The Chargers enter 2024 training camp with some of the league's best at respective positions according to those around the NFL.
ESPN's senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler conducted the fifth edition of his positional rankings where he asks league executives, coaches and scouts to fill out the top 10 at each position.
His annual survey of those around the league give a glimpse of how the talent stacks up across the league heading into training camp and the new season.
And a pair of members of the Bolts offense made the list in Fowler's rankings.
Starting at quarterback, Justin Herbert continues to rank near the top coming in at No. 6 in the quarterback rankings.
Despite missing the final four games of last season, the Bolts franchise quarterback still stacks up among the NFL's best under center entering 2024 according to those around the league.
Fowler wrote:
"Big, strong, fast, powerful arm," an AFC personnel evaluator said. "Will stare down some targets and try to make some hero-type plays at times — holding the ball too long and throwing into tight windows — but he has everything you want. Touch, velocity, size, athletic ability."
Since he was drafted No. 6 overall in 2020, Herbert has more passing yards (17,223) and completions (1,613) through four seasons than any four-year opening stretch in league history. And when he had time in the pocket, Herbert was still deadly last season, despite a team clearly deflated and depleted.
The Chargers brand new practice facility in El Segundo features a 42-foot LED video board, state-of-the-art media center, two story team meeting room and a dining area highlighted by a Chargers themed pizza oven helmed by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
The Exterior of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
Chargers Walk of Fame at The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Monday, July 8, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Monday, July 8, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Monday, July 8, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Monday, July 8, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Cafeteria at The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The team auditorium of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The lobby of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Press Conference Room of The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Press Conference Room of The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Press Conference Room of The Bolt is photographed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Exterior of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
Weight Room of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Exterior of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Foyer of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Foyer of The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
Exterior at The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
Exterior at The Bolt is photographed on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in El Segundo, CA.
The Bolts offense might look a bit different compared to previous seasons entering training camp, but there is a lot of reason for excitement around what Herbert can do with it this season.
The Chargers wide receiver room was one of them, undergoing a change this offseason with an influx of young talent now in the mix.
And with the emphasis that has been placed on the offensive line and the run game under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, those around the league believe we could be in store for an even better version of Herbert in Year 5.
Fowler wrote:
"I think [head coach Jim] Harbaugh might finally unlock him, with more emphasis on the run to support him," said an NFL personnel director of Herbert. "Sure, he's got to play bigger in some big games. But he's going on, what, his fourth different coordinator? It's not always his fault they've struggled."
And then there's this: He's on the short list of best pure arm talents, possibly the best when you consider strength and the ability to reach all parts of the field.
Also ranking in the top 10 of his position was Rashawn Slater, who slotted in at No. 9 in Fowler’s rankings.
Slater picked up right where he left off in 2023 after missing most of the season prior.
The fourth-year offensive tackle started all 17 games for the Chargers last season and posted a career-high 84.7 pass-blocking grade in 2023 according to Pro Football Focus. It was good for fourth among tackles with at least 500 snaps.
When it comes to protecting the blindside, Slater continues to be as steady as they come in the NFL.
Fowler wrote:
Despite the Chargers' woes in 2024, Slater was a bright spot. He played 1,104 snaps at left tackle, tops among this group, and held up well with an 87.3 pass block win rate.
"He's just solid in every area — good speed, not huge but adequate size, very intelligent, doesn't have many lapses," an AFC executive said.
To read Fowler's full rankings, click here.
