The Chargers drafted Joe Reed and K.J. Hill to add more pieces to the wide receiver room. But the team is hopeful that the two can help a special teams unit that has been underwhelming for consecutive seasons now.
Special teams coordinator George Stewart had high praise for Reed, the fifth-round pick, hoping that he could be a great kick returner for the Bolts down the road.
Stewart said Reed is a strong returner with great vision, along with highlighting his size. “My goodness he’s a big return man,” Stewart said.
Reed holds school records at Virginia for career kick return yardage (3,042) and kick return touchdowns (five). Last season, he was named an All-American kick returner.
"Joe Reed is dangerous and Joe Reed is GONE"
ENOUGH SAID. 😤#GoHoos (@UVAFootball) pic.twitter.com/b1EyFNNNDZ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) November 10, 2018
Along with his role at wide receiver and on special teams, Reed also started working with the running backs on Monday.
The Chargers will be moving Reed all over the offensive formation.
Meanwhile, Hill, the team’s seventh-round pick, is looking to earn some playing time in the slot. But he could also find his way as the main punt returner.
“His smarts and his initial quickness. He’s fast enough to be very, very productive in our league, but the thing is he’s a strong runner, he’s very intelligent and he’s very quick,” Stewart said.
Hill had experience as a punt returner at Ohio State. He finished his collegiate career as the Buckeyes’ all-time leader in catches (201), breaking David Boston’s 21-year old record.
Reed and Hill will be battling for the return jobs with Darius Jennings – who was signed this offseason – cornerback Desmond King and Tyron Johnson.