COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers rookie Zion Johnson has an air of coolness not necessarily associated with offensive linebackers.
That mentality was already evident in training camp. Johnson’s continued progress has underpinned efforts to become the Chargers’ starting right back with a first-round pick.
“I would choose one thing, and I’m getting better every day,” Johnson said. “If I wanted to work on my hands, my footwork, do something in any particular game, I would choose that. I work on it every day. It helps me focus on how I track my performance there. How good I’m doing.”
After struggling with the ball last season, the Chargers tried to upgrade the interior of their offensive line by taking Johnson with the 17th overall pick in the draft. The Chargers averaged 107.9 yards rushing and 4.34 yards per push last season.
The initial payoff is promising. Johnson, a four-year college starter who excelled at Boston College after transferring from Davidson, played well with veteran center Cory Linsley and left back Matt Ferrer.
“You just feel the scrimmage line moving in the running game, you feel a really solid pocket in the passing game,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. Really satisfied.”
At 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds, Johnson has the physicality to dominate defenders at all times.
Johnson sometimes struggled with stunts and blitzes. No matter how strong or fast he is, Lombardi said, that’s a given for a rookie.
Offensive line coach Brendan Nugent believes Johnson’s willingness and desire to improve should help him overcome those issues in the short term.
“He’s trying to do exactly what you want, almost wrong at times,” Nugent said. “But you know, he’s strong and athletic. A lot of times, that gets him out of trouble. But he’s trying to improve his technique and everything else so it’s a little bit easier for him.”
It didn’t take long for Johnson to realize that success at this level required varying degrees of focus.
“You know, in college, sometimes you can get away with it. In the NFL, you have to always be detailed and specific about everything,” he said. “It’s a different adjustment, but I feel like I’m a bit proactive in the adjustment and I’m doing it well.”
To help close the gap, Johnson has been relying on Linsley and Feller to answer any football questions he may have about the program or approach.
When dealing with the mental part of the game, Johnson turned to second-year left tackle LaShawn Slater.
“He really talked to me a lot about game day, you know, the feeling, the emotions, the hype behind them,” Johnson said. “He’s another guy I like to talk to, and he helps me with little tips and Something that keeps me calm and focused on my work. He’s just a great resource. “
Despite expectations for Slater’s stellar rookie season, Johnson isn’t worried.
“I don’t feel the pressure,” he said. “There may be some, but at the end of the day, I just play games with my teammates.”
Note: S Derwin James continues to “hold on” as he seeks to renew. He again limited his involvement in practice to stretching and conditioning on Saturday. James is entering the fifth and final season of his rookie contract after being selected with the 17th overall pick in 2018. So far, he has not had an individual or team period during training camp. … TE Donald Parham Jr. left practice early after suffering a left leg injury.
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