The Chargers have made progress toward their goal of competing seriously in 2023 during the offseason, and one member of their secondary earned high praise from head coach Brandon Staley after practice on Tuesday.
He said J.T. Woods looks like he may take a big step forward in his second year. Staley seemed particularly excited to see what he might be able to do when the team begins preparing for the new season in earnest during training camp.
We’re going to find out a lot more about him when the pads come on. He’s had a good offseason. He’s working hard. He has definitely improved his body. He has become the professional that we expected him to be. But we’re going to find out a lot more during training camp. But, we love working with him, for sure.
Woods was taken with the idea of playing him as the deep safety to allow Derwin James to move all over the field. But that never came to fruition as Woods struggled as a tackler and was a non-factor defensively in his limited snaps.
The Chargers are hopeful that Woods’ play will improve and that he can become the starter. But he must beat out Alohi Gilman, who played well in 2022.