Justin Herbert Has New Weapons. The Chargers Still Have One Big Question.

The Los Angeles Chargers head into training camp with a familiar buzz. Jim Harbaugh is in Year 2, Mike McDaniel is running the offense, and the roster looks better on paper than it has in years. But paper doesn’t win playoff games, and this team still hasn’t proven it can win one with Justin Herbert.

That’s the elephant in the room. Herbert is a Pro Bowl quarterback coming off another solid season. He’s got a new offensive coordinator who turned the Dolphins into a speed machine. He’s got David Njoku at tight end and a deep group of receivers. But until Herbert gets that first postseason win, the ceiling on this whole operation stays unclear.

Let’s break down every position group and rate where the Chargers stand right now.

Quarterback: 9

Herbert is the real deal. The only knock on him is the playoff record, which is 0-1. Trey Lance knows McDaniel’s system from San Francisco and gives them a capable backup. DJ Uiagalelei is a local kid who has shown flashes. This is an elite room built around an elite starter.

Running Back: 6

Omarion Hampton averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie despite dealing with injuries. Harbaugh and McDaniel want to run the ball, and veteran fullback Alec Ingold was brought in to pave the way. Kimani Vidal looked better in Year 2, and Keaton Mitchell adds some speed after averaging 5.8 a carry in Baltimore. Still, nobody here has hit 1,000 yards in a season. That has to change.

Tight End: 8

David Njoku changes everything. He’s the best tight end the Chargers have had since Antonio Gates. Oronde Gadsen returns after catching 49 passes last season. Charlie Kolar brings experience from Baltimore. This unit can create matchup problems in 12 personnel sets that McDaniel loves to use.

Wide Receiver: 9

This is the deepest group on offense. Ladd McConkey had a quiet second season but now plays in a system that made Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stars. Quentin Johnston shook off the bust label with eight touchdowns over the last two years. Tre Harris caught 30 balls as a rookie and should get more targets. Even with Keenan Allen still unsigned, this room is loaded.

Offensive Line

Tackles: 7

Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are a dominant pair when healthy. But they haven’t always been healthy, and the offense struggles when one of them sits. The addition of 6-foot-8 Isaiah World gives them an intriguing depth piece.

Guards: 7

Cole Strange comes over to learn McDaniel’s blocking scheme. Ben Cleveland was another ex-Raven addition. This group is in transition but has potential.

Center: 7

Tyler Biadasz is a run-blocking specialist, which fits exactly what Harbaugh and McDaniel want to do. Josh Kaltenberger is competing for the backup job.

Edge Rusher: 9

Tuli Tuipulotu has become a star. The former USC standout keeps getting better, and now he’s paired with rookie Akheem Mesidor on the other side. Bud Dupree might be fighting for a roster spot with Mesidor in the mix. This is the strength of the defense.

Defensive Tackle: 8

Teair Tart doesn’t get the headlines, but he’s a force in the middle. Justin Eboigbe had seven tackles for loss last season and looks like a steal. Jamaree Caldwell added five more. This interior group doesn’t get enough credit.

Linebacker: 7

Daiyan Henley has posted back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and is becoming a star. Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye are veteran depth. Emany Johnson converted from safety to linebacker and adds versatility.

Safety: 8

Derwin James is still Derwin James. He can blitz, cover, and hit like nobody else. Tony Jefferson had four interceptions and seven pass breakups last season, making him an underrated partner. Kendall Williamson gets a shot at the third safety spot with Alohi Gilman gone to Kansas City.

Cornerback: 9

Donte Jackson has nine interceptions over the last two seasons. Elijah Molden can play inside or outside and is the most versatile corner on the roster. Tarheeb Still has four picks in his career and plays with confidence. Cam Hart swatted 11 passes last season. This is a deep, ball-hawking group.

Specialists: 6

Cameron Dicker made the Pro Bowl last season. Josh Harris averages over 41 yards per punt. Derius Davis is a threat on returns. But the coverage units have been a problem, and that drags the grade down.

The Chargers have the talent to compete in the AFC. Herbert has the weapons, the line is solid when healthy, and the defense has playmakers at every level. But until they win in January, none of these ratings mean much.