Chargers top 5 breakout season players in 2020: FS Nasir Adderley

The Los Angeles Chargers’ former second-round pick could experience a breakout season in 2020.

Every season, there are players who break out onto the scene who may not have been dominant the season before, whether they were a backup, dealt with an injury or just improved as a player in the offseason.

This is the second story in a 10-part series counting down the top 5 Chargers players who I believe are most likely to have a breakout season in 2020.

Part 1: RB Justin Jackson

Part 2: DT Jerry Tillery

Nasir Adderley, Los Angeles’ second-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, had high expectations heading into the summer, as many thought that he would make a nice tandem alongside safety Derwin James. But he was derailed by a lingering hamstring issue that had been ongoing even before he was drafted.

Adderley’s injury forced him to miss mandatory minicamp and most of training camp. He made his NFL debut in the preseason finale, where he recorded an interception, giving fans a glimpse of the ball hawk safety.

Unfortunately, his 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.

While Adderley was out of the action, Rayshawn Jenkins started at free safety all 16 games, playing the most snaps by any player. Since Jenkins played well and earned the trust of the coaching staff, it may seem like an uphill climb for Adderley earn snaps. But 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. Los Angeles is confident that Adderley has the physicality and versatility to play the position.

If Adderley can stay healthy and is able to find his way onto the field, his ball skills could lead to breakout production next season.