Brandon Facyson

Situating the Chargers secondary: Brandon Facyson sees field as starting outside cornerback

Brandon Facyson has the early advantage over Asante Samuel Jr.

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.

Chargers 2021 Training Camp Position Battles: Who will play opposite CB Michael Davis?

The Los Angeles Chargers have a battle for the other outside cornerback spot.

The Chargers have two of their starting corners set, with those being Michael Davis and Chris Harris Jr.

Davis will play on the outside, as will Harris but just in base packages, which is what head coach Brandon Staley doesn’t play all that often in.

Instead, Los Angeles will be playing in sub-packages; nickel (five DBs) and dime (six DBs) for the majority of their defensive snaps.

When the unit goes into those packages, Harris will slide into the slot, which means they need to establish who will then line up opposite Davis.

At training camp, it will be a competition between rookie Asante Samuel Jr. and Brandon Facyson.

Drafted in the second-round, Samuel posted 97 tackles, 29 passes defensed and four interceptions over 31 games at Florida State.

His quickness, instincts and ball skills are NFL-ready and he should be able to step into a role right off the bat, but he has to still earn his playing time.

Pushing him for the spot is Facyson, who was in an unfavorable situation in Gus Bradley’s defense. At minicamp and OTAs, the majority of his snaps came with the first-team.

Facyson has excellent athleticism, size and length and experience in a variety of techniques and coverage, which are traits Staley covets.

While he hasn’t been able to put it all together on the field, the coaches believe they can help Facyson unlock his potential in this new system.

Normally, the experience outweighs the youth, but Samuel was taken in Round 2 for a reason. I believe he wins the job, and he will have an expanded role, too.

Like how Staley used Troy Hill with the Rams, Samuel will be in a similar situation, playing inside and outside.

With the newfound coaching coupled with his natural talent, Samuel can be a dynamic piece in this secondary.

Projecting the Chargers’ cornerback depth chart in 2021

Identifying the cornerbacks that the Chargers will start the 2021 season with on the 53-man roster.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Wide Receiver

Edge Defender

Interior Defensive Line

Linebacker

Next up, I project what the cornerback room will look like heading into the 2021 season.

Michael Davis

After originally signing with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Davis steadily developed into a quality starter, with 2020 marking his best as a professional. He slowed some of the league’s top receivers and made a few big plays in critical situations en route to logging 64 tackles, 14 passes defensed and three interceptions, all of which were personal bests. Heading into the upcoming season, his versatility in coverage, length and athleticism make him a good fit near the boundary in head coach Brandon Staley’s defense. Only 26 years of age, Davis’ best football is still ahead of him

Chris Harris Jr.

Signed last offseason, Harris Jr. wasn’t as promising as prior years due to an injury that forced him to miss seven games and playing in a system that didn’t favor his skillset, only totaling 37 tackles, two passes defensed and an interception. In Staley’s defense, Harris will have more man coverage responsibilities, which is what he’s more comfortable with as opposed to heavy dosages of zone with former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley last season. He will be tasked with playing his natural position inside the slot on the outside and dimebacker.

Asante Samuel Jr.

Selected in the second round of this year’s draft, Samuel Jr. fell due to size concerns, but that never held him back at Florida State as he stymied top receivers on a weekly basis, where he posted 97 tackles, 29 passes defensed and four interceptions over 31 games. Now in the best situation possible playing for Staley, the coaching coupled with his natural talent could take his game to the next level. His quickness, instincts and ball skills should translate very well in this league. Like how Staley used Troy Hill with the Rams, Samuel Jr. will be in a similar situation, playing inside and outside.

Relegated to a reserve player since entering the league in 2018, Facyson was re-signed earlier this offseason because the new coaching staff liked what they saw from a small sample size and felt like he has the traits they covet at the position. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Facyson has excellent size and length and experience in a variety of techniques and coverage. While he hasn’t put it all together on the field, he has potential and it’s easy to believe that the coaches could help him unlock it.

Ryan Smith

Signed earlier this offseason after spending the past five seasons with the Buccaneers, Smith was brought in to aide in the special teams department, where he will aide in the coverage units. Last season, Smith appeared in all 16 regular-season games for the Buccaneers and played 78 percent of the special teams snaps (360). He also played at least 73 percent of the special teams snaps in each of the team’s four postseason games. In 2019, he led the team with a team-high seven stops on special teams.

Sleepers to watch at each position on defense in Chargers training camp

Identifying some under-the-radar defensive players who could generate some buzz at Chargers training camp.

Each year, there are a few players for the Chargers who fly under the radar who come to the forefront in training camp.

With that being said, let’s a look at some sleepers at each position on the defensive side of the ball you may want to keep an eye out on this summer.

