The Chargers have kicked off Organized Team Activities, otherwise known as OTAs.
The Bolts practiced for nearly two hours Monday at Hoag Performance Center in helmets and shorts.
OTAs mark the start of Phase Three in the voluntary offseason program. Phase Three consists of a maximum of 10 OTA practices where teams can run 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Live contact is not allowed.
Here are three observations from the Chargers first OTA practice:
1. Samuel leads way on defense
Don’t sleep on a big season from Asante Samuel, Jr.
The Chargers cornerback is entering his fourth season with the Bolts after being a 2021 second-round pick out of Florida State.
The 24-year-old got off to a noticeably strong start in OTAs by tallying an interception and multiple pass breakups in Monday’s session.
Samuel lined up with the first-team defense against the non-starting offense in team drills. He was targeted on the first play and nearly had a takeaway before getting an interception on the next play.
Samuel later added another pass breakup along the sideline and also nearly had another interception toward the end of practice.
Samuel’s big day highlighted multiple takeaways from the Chargers defense.
In addition to Samuel’s interception, cornerback Kristian Fulton also snagged one while safety AJ Finley came away with a pick on a tipped pass.
Linebacker Nick Niemann also forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Poona Ford for the unit’s fourth takeaway of the session.
While the Samuel and the defense shined, Justin Herbert’s group was solid throughout the day.
The biggest takeaway was Herbert’s ability to spread the ball around, as he connected with double-digit pass catchers Monday. Rookie Ladd McConkey showed off the quickness that made him a second-round pick as he hauled in multiple passes from Herbert.
While Monday brought plenty of excitement…
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