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Every Surprise Los Angeles Chargers Standout From Preseason
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- Every Surprise Los Angeles Chargers Standout From Preseason
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Preseason is where unexpected names start to make some noise. For the Los Angeles Chargers , this year was no different. While the spotlight usually lands on the suspected stars or highly anticipated rookies, several players have turned heads . Making it a point to show the coaching staff that they belong on the roster.
From first year athletes, to guys still trying to make their name known, here is every surprise standout from the Chargers preseason .
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Branson Taylor
Branson Taylor has quietly turned himself into one of the more intriguing stories of Chargers training camp. After barely making an impact as a rookie, the second-year offensive lineman has looked like a completely different player this offseason, earning first-team reps at both left guard and left tackle and consistently putting himself in the middle of the competition.
This type of camp is not going unnoticed either, as the coaching staff has complimented his game several times. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stated "It's been an incredible offseason...It's carried into training camp," via Chargers.com . This is the best endorsement you can get as a young guy trying to create some buzz.
DJ Uiagalelei
The second-year quarterback was not supposed to make this competition for the backup spot so close. Uiagalelei has been solid throughout camp and continues to be consistent. He has had some ups and downs for sure, but has lots of upside.
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Entering the offseason, Uiagalelei was a quiet name. With a touchdown in each game, DJ has been able to command the field well. The improvement compared to last is clear, so with more positive performances he should keep making noise. The battle is very close, and only time will tell who will ultimately win.
Avery Smith
Avery Smith has been one of the biggest surprises of Chargers training camp. The undrafted rookie cornerback has consistently made plays throughout camp, including two pass breakups on Day 4 before becoming one of the defensive standouts again on Day 5
For an undrafted player competing for one of the final spots in a crowded secondary, Smith has done exactly what he needed to do: make it increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to overlook him
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Junior Colson
This one should make most fans happy, as the former third-round pick is finally living up to his potential. While having 2 seasons of bad circumstances, Colson has emerged as a legit linebacker who could potentially land a meaningful roster spot. The room is full of talent, yet he has plenty of opportunity to make something great happen.
Junior Colson notably flashed against the 49ers, where he recorded the Chargers' first touchdown with a pick-six. It was a splash play that gave the team some momentum. Colson had vision and the athleticism that I have not yet seen from him. The preseason has gone very well for him, and should continue in the right direction
Travis Burke
Travis Burke has quietly turned himself into one of the more impressive young players in Chargers training camp. The fourth-round rookie has shown that his massive 6-foot-9 frame is more than just a physical trait, consistently competing in the trenches and making his presence felt against the Chargers' defensive front. On Day 14, the Chargers reported that Burke won all four of his one-on-one reps, via Chargers.com.
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What makes Burke's development even more encouraging is that he's already earning opportunities against NFL-caliber competition. The Chargers previously highlighted him as one of the standouts when the team first put the offensive linemen through full-padded practice.
Kyle Kennard
This one is fascinating as many saw him as an immediate successor to some of the veterans on the defensive line, but it did not go the way they expected. Some players need more development than others.
Kyle Kennard is one of those guys, flashing in the 2026 camp . He has been a frequent name on every camp recap, making countless plays when needed. As the defensive front continues to change, Kennard could possibly have a role if he keeps up the great preseason.
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Jacob Spomer
Recent circumstances have created real chances for this young center. Being underdrafted is already an uphill battle and does not get easier as time goes on. Jacob Spomer has created real buzz though, especially with Tyler Biadasz officially on injured reserve.
Spomer displayed pretty good pass blocking for both quarterbacks in last week's matchup with San Francisco The need for a backup center has suddenly become a topic that needs to be addressed, but it might be solved quicker than anticipated.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/chargers/onsi as Every Surprise Los Angeles Chargers Standout From Preseason .
