Latest news with #BradleyBozeman
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Chargers training camp report, Day 8: It's time to get Zion Johnson padded snaps at center
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers are now eight practices into training camp, and Zion Johnson has yet to take a snap at center in padded team drills. The Chargers have held two padded practices thus far — one Tuesday and one Thursday. For both of those practices, Johnson was at left guard, where he started last season. Bradley Bozeman was at center, where he started last season. Advertisement It is early, and the Chargers started camp a week before the rest of the league because they are playing in the Hall of Fame Game to open the preseason. They have time to evaluate Johnson at center. He has played center with the starting offensive line in three unpadded practices in camp so far. In those practices, Bozeman has been at left guard. On the flip side, though, what exactly are the Chargers waiting for? Johnson has never played center in the NFL. He never played center in college. His lone experience at the position came at the Senior Bowl before he was drafted in 2022. As Johnson tries to make the transition from guard to center, the most important facet of the process is banking experience. 'Not having played center before, every rep is valuable,' Johnson said Friday. 'I try to take as much important care as I can with every rep that I get so I can get all those learning experiences that guys that maybe have gotten a lot more reps than me have gotten. So I'd say the challenge is trying to get the reps in and fit it in where I can — getting snaps before practice, getting snaps after practice, getting snaps in my room, wherever I can.' There is also the option of giving Johnson center snaps in practice — with the pads on, when his capability at the position can be properly evaluated. On the evaluation front, the Chargers have offered mixed messaging. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was asked for his thoughts on the Johnson-Bozeman rotation after Day 3 of camp. 'I think we'll have a lot more information seven days from now as far as how that's progressing, once we get pads on.' That was July 19. Saturday will mark exactly seven days since that exchange. On Friday, coach Jim Harbaugh said this of Johnson: 'I do want to get Zion playing center in pads, get that under our belt.' Advertisement Later in the same news conference, Harbaugh said, 'I've already seen that he can play the position. He'll be able to play, whether it's guard or center, at a very high, high level.' Harbaugh added that 'the things that are really most important (are) the snaps and the time on task on that, and it's as good with or without pads.' The Chargers had been rotating Johnson and Bozeman through the first seven days of camp. On Days 1, 3, 5 and 7, Bozeman was at center and Johnson was at left guard. On Days, 2, 4 and 6, Johnson was at center and Bozeman was at left guard. Before practice, Harbaugh said he had no plans to change the rotation. When practice started, the Chargers changed the rotation. Friday was an even day, Day 8. Bozeman was at center for the second straight practice. Johnson was at left guard for the second straight practice. That was the first time the two players had stayed at the same positions in back-to-back practices. So what does that mean? Perhaps the Chargers are planning on finally getting Johnson reps at center in padded team drills Saturday. The Chargers are also in pads Monday, so that is another opportunity. What is clear is the Chargers need to remove the training wheels and see if this Johnson experiment at center has any chance of succeeding. If it does not, then they can station Johnson at guard, Bozeman at center and start developing cohesion with a starting interior three. They have a new right guard in Mekhi Becton. Johnson said it is 'very important' for him to get padded snaps at center. 'That's something the staff and our room have been talking about a lot, Boze playing guard and me playing center,' Johnson added. 'We got to get the live reps together to build that chemistry, so that's definitely something that we have been talking about and thinking about implementing.' Advertisement Bozeman, meanwhile, has not played a snap at guard since 2020, when he started at left guard for the Baltimore Ravens. Roman was the Ravens' offensive coordinator that season. 'It's like riding a bike,' Bozeman said. 'You might wobble a few times, but you eventually get it.' Bozeman, too, will benefit from padded snaps at guard. You have to actually get on the bike to ride it. 'At some point,' Bozeman said, 'we just got to go in and figure it out.' Bozeman re-signed with the Chargers this offseason on a two-year deal. On Friday, Bozeman said he knew he would be 'competing to start' when he agreed to come back. 'I love the honesty and the upfrontness of this front office and everyone else in this organization,' Bozeman said. Johnson put in quite a bit of work this offseason to prepare himself for a move to center. He said he had discussions with former Chargers center Corey Linsley. He said he was in constant communication with Chargers assistant offensive line coach Nick Hardwick, who started 136 games at center for the organization from 2004 to '14. 'I have a lot of voices, a lot of people in the organization and in our room that I can really rely on to learn from,' Johnson said. But the true test — Johnson's performance with pads on — has not happened yet. And it is time. There is only one way to find out if this experiment is going to work. 