IDL: Breiden Fehoko

Linval Joseph, Jerry Tillery, Justin Jones and Christian Covington are the presumed interior defensive linemen to make the 53-man roster. There is likely a fifth and final spot that will need to be filled, however. Last offseason, Fehoko was signed as an undrafted free agent out of LSU. Promoted from the practice squad, Fehoko was active for two games during the regular season. While he didn’t record any stats, he still showed flashes. Look for Fehoko to show off his strength and effort to make plays, as well as his infectious energy to be a highlight of camp.

EDGE: Kyler Fackrell

Starting edge defenders Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu have stolen the majority of the headlines. But Fackrell, who was signed earlier this offseason, could be a valuable rotational defender. Since entering the league in 2016, Fackrell has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields. He has 20.5 sacks in five seasons. Fackrell is tall, long, and flexible with athletic range, closing burst and competitiveness to make plays when rushing the passer and defending the run.

LB: Kyzir White

Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill are slated to start in head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, but White should still see the field quite a bit. Last season, White started in 10 games in which he amassed 77 tackles, four tackles for loss and three passes defensed. This season, White has the versatility to be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money). His skillset should allow him to cover tight ends and support the run, which is what he did well coming out of college.

CB: Brandon Facyson

Michael Davis, Chris Harris Jr. and Asante Samuel Jr. make up the starters, but Facyson is not to be forgotten. This spring, Facyson impressed the coaching staff, as he worked with the first team at outside corner when Harris Jr. would move in the slot. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Facyson is a long press-man coverage CB, which makes him an ideal scheme fit for Staley’s defense. Facyson is an unfinished product, but he has unlocked potential and it will be intriguing to see if he can put it all together under the new coaches.

S: Mark Webb

Drafted in the seventh-round, Webb’s physical mentality and tackling ability were highly coveted to serve as a key special teamer, but like I’ve said before, don’t be surprised to see him make an impact on defense early on in his career. His versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run will serve him well in the secondary, whether that be in the deep parts of the fields, as a dimebacker or lined up in the slot. Seeing how he’s utilized at camp is something I’m looking forward to.

Chargers CB Brandon Facyson impressed in spring practices

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and secondary coach Derrick Ansley had praise for cornerback Brandon Facyson.

The Chargers cornerbacks room features a trio of notables, with those being Michael Davis, Chris Harris Jr. and rookie Asante Samuel Jr.

However, Brandon Facyson is making his point that he is not to be forgotten.

At Wednesday’s media availability, head coach Brandon Staley said that Facyson is someone that caught his eye this spring.

In addition, secondary coach Derrick Ansley said that Facyson is a “high ceiling guy,” adding that the team has high expectations for him and hopes for him to be a contributor on the outside.

In practices, Facyson worked with the first team at outside corner when Harris Jr. would move in the slot.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Facyson is a long press-man coverage CB, which makes him an ideal scheme fit for Staley’s defense. While he hasn’t put it all together on the field, Facyson’s physical traits are worth working with.

If an injury was to occur to one of the starting corners this upcoming season, Facyson would likely be the next man up.

In three seasons, Facyson posted 60 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two tackles for loss and one pass deflected.

Familiarity with Chargers’ defensive backs aiding new secondary coach Derrick Ansley

The connections that Chargers secondary coach Derrick Ansley has with the defensive backs has helped with the transition.

Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley is tasked with working with a talented group of players heading into the 2021 season.

Luckily for him, familiarity with a few of the key players in the secondary has helped with the transition in his new role.

Before taking the job with the Chargers, Ansley had forms of connections to Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Brandon Facyson and Asante Samuel Jr.

At media availability, Ansley elaborated on the ties between him and those four.

“It’s been an easy transition,” Ansley mentioned. “Going back to when Derwin was a recruit coming out of Haines City, Fla. then going to Florida St., I had a chance to recruit him when I was at Alabama. Having Nas at the Senior Bowl, knowing Facyson from high school.

Just knowing all these guys, even Asante (Samuel Jr.) recruiting him out of St. Thomas, it just made transition a lot smoother. Not coming in here being the guy who doesn’t really know anybody. We kind of all knew of each other and that kind of helped us gel quickly.”

Prior to taking the job with Los Angeles, Ansley worked as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Tennessee. He has also coached for the Raiders, the University of Alabama, among other college programs.

State of the Chargers cornerback room after re-signing Michael Davis, Brandon Facyson

The Los Angeles Chargers still need to add another cornerback or two before the start of camp.

Outside of adding three offensive linemen through free agency, the other notable moves made by the Chargers were bringing back cornerbacks Michael Davis and Brandon Facyson.

Los Angeles let go of Casey Hayward prior to the start of free agency. Davis will fill in as one of the starters on the outside. Chris Harris, Jr. will mainly man the slot. Facyson is likely just a depth piece.

The team also has Tevaughn Campbell, Donte Vaughn and John Brannon on the roster, but they all don’t have the experience to be counted on as starters.

