5 Chargers Players Who Stood Out in 2025 Offseason Program

Jun 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

The Chargers 2025 offseason program officially ends on Wednesday.

While Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh dismissed the veterans last week, rookies stuck around for another week of specialized work and practices.

But with Chargers training camp now on the horizon, here are five players who stood out in recent weeks.

1. Tarheeb Still

Still didn't get any interceptions in open practices, but he forced a few of them by getting his hands on passes so teammates could reap the takeaway rewards.

The 2024 fifth-round draft pick led the Bolts with four picks a year ago and seems primed for another strong defensive campaign in Year 2.

But he makes this list because of how he's quietly evolved into a leader, which includes training with Khalil Mack in recent months.

"Tarheeb has done a great job of maturing," Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said last month. "Overnight it just seems like he's a different person and he's doing a great job."

Clinkscale later added: "Tarheeb has really done that, he's really grown up and matured. He accepts coaching and criticism, even in a different way. He did last year, too, but it's even better because he had success, so he knows that it works. He's really done a good job."

2. Joe Alt

It's always tough to evaluate the trenches in the offseason when the pads aren't on.

But there's no question Alt looks the part at 6-foot-7 and 323 pounds, and that the Bolts have high expectations for him in Year 2.

Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman was leading the chorus this offseason as he raved about the 2024 No. 5 overall draft pick.

"Joe Alt, I think you're going to see a hands down All-Pro this year. Hands down. I can see it right now," Roman said on a recent episode of Chargers Weekly. "Last year he was 21 years old and he was just like Clifford the Big Red Dog, just figuring things out.

"He's really worked hard this offseason. He's getting into his strength," Roman added. "And he walked into my office the day after the season and went through a litany of things he feels he can do better. He's already doing them out here. Just elite level type stuff."

Alt posted a 94.3 percent pass-block win rate in 2024, according to ESPN, which was the fourth-highest mark among offensive tackles in the regular season.

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3. Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden has been the young star of the entire offseason program for the Chargers.

On the field, he flashed in numerous open practices, including a seven-catch performance on Day 2 of minicamp that had everyone talking.

"He's shown up and been what we thought, and with the personality that we thought, which is a real competitor and a real football player," said Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. "That's what we've been getting. Thrilled."

Off the field, Gadsden has earned praise for his work ethic, which includes a daily 5:30 a.m. arrival so he can go through plays by himself on the field before the day really gets going.

Gadsden will have to prove himself in pads during camp, something he said he's excited to take on. But there's no doubt the recent fifth-round pick could provide some juice in the passing game for the Chargers with continued progression.

4. Derwin James, Jr.

Ho hum, another stellar offseason for one of the Chargers best players.

James stole the show on Day 1 of minicamp by deflecting a pass that Denzel Perryman intercepted, and he later scooped and scored on a fumble in the backfield.

The do-it-all safety then dazzled with a juggling interception on Day 3 of minicamp to cap off an All-Pro performance.

"Just continuing to stack the days with consistency," James said.

Look for James, one of the unquestioned leaders on the Bolts, to be raring to go for Week 1 against the Chiefs in Brazil.