RADIO
Charlie Kolar a Player on the Rise
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar was one of the first players the team added in free agency, and while his biggest strength has always come as a blocker, he has a chance to thrive in a Mike McDaniel offense projected to see a lot of multiple-tight-end sets. NFL Daily Podcast's Gregg Rosenthal visited Chargers camp on Wednesday and made note of Kolar's heavy usage, adding that the team's unique personnel allows McDaniel to run just about anything he can think of. Kolar was listed as a co-starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart, along with David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden, and it should come as no surprise if all three regularly find the field at the same time and contribute in the passing game, creating a fantasy floor for all, but a much murkier upside case. Kolar is not a player who needs to be drafted in 2026 lineup leagues, but could at least warrant a late-round dart throw in deeper best ball formats.
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Ladd McConkey's Bounce-Back Case Is Getting Stronger
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a weird second season. After 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, he slipped to 66-789-6 in 2025 and never caught more than four passes in any of his final eight games. There is a pretty good reason to buy back in now. McConkey is full go after dealing with a hamstring strain during the offseason, and Mike McDaniel's offense looks like a much cleaner fit for him. The Chargers have been stressing quicker throws, motion and getting the ball into space, which should give McConkey chances to do what he does best. Justin Herbert has kept connecting with him in camp, including a long completion during Tuesday's one-on-one work. The room is not empty. Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are both involved, and Los Angeles also has a deep tight end group with Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. That makes a huge target jump tough to assume. But McConkey is healthy, the scheme suits him, and RotoBaller has him at WR17 in half-PPR. After last year's letdown, there is a pretty believable path back to WR2 production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quentin Johnston Has Room to Grow Beyond the Big Plays
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has scored eight touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, but offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel may give him more ways to produce in 2026. Johnston caught 51 of 84 targets for 735 yards in 14 games last year, and Los Angeles picked up his fifth-year option this spring. He has spent much of his NFL career doing damage downfield and around the end zone. McDaniel's offense could bring back another part of his game. Johnston has talked about getting more chances to create after the catch, something he did extremely well at TCU, and the early work with Justin Herbert has been encouraging. Ladd McConkey remains the safest bet to lead this receiving corps, while Tre' Harris and a deeper tight end room will keep Johnston from simply inheriting a huge target total. His 96.3 ADP reflects that uncertainty, with RotoBaller ranking him WR44 in half-PPR. Johnston doesn't need another eight touchdowns to pay off if McDaniel can get the ball into his hands in a few more ways.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Dicker an Elite Option at Kicker in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers place kicker Cameron Dicker enters the 2026 season as an elite option at the position. Dicker converted 38 of 41 field goal attempts in 2025 and added 34 extra points. He finished as the fourth-best kicker in fantasy last season and could build on that as the offense is set to improve under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers ranked 20th in 2025, down from 11th in 2024, when Dicker ranked third among kickers. With their offensive line revamped and healthy, and quarterback Justin Herbert eyeing a big season, the offense should move up and down the field, which is good news for "Dicker the Kicker." There's no doubt he is among the elite at the position and should be off the board with the best of the kickers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Herbert Growing More Comfortable in Chargers New Offense
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is growing comfortable in his new offensive scheme, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert has improved his timing and has been sharp and accurate with his receivers. Herbert's fantasy value has declined over the past two seasons under Greg Roman, averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game, 2.4 points below his previous average from his first four seasons. If McDaniel's offense unlocks more passing volume than Roman's, Herbert could return to his old form as a consistent Top-5 quarterback. Fantasy managers should expect Herbert to rank as a mid-QB1 in 2026 drafts.
