The Los Angeles Chargers were in need of finding a difference-maker at the free safety position to pair with strong safety Derwin James heading into the 2019 regular season.
The team took defensive tackle Jerry Tillery in the first-round of the draft, and a round later they were able to snag Nasir Adderley – a player who was viewed as a first rounder throughout the pre-draft process.
The former Delaware product had high expectations heading into the summer, but he was derailed by a lingering hamstring issue that had been ongoing even before he was selected.
Adderley’s injury forced him to miss mandatory minicamp and most of training camp. He made his NFL debut in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, where he recorded an interception, giving fans a glimpse of the talented safety.
Unfortunately, that was the only positive showing in his first year. The hamstring continued to be an issue, which forced the team to place him on the injured reserve.
Adderley only played 10 defensive snaps in four regular season games.
With a full offseason to get back to full health, everyone is hopeful that he can make an impact next season – which is why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pegged listed him as a potential breakout player in 2020.
The Los Angeles Chargers scooped up former Delaware safety Nasir Adderley in the second round of last year’s draft. A versatile defensive back, Adderley was supposed to partner with second-year man Derwin James to give the Chargers two young playmakers in their secondary. But a hamstring injury limited Adderley to just four games.
“It wasn’t the rookie year I was expecting. I was hoping to make a big impact,” Adderley said, per Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register.
If healthy, Adderley should have the opportunity to claim the starting job from Rayshawn Jenkins, who will be a free agent after the 2020 season. In the meantime, Adderley’s versatility and ball skills should earn him opportunities in sub-packages and at cornerback.
With opposing quarterbacks looking to avoid players such as James and Casey Hayward Jr., Adderley’s ball skills could lead to breakout production in next season.
Even if Adderley is healthy, being penciled in as the starting free safety is not a given. Rayshawn Jenkins, who started at the position all season, was promising in the role. Jenkins is under contract through the 2020 season.
Luckily, Adderley does offer some versatility as he played cornerback in college before moving to the free safety position.
If the Chargers wish to keep Jenkins as the starter, Adderley could resort back to playing corner since he is strong in zone coverage, where he can use his route anticipation and ball skills to flourish.
Adderley will likely be a full participant when offseason workouts begin in April. This will be a big season for the second-year safety, who is hopeful to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.