The Chargers concluded their three-day mandatory minicamp this past week. Now, the team will get a little over a month off before returning to The Bolt, where things will really begin to ramp up with training camp set to be underway.
Here are our biggest takeaways from minicamp.
Rookie tight end shows out
The Chargers added some weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert this offseason, including fifth-round pick Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden was the most productive tight end in Syracuse history, and he flashed those receiving chops throughout the week. Gadsden worked his way into time with the first-team offense, where he and Herbert connected for some big plays. While he was drafted on Day 3, Gadsden should quickly establish a role in the offense in Year 1.
Rashawn Slater shows up
All eyes are on Slater, as the star left tackle is due for a contract extension. Despite not having it done ahead of minicamp, Slater still attended all three days. Slater said everything is fine between him and the team regarding the contract. He said that his agent is handling the contract conversations and he is focusing on football.
“Realistically speaking, I’ve known for a long time this is how these things go,” Slater said. “It’s not something that bothers me. It’s just the business of football.”
Interior offensive line competition update
One of the biggest position battles this summer lies up front in the trenches, as the left guard and center spots are up for grabs. Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson appear to be the front-runners for them. With the 1s, when Bozeman was at center, Johnson was at left guard. And vice versa.
“That versatility of being able to play either, I think, is very important for any interior O-lineman,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of the competition at center. “You’ve got to be able to play two positions, and that’s part of the strategy, too.”
Defensive line committee
The defensive tackle underwent a makeover this offseason. The Chargers lost Poona Ford and Morgan Fox to the Rams and Falcons, respectively. On the flip side, they re-signed Teair Tart, signed Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones, and drafted Jamaree Caldwell in the third round. The positional room doesn’t have any star power, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter feels that they are deeper and plans to take a committee approach to figure out how the snaps will be distributed.
“We traded maybe one or two guys for two or three guys,” Minter said. “There is a little bit of the committee approach. There’s more total, capable guys now than we had at this time last year and let it shake out.
Derwin James continues to make plays
James was an All-Pro player last season, and one of the biggest reasons for his phenomenal campaign was that he played closer to the line of scrimmage. Minter will use him predominantly in the role and as the nickel this upcoming season, based on how he was utilized in these sessions. James got his hands on the football numerous times, including on an interception of QB Trey Lance on a pass intended for wide receiver Willie Snead on the final day.
dj w the INT pic.twitter.com/BgVxc2EKZf
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 12, 2025
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What we learned from Chargers mandatory minicamp