The Los Angeles Chargers are less than a week out from playing in the Hall of Fame game against the Detroit Lions.
With that being said, let’s take a look at 4 players who have the most to prove in this preseason game.
4 Los Angeles Chargers Players With The Most To Prove
Justin Eboigbe | DL | 6’5 292 lb
The 2024 4th-round pick struggled to get on the field during his rookie campaign, playing only 26 defensive snaps across 5 games and registering 2 total tackles. He was viewed as a developmental prospect and essentially gave him the leeway to take a redshirt year as he acclimated to the NFL.
Early reports from defensive coordinator Jessie Minter during OTAs highlighted positive remarks about Eboigbe, with Minter noting that he had gained over 20 pounds working with strength coach Ben Hebert in the offseason and appeared physically larger.
However, with training camp now underway, he’s been firmly rolling with the third-string defensive line group, which is not the return on investment anyone in the building was hoping for. The early day 3 pick still has a ton to prove to make this roster, but hopefully, he can make a name for himself in this upcoming preseason game.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith | WR | 6’1 182 lb
After suffering a setback in OTAs, it seems that KeAndre Lambert-Smith has quickly caught up with the rest of the receivers, making several huge plays in the opening days of training camp, including a remarkable sideline-toe-tap catch against CB Deane Leonard.
The 5th-round rookie will likely be the primary Z receiver in this matchup, given how thin the receiver corps currently is. It gives Lambert-Smith ample opportunity to showcase his big-play ability after placing in the top 10 in yards per catch at 19.6 during his final collegiate season.
Check Out Our Los Angeles Chargers Merch And Gear Up For The Season!
The live reps against the Lions’ defensive backs should provide a better indication of where Lambert-Smith is in his development and allow offensive coordinator Greg Roman to utilize him to his maximum potential.
Oronde Gadsden II | TE | 6’5 236 lb
Fellow 5th-round rookie, Oronde Gadsden II, has steadily seen his stock shoot up after an outstanding OTA showing. He’ll play the bulk of the preseason snaps as Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin are the presumed starters, especially in a 21 personnel package.
The receiving game, especially as a vertical threat, is where Gadsden excels, though it remains to be seen how he’ll fare once live bullets start flying.
Another area to focus on for Gadsden is the blocking department. With the Chargers’ majoring in more gap scheme and duo blocks in the run game, he’ll undoubtedly be asked to get his hand in the dirt.
It will be interesting to see where Gadsden stands against NFL competition. If he continues this trajectory into training camp and the remaining preseason games, he could be vying for starting snaps by midseason.
Kimani Vidal | RB | 5’8 215 lb
Injuries to Najee Harris and Raheim “Rocket” Sanders have left the Chargers with just 5 healthy RBs, including new addition Nyheim Hines, who’s a prolific punt returner and third-down back before injuries knocked him out for the past 2 seasons.
The largest beneficiary of these injuries, however, has been Kimani Vidal, who has been receiving more first-team reps.
More News: A Surprise Standout In The Early Days Of Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp
Competing for the Chargers RB4 spot, Vidal’s struggle in pass protection and limited usage on special teams resulted in him only suiting up for 10 games last season. He is a dynamic weapon on the ground and as a pass catcher, but until he elevates those aspects of his game, it’s an uphill climb for him to make this roster.
The point of emphasis for Vidal will be his involvement in the core four special teams units. It’s where he has the best chance to make the team after the departure of key contributors such as Nick Niemann and Simi Fehoko.