Source: Kris Rhim - ESPN
Source: Kris Rhim - ESPN
Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal All in Chargers' Weekly Plans
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel does not sound interested in choosing just one backup behind Omarion Hampton. According to Alex Insdorf, McDaniel said he plans to use Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal in every game. The team's first unofficial depth chart, released Sunday, still lists Hampton as the starter, with Mitchell or Vidal in the top backup spot. Hampton rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns in nine games as a rookie, while Vidal stepped in for 643 rushing yards and three scores. Mitchell brings a different element after averaging 5.8 yards per carry on 59 attempts for Baltimore last season. McDaniel's comment should not be read as a three-way split, but it does make the backfield a little less clean for fantasy. Hampton remains the clear lead option, while Mitchell and Vidal both have paths to weekly touches. That makes the backup picture worth watching rather than assuming one of them will simply disappear.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Oronde Gadsden Listed as Co-Starter on First Unofficial Depth Chart
The Los Angeles Chargers released their first unofficial depth chart on Sunday ahead of Thursday's preseason opener against the Texans, and tight end Oronde Gadsden is listed as a co-starter along with both Charlie Kolar and David Njoku. The "or" designation is used throughout the lineup, including at running back where both Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are listed in the primary backup spot, but with the highest statistical upside of the tight end group, fantasy managers are likely looking for more signs of encouragement surrounding Gadsden after he spent much of the early offseason as a popular breakout candidate. The second-year tight end was candid in recent remarks to the media about needing to improve as a blocker, and with Kolar and Njoku both excelling in that area, Gadsden could be hard-pressed to make consistent contributions in 2026, and he enters the year as RotoBaller's TE20.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Tre' Harris Viewed as a Top Contributor
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris could be headed towards a breakout campaign. According to Alex Insdorf, head coach John Harbaugh said on Saturday that Harris is viewed as one of their top guys, along with Ladd McConkey. If this is accurate, Harris could be in for a huge season in 2026. Last year, Harris finished with 30 receptions, 324 yards, and one touchdown during his rookie year with the Chargers. Right now, Harris should be slotted in as the third wideout behind McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Those two should be the favorites for targets, but it sounds like Harris isn't far behind them.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Chargers Won't Name Oronde Gadsden the Starter
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden was expected to be the starter heading into this season. According to Alex Insdorf, Gadsden might not have an easy path to the starting gig. On Saturday, Chargers head coach John Harbaugh said the team has four capable options at tight end, and refused to name a starter. The Chargers did bring in Charlie Kolar and David Njoku as competition for Gadsden. His role will likely be reduced with more capable bodies at the tight end spot now. Gadsden posted a strong rookie campaign and should remain an important part of the offense. Although it appears Harbaugh isn't ready to name anyone the starter quite yet.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Kimani Vidal Still a Factor in Chargers Crowded Running Back Room
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is competing for touches in a crowded backfield. Vidal had a career year in 2025, posting 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 total attempts, doing most of his work while both Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) were out. Now that former first-round pick Hampton is back and Keaton Mitchell has been added, Vidal is still fighting for his role in Los Angeles. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said the group of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal is "as deep and complementary a group that [he's] been around." Ranked RB73 by RotoBaller, Vidal is an option if Hampton or Mitchell were to struggle or miss time during the 2026 season.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Brenen Thompson Turning Heads at Training Camp
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson has made a strong start at training camp. Thompson has emerged as a standout story at camp, earning praise from coaches and teammates as he aims to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room. The fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft had an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season and showcased his speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. Under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has proven to value speed in his offense, Thompson has an opportunity to compete for targets in 2026. As a late-round option for fantasy drafts this season, the rookie receiver could be a playmaker in McDaniel's offense and contribute to fantasy seasons in 2026.
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Omarion Hampton Showing Major Growth in Year 2
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has made noticeable strides since the spring, according to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Speaking to Alex Insdorf, McDaniel said Hampton may have shown more growth than any player on the roster during the five-week break before camp. The next step is getting the 6-foot, 220-pound back to keep his feet moving and use his size against defenders who do not want to tackle him. A pair of ankle injuries limited Hampton to nine games as a rookie, but he still rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns while adding 32 catches for 192 yards and another score. He enters Year 2 as the clear lead back in an offense expected to lean heavily on the run. RotoBaller ranks Hampton as the RB11, and McDaniel's comments only strengthen his case as a low-end RB1 with room for more.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Tre' Harris Has Matchup-Nightmare Potential
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris drew strong praise from offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who called him "absolutely starving to improve" and a potential "matchup nightmare," according to Alex Insdorf. McDaniel pointed to Harris' unusual combination of receiver speed and a physical playing style that rivals some tight ends. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Harris caught 30 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown as a rookie, but he showed more late in the year, producing 187 yards over the final six games. Harris still has to earn steady targets alongside Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, so the comments alone do not guarantee a second-year breakout. Still, his size, physicality, and late-season progress give McDaniel plenty to work with. Harris remains more of a deep-league sleeper than a dependable redraft starter, but his role is worth watching closely throughout the preseason.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Chargers Not Expected to Add Veteran Wide Receiver
The Los Angeles Chargers are not expected to add a veteran wide receiver at this stage of the offseason, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. That would leave Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris as the leading options in a young receiver room. McConkey led the team with 789 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns in 2025, while Johnston set career highs with 51 catches and 735 yards and led the Chargers with eight receiving scores. Harris added 30 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. General manager Joe Hortiz said in May that the door was not closed on another reunion with free agent Keenan Allen, who led Los Angeles with 81 catches last season, but Graziano's report suggests the team is prepared to move forward without another veteran addition. The news keeps the path open for Harris to earn more work behind McConkey and Johnston, though the Chargers could still change course if injuries or camp performance create a need.
Source: NFL Daily News
Source: NFL Daily News
Justin Herbert Exceeding Mike McDaniel's Expectations
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has impressed new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel even more than expected, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. McDaniel praised Herbert's rare combination of size, arm strength and field vision, saying the quarterback can play with anticipation and reach areas of the field that most passers cannot. He also called Herbert the team's hardest worker, which has helped the rest of the offense buy into the changes being installed. One of those adjustments has Herbert lining up with his left foot forward in the shotgun, allowing him to get the ball out sooner and better match his throws to the timing of the routes. Herbert completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 games last season, while adding a career-high 498 rushing yards. Positive summer reviews do not guarantee a jump in fantasy production, but the early fit between Herbert and McDaniel is encouraging.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
