Chargers rookie receivers making less than ideal first impression at OTAs

After years of instability at wide receiver, the Los Angeles Chargers made it a focus this offseason to ensure that the position gets stabilized for their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

In the offseason, the Chargers allowed Joshua Palmer to leave and join the Buffalo Bills. They added Mike Williams in free agency to join Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. During the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Tre Harris in the second round and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fifth round.

The Chargers hope to strike gold a second time after McConkey was the steal of the NFL Draft last year with Harris and Lambert-Smith. It might be too early to judge them, but the rookies are not exactly off to the fastest starts in LA.

What is causing the slow start for Harris and Lambert-Smith at OTAs

The Athletic's Chargers reporter Daniel Popper shared his observations of Week 2 of OTAs for the team. One section of his observations was about Chargers wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal sharing details on the plan for Harris and Lambert-Smith to get ready for their first seasons. Lal revealed that the two are not as far along as some might think.

“They’re behind physically,” Lal said via Popper. “They’ve been on the banquet circuit.”

“Their fitness is not like our other guys."

Popper added that Harris and Lambert-Smith were involved in trips and visits as part of the pre-draft process for the NFL. Lambert-Smith was not on the field for OTAs on Tuesday, and Harris only made one catch from Herbert in each of the OTA workouts the media have attended.

Harris was a second-team All-American at Ole Miss after making 60 receptions for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Lambert-Smith made the second-team All-SEC team at Auburn, racking up 50 catches for 981 yards and eight touchdowns.

Both guys provide what Palmer had last year and that's speed. Lambert-Smith is more with his quick feet, but Harris can use his speed down the field to burn any corner in the NFL.

Just because either guy hasn't exactly splashed at OTAs doesn't mean that they are doomed to be busts. Harris has shown potential, highlighted by some flashy moments. They both are just a bit behind in being in the shape they need to be for a long NFL season.

Patience will be key as the two can still be great players. Will the Chargers show the same patience?