Chargers depth chart – Page 47

Projecting the Chargers’ safety depth chart in 2021

Identifying the safeties the Los Angeles Chargers will roll into 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

Cornerback

Next up, I project what the safety room will look like heading into this season.

Derwin James

After missing 2020 with a torn meniscus that he suffered days before the start of the season, James is finally back on the football field. As a rookie, James racked up 105 tackles, 13 passes defensed, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions, earning first-team All-Pro honors in the process. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him from demonstrating dominance on a consistent basis. He has played in just 21 games, while missing 27 games in three seasons. This season, James will display his multi-dimensional skillset in new head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, where he will be used in a variety of roles and is expected to make a huge impact in all facets.

Nasir Adderley

Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Adderley’s rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, he had his ups and downs in former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme. Heading into Year 3, Adderley could be due for breakout year since he will be playing for Staley, the defensive mastermind who’s known for unlocking the potential of his players. The staff believes that they will be able to get the most out of Adderley by utilizing his versatility, where he can be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money) on top of his role of defending the deep parts of the field.

Alohi Gilman

Gilman, the sixth-round pick of the 2020 NFL draft, was primarily a special teamer and didn’t receive playing time on defense until near the end of the 2020 season. At Staley’s post-draft press conference, he said that the team is “really excited” about Gilman. Gilman does some of his best work when coming downhill to defend the run and in zone coverage. Therefore, he is a candidate to play that ‘Money’ role also known as a sub-package linebacker.

Mark Webb

Webb was selected in the final round of this year’s draft. Webb, the former Georgia product, is currently being seen as special teams ace. However, his versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run coupled with the coaching he will be receiving should only benefit his game. Given the fact that the team is lacking defensive back depth and it’s a necessity in Staley’s defense, that could lead to Webb seeing the field a lot earlier than many are anticipating, whether that be in the deep parts of the fields, as a dimebacker or lined up in the slot.

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.

Brandon Facyson

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.

Projecting the Chargers’ linebacker depth chart in 2021

Forecasting how the second-level defense will look like for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Wide Receiver

Edge Defender

Interior Defensive Line

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

Kenneth Murray

Selected in the first-round of the 2020 NFL draft, Murray showed flashes in the run game, but he was a liability in coverage since he was tasked with a large load with both safety Derwin James and Drue Tranquill, two of the team’s best coverage defenders, out with injuries in Gus Bradley’s zone-heavy defense. Despite having a mixed bag of a rookie season, Murray still managed to finish the 2020 campaign with 107 total tackles (most by rookie since 2000), one sack, five tackles for loss and one quarterback hit. Looking ahead to this upcoming season, head coach Brandon Staley’s defense will play more to his strengths, which are as a run defender and a blitzer, playing more downhill.

Drue Tranquill

Drafted in the fourth-round of the 2019 NFL draft, Tranquill became a key piece on the defensive side of the ball. In 15 games played, three of which he started, Tranquill racked up 64 tackles (50 solo), four tackles for loss and one pass defended. On top of that, he finished tied for the most special teams tackles by any rookie (11). After enjoying his solid rookie season, it was expected that he was going to take another step in Year 2, but an ankle injury in the first game of the season put everything to a halt. Now heading into his third year, Tranquill will be one of the starting linebackers alongside Murray. His strengths as a run defender and coverage player will be dividends with what he will be asked to do.

Kyzir White

A fourth-round pick of the 2018 NFL draft, White flashed as early as his rookie season. The sample size was small because he was hindered by an injury that year. In 2019, he didn’t play that much because he struggled in the role as the starting middle linebacker, relegating him to a SAM linebacker, and in Bradley’s nickel-heavy defense, the playing time for the position is limited. Last season, White started in 10 games in which he amassed 77 tackles, four tackles for loss and three passes defensed. This upcoming season, White could be in for his best year yet in Staley’s defense. White has the versatility to be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money), and he is strong against the run and pass.

Nick Niemann

Niemann was drafted in the fifth-round of this year’s draft out of Iowa with the intentions of him aiding a special teams unit that finished last in the league last season. Even though that will be his primary role in Year 1, Niemann could be a reliable option if an injury was to occur. Niemann is a talented player who looks to fit the mold of the NFL’s new-age linebackers. He has the ability to make stops inside and outside the tackles and the coverage instincts and athleticism to stay on the field on third down.

Amen Ogbongbemiga

Ogbongbemiga, the undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, has already caught the attention of special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II. Ogbongbemiga was a promising linebacker for the Cowboys, but his calling card right off the bat would be on special teams. He amassed over 500 ST snaps in college, and his range and solid tackling ability would make him a valuable asset on coverage units for the Bolts from Day 1.