'It's a competition to get our best combination,' Harbaugh said. • Chargers who did not practice Friday: tackle Rashawn Slater, receiver Jalen Reagor, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, cornerback Deane Leonard, running back Raheim Sanders, receiver Luke Grimm, tight end McCallan Castles, edge rusher Bud Dupree, receiver Brenden Rice, edge rusher Kylan Guidry and edge rusher Garmon Randolph. Harbaugh said Dupree was given a rest day. Advertisement • Cornerback Tarheeb Still was on the field for stretch and individual drills but did not participate in team drills. • Cornerback Cam Hart had the play of the day on defense. He was in one-on-one coverage on receiver Quentin Johnston, who was running an out route to the left sideline. This was one of two periods in which the starting offense faced the starting defense. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw to Johnston. Hart undercut the route, picked off the throw and returned it for a touchdown. • Johnston had a 60-yard touchdown in 11-on-11 against the starting defense. The secondary badly busted a coverage, and Johnston ran wide open into the deep part of the field. Herbert hit him easily for the score. Johnston also had a key reception during the starting offense's two-minute drill late in practice. That series came against the reserve defense. The coverage was initially tight across the field. Herbert bought some time, and Johnston did well to break away from cornerback Trikweze Bridges in the scramble drill. The connection went for 20 yards and moved the offense into field goal range. • Rookie receiver Dalevon Campbell had the catch of the day on offense. He showed off some impressive leaping ability, skying over safety Kendall Williams to snatch a jump ball for an explosive gain. The throw was from quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Campbell has responded well after a dropped touchdown early in camp. • Three rookie defensive backs had pass breakups in Friday's practice. Nikko Reed, who had a pick-six in Thursday's practice, broke hard on a KeAndre Lambert-Smith dig route. Heinicke threw to Lambert-Smith. Reed timed his reach perfectly and knocked the ball away without drawing a flag. Jordan Oladokun broke up a pass from quarterback Trey Lance intended for receiver Dez Fitzpatrick on a comeback route. In the final 11-on-11 period, Heinicke threw to Fitzpatrick on an out route near the right sideline. Safety RJ Mickens punched the ball loose after the initial catch. It was an incomplete pass. Fitzpatrick did have an explosive reception in the two-minute drill, connecting with Lance down the right sideline on a go route. This was Lance's best throw of camp so far. • Running back Najee Harris was on the field Friday for the second straight day watching practice in street clothes. Harris remains on the non-football injury list after injuring his eye in a fireworks accident. On both Thursday and Friday, Harris had large sunglasses covering his eyes. (Top photo of Zion Johnson: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 20 OL Bradley Bozeman
The Chargers are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team's success this season. Every day from now until the start of training camp, we're counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year. Advertisement First up at No. 20 is offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman. Background Position: Center Age: 30 Experience: 8th season 2024 cap hit: $5.065 million 2024 recap After signing with the Chargers last offseason, Bozeman started every game at center and led the team in offensive snaps with 1,057. While he was on the field for nearly every snap, Bozeman experienced some struggles, particularly in pass protection. He finished with a 53.1 pass-blocking grade, which ranked 53rd out of 64 qualifying centers. He finished the season with a 61.2 overall PFF grade, his lowest since becoming a regular starter in 2019. 2025 outlook Bozeman, who re-signed in the offseason, heads into the summer in a competition to keep his job, with Zion Johnson being the other player fighting for the starting center position. If Bozeman loses out to Johnson, there's a chance he could be the starting left guard, a position he hasn't played since 2020. The Chargers didn't bring back Bozeman to stand on the sidelines, so whether at center or left guard, the veteran must make strides. Big question: Can Bozeman improve in 2025? This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 20 OL Bradley Bozeman
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 11 OL Zion Johnson
The Chargers are gearing up for the new season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team's success this season. Every day from now until the start of training camp, we're counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year. Advertisement Next up at No. 11 is offensive lineman Zion Johnson. Background Age: 25 Position: Interior offensive lineman Experience: 4th season 2025 cap hit: $4.69 million 2024 recap Johnson started all 17 regular-season games and the lone playoff game against the Texans at left guard. While he managed to stay healthy, his play wasn't quite inspiring. Johnson's struggles primarily came in pass protection, especially when it came to picking up stunts. As a result, the Chargers declined to exercise his fifth-year option, meaning he will be a free agent after the 2025 season. 2025 outlook After playing both guard spots, Johnson is in the mix for the starting center spot alongside Bradley Bozeman and Andre James. The coaching staff has lauded his versatility and athleticism, which is why they're experimenting with him at the new position. Johnson did not play center at Boston College. He did get reps at center in the Senior Bowl in 2022. The Chargers aren't banking on getting sensational play from Johnson at center, but are hoping he is an upgrade from Bozeman this past season. Advertisement Big question: Can the potential position change to center elevate Johnson's game? We're counting down our 30 Most Important Chargers of 2025. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp. 20. OL Bradley Bozeman 19. LB Junior Colson 18. TE Oronde Gadsden II 17. S Elijah Molden 16. RB Najee Harris 15. CB Cam Hart 14. DL Teair Tart 13. WR Tre Harris 12. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu 11. OL Zion Johnson 10. TBA 9. TBA 8. TBA 7. TBA 6. TBA 5. TBA 4. TBA 3. TBA 2. TBA 1. TBA This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 11 OL Zion Johnson
