Chargers LB Kyzir White gives glimpse of play-making potential in new defense

Kyzir White will benefit immensely from Brandon Staley’s defense.

Since being drafted in 2018, Chargers linebacker Kyzir White has been lost in the shuffle, whether that be due to injuries that hampered him in the early years of his professional career or playing in a limited role.

However, last year marked the first time White got a fair shot, starting in 10 games in which he amassed 77 tackles, four tackles for loss and three passes defensed.

Heading into the final year of his contract, White could experience his best season to date, with head coach Brandon Staley, who’s proven at getting the most out of his defenders, leading the charge.

At training camp, White has been putting on quite the show, especially on Friday. The 24-year old was stout against the pass and run, and that included a few passes defensed and a pick-6 on quarterback Easton Stick.

Having been a safety in college, White’s versatility will pay dividends, given the fact that Staley’s system revolves around players with multi-dimensional skillsets.

White has the ability to be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money), showing the prowess to cover tight ends and play the run at a high level.

“As you’re seeing the way the NFL game is now, you need guys that can run in the second level. So the way he plays, he can move like a safety, but he hits like a linebacker,” Staley said about White.

Thus far, White has been rotating with the first-team inside linebackers along with Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill.