Training camp is officially underway.
The majority of the talks have been of the big-name players. But there are some members that aren’t getting enough attention that should, as they could carve up a role on the team when all is said and done.
Here are three under-the-radar Chargers to keep an eye on at training camp:
S Alohi Gilman
The Chargers drafted Gilman in the sixth-round of this year’s draft. He led an Irish defense that finished No. 5 nationally in pass efficiency and No. 8 in yards per play allowed in 2019.
Los Angeles lost a few key special teamers this offseason, including Adrian Phillips and Derek Watt. Gilman should step in as a special teams ace, but he could carve up a larger role than just that.
With Phillips gone to the Patriots, Gilman will be in contention not only for the backup strong safety spot to Derwin James, but for the team’s dimebacker – the sixth defensive back in dime packages.
Gilman plays with the read-react skills, toughness and swagger required to thrive at the position. His play has been highly praised by coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco.
“He’s super smart, tough and he hits,” Telesco said. “Those are some traits that are good to have in the secondary. We think between safety and some special teams, he has a real chance here.”
If the former Notre Dame product shows out in camp, expect to see him on the field in his rookie season.
WR Jalen Guyton
One of the most heated positional battles will be for the third wide receiver, behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Just a week ago, Andre Patton was the front-runner to win the job. But in a surprising manner, he was among the six players released in order to get the roster to 80 players before the deadline.
Rookies Joe Reed and K.J. Hill have since then stole the spotlight. But Guyton deserves fan’s attention.
Coach Anthony Lynn was asked the one trait that the coaching staff is looking for, and he highlighted “speed.” Guyton, the 6-foot-1 and 202 pound receiver ran a 4.35 40 at his college Pro Day.
Guyton, the former North Texas product, has the top-end speed, seperation skills and tracking skills to be a reliable target, similar to former Charger and current Raiders WR Tyrell Williams.
TE Donald Parham
The Chargers signed Parham, the former XFL tight end, to a two-year deal earlier this offseason.
Parham, the 6-foot-8 and 247 pounder enjoyed a productive collegiate career at Stetson, finishing with 180 receptions for 2,591 yards (14.4 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns.
Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Parham joined the Lions and Redskins before being released. He caught the attention of the Dallas Renagades, where he went on to post 24 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns in five games.
Parham joins a tight end room that features Hunter Henry, Virgil Green and Stephen Anderson. With the unit not being flooded with star-studded talent aside from Henry, Parham’s intriguing skillset could earn him a role this upcoming season.
Parham, the former basketball players wins with his catch radius and length, flashing his seven-foot wingspan. He dominates at the catch point and shows the straight-line speed to attack the seam and make plays down the field and in the red zone.
With the Chargers, Parham allows them to run plenty of 12 personnel with him and Henry. His freakish size and speed makes him a mismatch weapon as a hybrid slot where he could flourish down the seam and in the red zone.
Whether it’s Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert under center, both signal-callers enjoy distributing the wealth to their tight ends.
