Three Chargers the 49ers must slow down this week

We look at three offensive players that are trying to put their own footprint on the Chargers offense.

As we prepare for the joint practices between the Niners and Los Angeles Charges, we look at three players that San Francisco fans should look out for. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley announced that a few key offensive starters would not play any preseason games.

Niner fans should still be prepared to hear the names of Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler during the joint practices. But, like San Francisco, the Chargers are also trying to shape out who will win the WR3 role.

I look at three Chargers looking to make a name on offense below.

Josh Palmer

Josh Palmer was selected 77th overall, and it was likely the result of having inconsistent quarterback play throughout his career at the University of Tennesee. Palmer has a decent Relative Atheltic Score, but his ability is not limited to his athleticism. He is a strong route runner that can also make plays down the field.

Palmer can win at all three levels. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi clearly wanted to get Palmer involved in his first preseason game against the Rams last weekend.

Palmer is not just a short and intermediate guy. You see the big-play ability in both clips above. First, he highpoints the ball to soar over the DB. Then he gets a step on the corner.

Above Palmer beats the ninth overall pick in Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. Palmer is a complete receiver that could have success in his rookie year.

Tyron Johnson

Tyron Johnson was mainly targeted as a deep threat in his rookie year last season. However, Johnson constantly shows he can get behind the defense on film and displays big catchability.

Johnson should look to win more at all three levels. You can not have any weaknesses in the NFL, and Johnson was primarily asked to do one thing last season. Towards the end of last year, he was asked to run more intermediate and short routes, which I’m sure has progressed in camp.

Niner defenders should look for Johnson to make more of an impact in the short and immediate levels while respecting his deep-threat ability.

Larry Rountree III

Last week, Larry Rountree III graded out as a top-five rookie as he helped seal the game against the Rams. Rountree joins a running back core that returns three players, who all saw action with injuries to Austin Ekeler last season.

Rountree shows the ability to make defenders miss. Luckily the 49ers linebacker group has little to no history in missing tackles. So expect Rountree to display his arsenal of moves to try to get the LB’s off track.

Rountree may not be a home run hitter, but he can definitely gash a defense. Jonas Griffith should look to increase his stock by making a big play on Rountree and the rest of the Charger’s runningbacks.

Outlook

San Franciso’s defensive backs will get plenty of good looks against the Charger’s receiving core. Anticipate all 49er defenders to take the ball away. These joint practices will give these players different looks that should prepare them for Sunday.

Josh Palmer looks to be the lead receiver for the WR3 role. If Tyron Johnson can consistently win at all levels, you can expect his role to be increased from deep threat to running more intermediate routes. Larry Rountree III has to separate himself from the other backs to get an increased role as well.