New York Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Chargers training camp storylines, Part 1: Evaluating Zion Johnson; Najee Harris' status
Training camp has arrived. Los Angeles Chargers veterans will report to The Bolt in El Segundo, Calif., on Wednesday. The first practice will be held Thursday morning. And Jim Harbaugh's second season will be underway. The Chargers had a productive offseason. They addressed needs. They built a commendable amount of depth up and down the roster. Now the 2025 team will be forged in the heat of competition. Advertisement To preview camp, we will be diving into the 10 most interesting and important storylines surrounding the Chargers, in no particular order. This is Part 1. Part 2 will be published later this week. The padded practices in training camp will provide the first real opportunity to evaluate Johnson's move to center. Johnson started at left guard for the Chargers last season. And while he had some positive moments in his third season, his inconsistencies in pass protection persisted. In particular, Johnson struggled to identify stunts and blitzes, which led to quick unblocked pressures. This offseason, Harbaugh and his staff decided they would at least test out Johnson at center, a position he has not played in college or the NFL. The Chargers are seeking improvement from the 2022 first-round pick, and Harbaugh has proved he is not afraid to think outside the box. Johnson started drilling his snapping early in the offseason. He worked at center during organized team activities and minicamp in May and June. When Johnson was at center, Bradley Bozeman was at left guard. Bozeman, who re-signed with the Chargers in March, started at center in 2024. Bozeman started at left guard for two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019 and 2020. When it comes to the offensive line, there is little to gather during unpadded spring practices. Training camp is when we will find out whether Johnson is a viable option at center. Contact will ramp up in the trenches. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will be reaching deeper into his playbook. Johnson will have to prove he can handle the post-snap identification that is essential for reliable center play. It feels like a sizable chunk of this season rests on how the Johnson experiment goes. If Johnson finds a home at center, it changes the complexion of the offense. If the experiment fails, the Chargers will likely be running it back with Johnson at left guard and Bozeman at center. Last season, the interior pass protection was one of the team's biggest weaknesses. The Chargers signed Mekhi Becton to play right guard. We will get to his potential impact in Part 2. The Chargers opted not to pick up Johnson's fifth-year option in May, so he is on the final year of his deal. Johnson's future with the organization is also tied to how he performs at center. Harris suffered a 'superficial eye injury' in a July 4 fireworks accident, his agent Doug Hendrickson announced in a statement last week. Hendrickson said in the statement that Harris 'is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.' But there is still quite a bit of unknown in this situation. When will Harris be ready to participate in training camp? Just how serious is this injury? Will the Chargers place Harris on the non-football injury list? At least some of those questions will be answered this week. Advertisement The Chargers signed Harris to a one-year deal in March. He is a durable, tough and reliable back, and he was going to raise the floor of the Chargers' running backs room. In April, the Chargers drafted Hampton in the first round. Harris and Hampton formed a clear upgrade at running back over the J.K. Dobbins-Gus Edwards duo that led the backfield in 2024. Hampton has tremendous upside, and there was always a possibility he'd beat out Harris for a lead back role at some point this season. If Harris misses time in training camp, that possibility becomes even more likely. Hampton has a chance to be an immediate difference-maker in the run game, a player with the explosiveness to score anytime he touches the ball. And he could be getting the bulk of the first-team work early in camp. A Harris absence would also create a fascinating battle behind Hampton on the depth chart among Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Raheim Sanders and Jaret Patterson. McConkey finished his record-setting rookie season with an exclamation point in the Chargers' playoff loss at the Houston Texans. Fighting through double-teams and even triple-teams, McConkey caught nine passes on 14 targets for 197 yards and a touchdown. This performance firmly established McConkey as a star in the league and a No. 1 option for quarterback Justin Herbert for the foreseeable future. It also drastically highlighted the amount of help the Chargers needed around McConkey. The other receivers in that game combined for two catches and 14 yards. The Chargers attempted to find help this offseason. They signed Mike Williams in free agency. They drafted Tre' Harris in the second round and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fifth round. McConkey is at his best when playing in the slot. The Chargers brought in receivers who can play on the outside in 11 personnel when McConkey is in the slot. Advertisement Who will claim these two starting spots? This will be a heated competition. Williams already has built-in trust with Herbert. The two played together for four seasons with the Chargers. Williams was cut last offseason before signing with the New York Jets. