Three important decisions the Chargers must make before regular season

The Chargers hired new head coach Jim Harbaugh after going 5-12 in 2023. The coaching change may spark a turnaround, but Los Angeles still has some unanswered roster questions.

With that in mind, here are three important decisions the Chargers must make before the regular season.

Who is the No. 1 wide receiver?

In March, the Chargers dealt six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears to save cap space. They also released fellow wideout Mike Williams, a former first-round pick.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chargers took Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick to potentially succeed Allen or Williams. However, he only logged 38 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdown catches in 17 games last season, and he's struggling to climb the depth chart. Joe Reedy of the Associated Press reported most of his snaps in camp have been with the second team.

Could rookie WR Ladd McConkey emerge as the team's top target instead of veteran Joshua Palmer? On a Tuesday episode of The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast, Chase Daniel said , "McConkey is taking Keenan Allen's role in [quarterback] Justin Herbert's mind."

Who starts at right tackle?

Right tackle Trey Pipkins III was underwhelming after signing a three-year, $21.75M deal in 2023. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed a career-high 49 pressures in 17 games last season.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bolts took Notre Dame OT Joe Alt (pick No. 5) as potential competition for Pipkins. Alt is already making a strong impression in camp. The Athletic's Daniel Popper reported the 21-year-old held his own in one-on-one drills vs. star edge-rusher Joey Bosa on Monday.

Following practice, Harbaugh told the media , "[Alt] acquitted himself well."

Perhaps Pipkins will switch positions. Popper noted he took snaps at left tackle while former Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater dealt with an undisclosed injury. When Slater was on the field, Pipkins lined up at right guard.

Is cornerback Kristian Fulton a viable starter?

The Bolts signed Fulton to a one-year, $3.125M deal in free agency. Thus far, the 25-year-old defensive back appears to be a steal.

It seems Fulton is taking over the outside starting corner role opposite of Asante Samuel Jr. Popper shared he led the team in passes defended (three) in 11-on-11 drills during Wednesday's practice, and the team finished with 11 forced incompletions.

PFF gave Fulton a career-low 46.9 coverage grade in 12 games with the Tennessee Titans last season. He's determined to rebound in 2024.

"I just want to prove that I'm a top corner in this league," he told reporters Monday.

The Chargers need Fulton to keep improving to bolster a shaky secondary. Last season, they ranked 30th in the league in passing yards allowed (249.8).