Rookie Camp Nuggets: Day 1

Rookie Mini Camp kicked off yesterday and for the 7 players that made up the Chargers 2017 draft class, life as Los Angeles Chargers officially began.

Rookie camp is a crash course for draftees, UDFAs, and the 50ish total players allowed to participate. It focus’ heavily on learning the playbook, getting familiar with the terminology, and starting to create a bond with your team-mates.

After practice the press talked to head coach Anthony Lynn, along with 1st round pick Mike Williams, 2nd round pick Forrest Lamp, and 3rd round pick Dan Feeney. Here were some of the highlights:

• Lynn said Dan Feeney is in the mix at both OG and OC
• All three interior OL spots are an open competition right now
• 5th round pick Desmond King is being worked at nickel corner, and also some FS
• When asked if UDFA kicker Younghoe Koo had a chance to push Josh Lambo, Lynn said yes, but also added a Mike McCoy-esque “every position is a competition”
• Mike Williams said the biggest challenges right now are learning the offense, which is more complex and very different from what he was part of at Clemson, but also getting used to being in the huddle between plays, which they never did at Clemson.
• Williams’ search for a number continues, he wants something from 10-19, however only #18 is available and that isn’t his preference
• 2nd round pick Lamp and 3rd round pick Feeney are room-mates at the hotel during camp
• All 3 rookies said the biggest thing right now is getting in the playbook and studying so they can “just go out there and play”

Outside of that, the biggest thing I noticed was the contrast between McCoy and Lynn. Lynn impresses me more each press conference. Then as you flip through the pictures from camp, there are multiple pictures of Lynn personally getting involved with drills, grabbing pads and jumping in there to make corrections. I don’t want to assume to know how any of the players feel, but I’d go to battle for a guy like that.