touchdowns and 890 rushing yards. So the talent is there, it’s just a matter of staying healthy long enough to show it. Running backs coach McDonald mentioned in his press conference how intellectual Dobbins is, and how he knows where to go, so his talent and instincts should do wonders. With a fresh start, training camp should be where Dobbins flourishes for the season ahead.
Hayden Hurst, Tight End
There are big plans for Hayden Hurst going into this season. He’s been with so many teams in his NFL career that he hasn’t quite been able to show what he can do and develop his pass and run blocking. That’ll change this year as run game coordinator/tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, who worked with Hurst when he was with the Ravens, is ready to help him become a complete tight end. Hurst is already being noticed by reporters during OTAs and I expect his name to come up a lot more throughout camp and beyond.