5 Chargers Fighting for Roster Spots vs. Texans Tonight
Chargers Training Camp Standouts: Young Defenders Making Noise
Quick Summary: The Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp has revealed two exciting defensive players to watch: undrafted rookie cornerback Avery Smith and second-year edge rusher Kyle Kennard. Both are turning heads before the preseason games even begin!
Why This Matters
Training camp is like tryouts for the regular season. Coaches watch players practice every day to see who earns a spot on the final 53-man roster. When a coach says they’re "excited to watch" someone, that’s a big compliment — it means the player is doing things right when nobody’s keeping score yet.
1⃣ CB Avery Smith: The Undrafted Gem
Who Is He?
- Position: Cornerback (CB) — the player who covers wide receivers
- Background: Undrafted rookie from the University of Toledo
- Status: Wasn’t picked in the NFL Draft, but signed as a free agent afterward
What’s He Doing That’s Special?
| Achievement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Multiple passes defensed in first 12 days of camp | "Passes defensed" = breaking up throws meant for the other team |
| Interception early last week | Caught a pass thrown by the opposing quarterback — huge play! |
| Led Toledo in passes defensed every year as a starter | Consistency in college = good sign for NFL transition |
Coach’s Take
Defensive Coordinator Chris O’Leary: "I’m excited to go see them [Smith and fellow corner Rodney Shelley] challenge… We anticipate what guys can do, but we’re excited to see what they actually do when the lights come on."
Translation: "He looks great in practice — now let’s see him do it in a real game."
The Two Things Coaches Grade On
O’Leary explained exactly how he evaluates players:
-
Trust — Can you:
- Execute the defense correctly?
- Fit in the scheme (the team’s game plan)?
- Do your job consistently?
- Production — Are you around the football?
- Quarterback hits
- Pass breakups
- Any play that affects the game
Key Insight: Smith is checking both boxes — he knows the playbook (trust) and makes plays on the ball (production).
2⃣ OLB Kyle Kennard: The Second-Year Leap
Who Is He?
- Position: Outside Linebacker (OLB) / Edge Rusher — the player who chases the quarterback
- Background: 2025 4th-round draft pick (higher expectations than undrafted)
- Rookie Year: Only 80 defensive snaps across 5 games — barely played
What’s Different This Year?
| Then (Rookie) | Now (Year 2) |
|---|---|
| Limited action | "Consistently getting better" (O’Leary) |
| Flash plays only | Improved effort every snap |
| Raw pass rush | Developed moves + run game toolbox |
| Quiet | "Extra motivated, extra hungry" (teammate Tuli Tuipulotu) |
Recent Highlights
- Sunday practice: Won two 1-on-1 drills (pass rush vs. offensive tackle)
- Same practice: Made a run stop against the starting offense (the best players!)
- Teammate endorsement: Tuli Tuipulotu (starting edge rusher) says: "He’s having a great camp."
The Depth Chart Battle
The Chargers’ edge rusher room is stacked at the top:
- Khalil Mack — Superstar, future Hall of Famer
- Tuli Tuipulotu — Rising star, 2024 breakout
- Akheem Mesidor — 2026 draft pick, high upside
Kennard is fighting for: The 4th spot (or practice squad). Preseason games will decide!
ELI5: Football Terms Made Simple
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) | Player not picked in the draft, but signed afterward — long shot to make team |
| Passes Defensed | Knocking the ball down or catching it when thrown to your guy |
| Interception | Catching the other team’s pass — turnover! |
| 1-on-1 Drills | One offensive player vs. one defensive player — pure skill test |
| Snaps | Number of plays you’re on the field for |
| Preseason Games | Practice games that don’t count for standings — final audition for roster spots |
| Depth Chart | Ranking of players at each position (1st string, 2nd string, etc.) |
Important Points Callout
REMEMBER:
- Training camp ≠ regular season — pads come off, hits are limited, schemes are vanilla
- Undrafted players making noise is common in August — the real test is September
- Kennard’s rookie snaps (80) were very low — most 4th-rounders play more; this year is make-or-break
- Preseason games are the true evaluator — O’Leary said he’ll watch for "trust and production" in games
Summary: What to Watch Next
- Preseason Game 1 — Smith vs. opposing WRs; Kennard vs. opposing tackles
- Can Smith keep trusting the scheme while making plays?
- Can Kennard translate 1-on-1 wins to full-team speed?
- Roster math: Only ~5-6 CBs and 4-5 OLBs make the 53-man roster
- Both players embody "trust + production" — the exact formula O’Leary wants
FAQ
Q: What does "undrafted" mean exactly?
A: Every year, ~260 players are picked in the 7-round NFL Draft. Hundreds more aren’t picked but sign contracts as undrafted free agents (UDFAs). They start at the bottom of the depth chart. Making the roster is rare — but stars like Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, and Chargers’ own Austin Ekeler were UDFAs.
Q: Why only 80 snaps for a 4th-round pick?
A: The 2025 Chargers had Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Joey Bosa (injured but on roster) ahead of him. Rookie edge rushers often sit behind veterans. The team also may have wanted to redshirt him (develop slowly without pressure).
Q: What’s a "toolbox" in pass rush?
A: Pass rushers need multiple moves to beat blockers:
- Speed rush (run around)
- Bull rush (power through)
- Spin move (spin past)
- Swim/rip moves (arm techniques)
A "toolbox" means Kennard now has several reliable moves, not just one.
Q: How many cornerbacks usually make the team?
A: Typically 5-6. The Chargers already have established starters (likely Asante Samuel Jr. and Cam Hart), plus Rodney Shelley (2025 UDFA who flashed late last year). Smith is fighting for the 5th or 6th spot — or practice squad.
Q: When are the preseason games?
A: The NFL preseason is 3 games in August (exact dates vary by team). Check chargers.com for the schedule. These games are televised locally and on NFL+ — perfect for evaluating Smith and Kennard yourself!
Final Thought: Training camp stars don’t always become regular season stars — but Avery Smith and Kyle Kennard have earned the right to be watched closely. Their next test? Real game speed. And we’ll all be watching.