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers mid-season. And now he returns to the Chargers. 'He's one of those guys that changes the way you play football when he's on your team,' Herbert said during minicamp. Harris started to show off some of his smooth route running and ball-tracking during spring practices. Smith missed time with an injury in the spring, but he has the type of speed that can threaten defenses vertically. Quentin Johnston and Jalen Reagor will also be in the mix. The Chargers now have more options who can attack down the field. And those options are not limited to the receivers room. Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden was a standout in the spring, and he will be a weapon on seam routes and overs, among other downfield concepts. This should change how the offense operates, and we will get a good look at that adjustment during training camp, when defensive backs can be more competitive in challenging the ball. The Chargers lost two interior defensive line starters in free agency. Poona Ford signed with the Los Angeles Rams, and Morgan Fox signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The Chargers replaced them with three additions: Da'Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones in free agency and Jamaree Caldwell in the third round of the NFL Draft. This is a deep group. The Chargers re-signed Teair Tart. Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock and 2024 fourth-round pick Justin Eboigbe all return. Last season, Ford emerged as the top producer in the group. The Chargers thought Ford could be a productive player, but he exceeded everyone's expectations. Is there a Ford in this year's room? Tart was disruptive in more of a rotational role last season. Can he make a jump with increased snaps? Eboigbe played only 26 defensive snaps as a rookie. He has put on weight. Can he make an impact in Year 2? Hand is an established run defender, and he was getting a lot of work with the first team during the spring. Is there untapped potential there? This seems like a wide-open race. Training camp will bring the physicality necessary to start sorting out the pecking order, as it will at left guard and center on the other side of the ball. Slater is in the final year of his deal, and he has not yet signed an extension. The Chargers and Slater have been engaged in contract negotiations this entire offseason. Slater was not present at voluntary OTAs, but he reported for mandatory minicamp and participated in all three practices. After the third practice, Slater spoke with local media for the first time this offseason and said he had 'full confidence' a deal will get done. Firmer deadlines are approaching quickly. If a deal is not done by the start of camp, will Slater participate in practices? In 2022, safety Derwin James Jr. still hadn't signed his extension when training camp began. He sat out the first 14 practices before signing. James was at the facility and in meetings but was not practicing. Advertisement The best-case scenario for both sides is this deal getting done before the first practice Thursday. Slater could be playing next to a new left guard in Bozeman. The Chargers need their left tackle on the field to properly settle on starters at left guard and center. (Top photo of Zion Johnson: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Chargers players who need to improve in 2025
The Chargers are looking to return to the playoffs and make a deeper run this upcoming season. They have the talent to make it happen, but it's a collaborative effort, and some players need to improve from the previous season to bring success. Advertisement Here are five players who need to make some strides in 2025. OL Zion Johnson Johnson has yet to live up to his first-round billing since entering the league three years ago. He has tried both guard spots, yet it hasn't worked out for him. Now, Johnson will be competing for the starting center spot. Even if he wins the job, he must show signs of improvement in a position that hasn't had a competent player since Corey Linsley. In particular, picking up stunts and blitzes is an area in which he struggled. OL Bradley Bozeman After re-signing with the Chargers on a two-year deal, Bozeman is going to be fighting to retain his position. The 30-year-old was one of the worst centers in 2024, finishing at the bottom in various categories, including quarterback pressures allowed (38), which was the most by any center. If Bozeman isn't playing center, there's a chance he could be the starting left guard, a position he hasn't played since 2020. WR Quentin Johnston Johnston had a dud of a rookie season after being the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Statistically, he improved in Year 2, finishing with 55 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he endured a lot of the same issues, as Johnston had a measly 7.7% drop rate. The Chargers have more reinforcements in the wide receiver room, with Mike Williams and rookie Tre Harris. However, Johnston is still expected to have a sizable role, so he must clean up the dropped passes. This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Which Chargers players need to play better in the 2025 season?
