We'll reveal our top 10 things to watch for at training camp each day leading up to the first practice on July 30.
How Will the Bolts Use Both Gates and Henry?
Antonio Gates is the oldest Charger at 36 years old.
Hunter Henry is the youngest at just 21.
The success of both tight ends figures to play a key role in the team's success in 2016. However, how the Bolts plan to use each player very much remains a mystery. Per usual, Gates trained on his own for much of the offseason before returning for veteran mini camp in June. Training camp will provide the first extensive look at how each player will complement the other, whether that means on the field at the same time or in a rotation.
Despite entering his 14th season, Gates has proven in recent seasons to be as effective as ever. He remains one of the game's most deceptive route runners and is a force on third down and in the red zone. At the same time, the offense will need to see reliable hands and big play ability out of Hunter on a routine basis.
So how fast can the rookie emerge?
All it took was one practice to show why the Arkansas product was the consensus top tight end prospect in this year's draft. He left a memorable impression the very first time he took the field.
However, that was just Rookie Minicamp. The real test is yet to come. Although it's clear he has all the tools to be a difference maker in the NFL, how quickly he can emerge as a rookie alongside Gates is of the utmost importance.
Head Coach Mike McCoy alluded to Henry's significance that afternoon when he explained the tight end would be pushed along "faster" than some of the other rookies.
"It's critical for everybody really, and the whole entire group of guys, but we're going to push certain guys along faster than others," he said at the time. "He's going to be one of those guys that will get in there early and start playing. We're not going to hesitate to put him in there. He's going to make some mistakes, and we'll live with that for a while. But as you saw today in practice, he's a very talented player. There's a reason why we picked him where we did. He's going to help us win. I think Philip (Rivers) is going to love him."