Therefore, even after re-signing Davis and Facyson, the positional group is not a finished product and they will need to add another player with the ability to start before entering training camp.

L.A. was in the mix for Kyle Fuller, but the Broncos signed him on Saturday. The Chargers could still elect to sign a veteran like Adoree Jackson, A.J. Bouye, Malcolm Butler, Richard Sherman, Bashaud Breeland, among others.

Los Angeles, however, could have their eyes on the draft to upgrade the position. If the team chooses to pass on a left tackle in the first-round, they could be locked in on Patrick Surtain, Caleb Farley or Jaycee Horn.

Let’s say L.A. gets their franchise blindside blocker with pick No. 13, all the attention turns to the second day of the draft. Guys like Asante Samuel, Jr., Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell, Aaron Robinson, Trill Williams, Ifeatu Melifonwu could be on their radar.

The bottom line is that with strong defensive back play being a necessity in head coach Brandon Staley’s system, the Chargers need to add at least two more cornerbacks before the end of the offseason to piece together a formidable group.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen added to injury report, questionable vs. Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers could be without their top skill player against the Las Vegas Raiders.

There’s a possibility that the Chargers could be without their top skill player against the Raiders on Sunday.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen was added to the injury report due to an illness and listed him as questionable on Saturday.

Allen has grown to be quarterback Justin Herbert’s favorite target, as he’s being targeted at least 10 times in all but one contest.

In seven games, Allen has 53 catches for 548 yards and three touchdowns.

If Allen isn’t able to go or if he’s held to limited snaps, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Joe Reed and K.J. Hill will be forced to step up. Luckily, Los Angeles will be facing a pass defense that ranks near the bottom in the NFL.

Along with Allen being added to the injury report, the team also placed cornerback Brandon Facyson on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Facyson missed Friday’s practice with what was considered an “illness.”

The Chargers will also likely be without their top defensive player, Joey Bosa, who is doubtful with a concussion.

Projecting the Chargers’ cornerback depth chart

The Los Angeles Chargers cornerback room is led by Casey Hayward and Chris Harris, Jr.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Today, we examine and project the cornerback room, which is one of the stronger units for Los Angeles heading into the 2020 season.

CB: Casey Hayward

Hayward piled together 32 tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions over the course of 16 games last season. His stats may not resemble high level of play, but quarterbacks have learned by now not to test Hayward. The 30-year old has been a key presence in the secondary, earning the highest coverage grade (93.1) among cornerbacks the past five seasons. Lining up across the league’s top wide receivers, “Showcase” has stymied nearly every single one. Heading into this season, he will remain the No. 1 cornerback on the outside.

Backup(s): Brandon Facyson, Quenton Meeks

Slot CB: Chris Harris, Jr.

According to NFL.com research, the Chargers allowed nine yards per slot target last season, which was the fifth-highest average in the league. They also ranked No. 30 in completion percentage to slot targets. Because of the lack of production, a change needed to be made which led to the signing of Harris earlier this offseason. Harris projects as the starting slot corner, overtaking Desmond King in that role. Harris is capable of playing on the outside along with some safety, but we can expect to see him primarily on the inside. For King, he is a bit of mystery now that he won’t be the starting slot corner after he experienced a rocky 2019 campaign. Expect him to play an interchangeable role with snaps coming in the slot and as a sub-package linebacker, along with special teams duties.

Backup(s): Desmond King

CB: Michael Davis

Davis earned the Week 1 starting job in 2019, but he was limited to 12 games after missing two of them due to an injury and the others to a suspension after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He’s appeared in 43 games over the course of the past three seasons with 21 of them being starts. Since then, he’s totaled 107 tackles, 18 passes defensed and two interceptions. Davis will be in competition for this spot with Brandon Facyson, who started here while the former BYU product missed some action. Facyson did show promise in coverage and as a tackler in his four starts. However, Davis is the model that Gus Bradley covets at the position and his experience in the role should ensure he retains his job. Quenton Meeks was mentioned as an underdog who could make the team as a depth piece.

Backup(s): Brandon Facyson, Quenton Meeks

Chargers CB Michael Davis suspended two games

The Chargers will be without cornerback Michael Davis for Weeks 13 and 14.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis has been suspended two games without pay for a violation of the substance abuse policy, the league announced Friday.

Davis took over the permanent starting role after the team released CB Trevor Williams on Oct. 7. In nine starts for the Chargers, Davis has amassed 27 tackles and an interception.

With Davis missing the next two contests, CB Brandon Facyson will get the start opposite of Casey Hayward. Facyson started in two games while Williams and Davis were both dealing with injuries near the beginning of the season.

Davis is eligible to return after Week 14.

General manager Tom Telesco released an official team statement in regards to Davis’ suspension:

Michael is a good person who made a significant mistake this past offseason for which he must be held accountable. He will grow from this experience and, once back, continue to represent Chargers and NFL in a positive manner.

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