The Chargers drafted Asante Samuel Jr. in the second-round, but that doesn’t mean the rookie will be without competition.
Entering Year 4, Brandon Facyson will be pushing Samuel for the starting boundary corner opposite Michael Davis when the team deploys a dime or nickel look, which is the majority of the time in Brandon Staley’s defense.
Through one day of practice, Facyson has the early advantage, as he was manning the outside with the first team when Chris Harris Jr. was in the slot.
This alignment mirrors the one all throughout minicamp and OTAs. Throughout the spring, the coaches had high praise for Facyson.
Up to this point in his career, Facyson has primarily been used as a reserve corner and primary special teamer, only making four starts in 44 games.
While his professional resume is limited, the coaching staff is appealed by Facyson’s athleticism, measurements and experience in a variety of techniques and coverages and in run support, and they believe his game can be maximized in the new system.
As for Samuel, he has only been a pro for a few months and he is still getting acclimated to the transition from the college level.
There are 16 practices and a three-game preseason slate left, so it’s anyone’s spot to win still. But in the early going, the staff appears to favoring Facyson’s potential in that role.