The Chargers had the expectations that they were going to have a dynamic safety tandem with Derwin James and Nasir Adderley, whom they drafted in the second-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles caught glimpses of it a little bit during the preseason, but it was short lived after Adderley was unable to stay on the field due to a lingering hamstring issue.
After having the rest of the 2019 season and the entire offseason to get back to full health, Adderley has the opportunity to live up to the hype in 2020.
James, the former All-Pro safety, sees Adderley as completely healthy, and he believes he is poised for a strong sophomore season based on what he is seeing in training camp so far.
James said Adderley is “finally healthy” and “looks fast, explosive” in workouts, despite the fact the Chargers won’t practice in pads for the first time until next week.
It might be more of an uphill for Adderley to see the field at his natural position, the single-high role, with the emergence of Rayshawn Jenkins.
However, a systematical change might make it easier than anticipated.
The Chargers are expected to show more two-deep looks and man coverage and less Cover 3. This will mean that both Adderley and Jenkins would be on the field.
Adderley will also get a look as the team’s dime linebacker, and even possibly cornerback. Los Angeles is confident that Adderley has the physicality and versatility to play the positions.
If Adderley can stay healthy and is able to find his way onto the field, his ball skills could lead to breakout production this upcoming season.