AFC Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers QB Justin Herbert said the team’s new offense is more complex than last year.

“The tough part is memorizing and learning it all,” Herbert said, via Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times. “That’s where it’s tough because you have to go in there and spend a lot of time watching film, practicing, repping it.”

However, Herbert likes the fact that the quarterback is more involved.

“That part I really enjoy,” Herbert said. 

Chiefs

The Chiefs traded up to select TE Noah Gray in the fifth round of the draft, and HC Andy Reid has heaped praise on the way Gray has performed in camp this offseason.

“He’s a smart kid and he works hard,” Reid said, via ChiefsWire.com. “You can see that. You can see that he’s a good route-runner. There’s more to that spot than just doing that, so we’ll see once he gets pads on, but he sure is willing to do whatever we’ve asked. And you get a sense that he’s quarterback-friendly so that always helps if you’re a receiver. If quarterbacks like throwing the ball to you, that’s a plus, and he’s presented himself that way so far.”

• NFL Media’s James Palmer says one of the lessons the Chiefs took away from their Super Bowl loss was the need for a third pass-catching weapon on offense to complement WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce, and if Gray hits the ground running, they could use more two-tight end sets for that. 
• Palmer adds the Chiefs like WR Mecole Hardman as a potential third-year breakout as the No. 2 receiver. They’re also exploring using their running backs more as receivers, especially 2020 first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire. 

Raiders

New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley spoke about the competition at cornerback, mentioning Nevin Lawson, Nate Hobbs and Amik Robertson.

“Right now there’s a lot that we put on that plate. At the nickel spot there’s a lot of guys that we rotate in there,” Bradley said, via RaidersWire.com. “Guys like [Nevin] Lawson has really jumped out. I think he’s a guy that has picked up really well on it. Amik [Robertson] has been playing in there. He’s done a nice job on the inside. The guy that’s probably really jumped out is [Nate] Hobbs; the kid from Illinois. I’ve been very impressed with him. He has a really good knowledge of the position. He has a learning curve and he’s really jumped out.”