San Diego Chargers: Early Rookie Progress Reports

The San Diego Chargers opened OTAs on Tuesday, joining rookies and veterans as one at Chargers Park.

All five of the Chargers' draft picks were in attendance along with the undrafted free agents they signed to come in and compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. The buzz so far on this year's class has been fairly positive, with a handful of rookies already beginning to stand out.

Here are five first-year players already generating some buzz in their first month, based on what coaches, teammates and the media have said.

Melvin Gordon

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

As Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported during the Chargers' three-day rookie minicamp, Gordon was "impressive as can be" during drills, even catching the attention of head coach Mike McCoy. He said:

"He did a nice job. We weren't really going full speed out there, just really an introduction to make sure everyone's got a hat on hat and guys are running to the right spot. But he makes a few of those moves and cuts, you understand why we took him where we did."

And while Gordon still has much to learn after the first day of OTAs, an almost giddy Philip Rivers was pleased with the progress made so far by the first-round pick, telling reporters during a press conference on Chargers.com:

"I saw a few clips from rookie minicamp, and you see spurts here and there of what you’ve seen on film and on Saturday evenings. He’s done a good job so far. He’s still learning, and there is a lot to learn, but he’s fit right in."

Rivers heaped even more praise on the rookie running back when he compared him to four-time Pro Bowler Jamaal Charles, adding "Jamaal is probably a little faster but Melvin is bigger."

Denzel Perryman

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

San Diego's newly-acquired enforcer at inside linebacker has been given extra motivation to stick it to his hometown team—the Miami Dolphins. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Gehlken, the Dolphins had expressed interest in drafting Perryman, a Miami native, but he was shipped to the West coast instead.

As Perryman noted: "I can't wait to play the Dolphins. December 20. I've already got it circled on my schedule...it's on and popping."

As far as Perryman's progress is concerned, it seems to be going well early on during OTAs. Manti Te'o highlighted the rookie's ability to learn quickly during an interview with Marty Caswell of The Mighty 1090 AM. 

Craig Mager

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Mager, San Diego's intriguing third-round pick, saw reps at left cornerback during rookie minicamp, per Eric Williams of ESPN.com. However, his position is unknown now that veterans have been integrated into the picture during OTAs.

Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett are the projected starters at left and right cornerback next season, with the possibility of Mager challenging at slot cornerback. But for now, the Texas State product is doing whatever is asked of him, including work on special teams.

As Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune pointed out, the Chargers are in need of a second gunner to replace Seyi Ajirotutu, and Mager may be the man for the job.

Kyle Emanuel

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

ESPN.com's Williams believes Emanuel "has a chance to earn playing time as a rookie" considering the depth at edge-rusher on San Diego's roster. Gone are veterans Jarret Johnson and Dwight Freeney, and of the four non-rookies at outside linebacker, the average experience is less than two years.

Williams noted that Emanuel looked the part during rookie minicamp, and early signs indicate the transition from defensive end to linebacker won't be a problem. Emanuel's greatest challenge, however, will be stepping out from under his small-school shadow.

Titus Davis

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Davis landed on Kevin Weidl's top-10 list of impact undrafted free agents on ESPN.com at No. 4. Here's what he had to say on the Central Michigan product:

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While Davis doesn't have great suddenness, he has good size, runs polished routes and has strong awareness, making him a nice fit with QB Philip Rivers, who throws with excellent anticipation and timing. Davis has a chance to push for playing time against Austin Pettis and free-agent signee Jacoby Jones, who is coming off a down year (9 receptions in 2014), behind starters Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd.

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Beyond Allen, the Chargers don't possess a ton of young talent at wideout, but Davis could be the start to that project.