Day 3 draft picks often go overlooked, but Chargers rookie safety Mark Webb is not to be slept on.
General manager Tom Telesco was featured in the team’s Instagram Q&A on Thursday, and one of the questions that was asked was who he believes was the steal in the later rounds of the draft.
While Telesco didn’t specifically label anyone a “steal,” he said that every single one of their selections from Rounds 4-7 had a potential starter grade and went on to highlight Webb.
“For a seventh-round pick to play for a college like Georgia, he was well-coached and play a lot of different roles in the secondary against great competition,” Telesco said.
“A seventh-round pick I know is hard for those guys to make the team, but we think he has some traits that can translate to what we do on defense, whether it’s outside at corner, nickel which he played a lot of or safety.
He really has safety size and safety tackling ability, and he really has the coverage ability that Brandon is looking for at the position. He really knows how to play the game well, and he’s a guy that can earn a role if he picks up the defense which I’m sure he will.”
Webb’s physical mentality and tackling ability make him a special teams ace from Day 1, but like I’ve said, don’t be surprised to see him make an impact on defense early on in his career.
His versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run will serve him well in the secondary, whether that be in the deep parts of the fields, as a dimebacker or lined up in the slot.
Plus, he should only enhance his game from the coaching that he will be receiving from head coach Brandon Staley, defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley.