The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to improve their special teams unit this offseason.
The majority of the attention is shifted to who the Chargers will draft on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but the special teams unit is just as important, especially for a team that finished dead last in the league last season.
With that being said, let’s take a look at a few prospects that I believe general manager Tom Telesco would like to add who could benefit new special teams coordinator Derius Swinton’s group.
Avery Williams, CB, Boise State
The Chargers are already confirmed to have met with Williams. Named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year and a first-teamer for the conference in 2019, Williams amassed nine career touchdowns off returns and 1,990 career return yards. Along with his outstanding return numbers, Williams was incredible on the other side of the ball, finishing with three blocked punts, a blocked field goal, a blocked point after attempt and a forced fumble on a kickoff. Williams could make an impact both returning and in coverage.
Tre Brown, CB, Oklahoma
Starting 33 out of 51 games, Brown made his impact as the Sooners’ outside cornerback. In four seasons, he posted 141 tackles, 31 passes defensed, 8.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. On top of that, he shined as the teams’ kick returner, where he returned 55 kicks for 1,207 yards (21.9 yards per return). Despite having a shorter stature, Brown is an excellent athlete who possesses speed, explosiveness and quickness. With the Chargers, Brown could be a versatile corner who plays both inside or outside. His special teams experience would serve him well in a variety of roles whether it’s as a returner, gunner or jammer.
Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Rochell had 10 interceptions and 38 passes defensed over the course of his collegiate career. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 198 pounds, Rochell boasts elite athletic traits, having reportedly posted a 4.38 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, 140-inch broad jump, 3.98 short shuttle, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman. Rochell checks a lot of boxes: speed, ball skills, length, fluid mirroring skills, and toughness against the run. With Los Angeles, he has the versatility to play inside or out. His speed and physical traits could go a long way on special teams.
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
St-Juste, a transfer from Michigan to Minnesota, didn’t necessarily fill up the stat sheet. Over 18 games played between the two schools, he only logged 62 total tackles, 11 passes defensed with zero interceptions. However, the numbers don’t necessarily replicate his actual impact on the field. Hailing at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds with over an 80-inch wingspan, St-Juste uses his length and strength to his advantage to jam receivers at line of scrimmage and at the catch point to disrupt throwing lanes. With L.A., St-Juste could be a versatile defensive back who plays on the outside and some safety. His deep speed, length and strength would carry over well as a gunner or jammer.
Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
In his Gamecock career, Smith appeared in 42 games, posting 171 receptions for 2,176 yards and 13 scores. Smith is a crafty route runner who has the speed, quickness, and yards after the catch ability. Those traits translated well as a kick returner, where he finished with 448 yards on 21 returns (21.3 YPR). With the Bolts, Smith could be a backup slot receiver. But he would make the majority of his money as a returner and in coverage.
Racey McMath, WR, LSU
LSU has done a fine job of dishing out phenomenal wide receivers that have gone on to play in the NFL. While McMath might not be on the level as some of the others, he has the ability to his presence known as a key special teamer at the next level. He completed his career with only 33 receptions for 522 yards and four touchdowns. However, he finished with a whopping 507 special teams snaps. The 6-foot-2 and 225 pounder has the rare combination of size and speed (4.40 40). His speed and toughness should allow him to contribute as a gunner or returner on special teams for Los Angeles.