Projecting the Chargers’ interior defensive line depth chart

Breaking down what the defensive tackle room might look like for the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the 2021 season.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Wide Receiver

Edge Defender

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

Linval Joseph

The Chargers signed Joseph last offseason to serve as the clog of the defense, which ended up paying dividends in 2020. Playing 725 snaps this past season, Joseph not only contributed as someone who commanded double teams, but he made high effort plays against the pass and run. He finished with 62 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures, three tackles for loss and two QB hits. Heading into this year, Joseph will resume the role as the team’s nose tackle, doing the dirty work in the trenches and still constantly hunting for the football.

Jerry Tillery

After failing to live up to his first-round status in his rookie season, Tillery made some made some strides last season. His ascend came when he was experimented as a defensive end. Tillery saw his tackles (17 to 30), sacks (two to three), quarterback hits (three to 14), pressures (nine to 22) and forced fumbles (zero to two) all uptick. Looking ahead to Year 3, Tillery is in a prime position to take a step even further, as he will be in a scheme that favors his skillset and play for Brandon Staley, who has a history of elevating front-seven players. Tillery’s versatility will serve him well and his traits profile more optimally to a 3-4 defense, given his length, strength and power.

Justin Jones

In each of his three seasons, Jones has steadily improved as a player. Jones amassed his first career sack last season and five tackles for loss, which marked a career-high. While he’s stronger against the run, Jones has put the pieces together as a pass-rusher. Now entering his fourth season in Staley’s defense, like Tillery, Jones could is in a great position for his best year yet since he’ll be aligned at multiple spots along the defensive line in the new scheme and his skillset meshes well what Staley will be asking him to do, which is using his strength and powerful play to demand blocks.

Christian Covington

Heading into the offseason, the Chargers had a need to fill out the interior part of the line with someone to compliment Joseph, Tillery and Jones. Following the draft, the team signed Covington to a short-term deal. Throughout his career, Covington has been a valuable rotational piece along defensive line. He has 132 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Covington is a guy who is capable of disrupting the backfield, whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run due to his great lateral quickness and burst to jump off the snap as well as length and strength to hold his own against double teams.

Breiden Fehoko

The fifth and likely final spot will likely be given to a nose tackle to back up Joseph, which is why Fehoko gets the nod over Cortez Broughton. After going undrafted in last year’s draft out of LSU, Fehoko was signed as an undrafted free agent. Promoted from the practice squad, Fehoko was active for two games during the regular season but didn’t record any statistics in his rookie season. Fehoko is a run-stopper who clogs rushing lanes to provide opportunities for his teammates from the second and third level to make, as well as the strength and effort to collapse the pocket.

Projecting the Chargers’ edge defender depth chart in 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers’ edge defender group is led by the imposing presence of Joey Bosa.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Wide Receiver

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

Starter: Joey Bosa

After becoming the highest paid edge defender in the NFL, Bosa showed why he was worth every penny. Despite missing four games due to various injuries, Bosa was a major contributor on the defensive side of the ball, as he logged 41 quarterback pressures, 27 hits and 7.5 sacks. He also came up clutch on multiple occasions against the run. The outcome was him being named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. This season, Bosa will be an integral piece of head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, where it’s expected that he will play on the edge of the line as an outside pass rusher, and a little bit closer to the ball as an interior defensive lineman because he has the length and strength to anchor, too.

Starter: Uchenna Nwosu

Since entering the league back in 2018, Nwosu had only been used as an off-ball strongside linebacker as well as a situational pass-rusher. Despite having a limited load, with his defensive snaps under 40% in 45 career games, Nwosu still totaled 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback pressures and 44 hurries. Now in a system that favors his skillset and under the guidance of Staley and outside linebackers coach Jay Rodgers, Nwosu could be in for his biggest season in 2021.

Backup: Kyler Fackrell

Fackrell was among the many additions earlier this offseason after spending last year with the Giants. He brings plenty of experience to the Chargers, having six seasons in the NFL under his belt, both as a starter and a rotational pass-rusher. Fackrell has 20.5 sacks in five seasons, with his most productive season coming in 2018 when he had 10.5 sacks with the Packers. This season, Fackrell will serve as a situational pass-rusher, barring any injury to Bosa or Nwosu. On top of that, he will be a special teams ace.

Backup: Chris Rumph II

Rumph II was drafted in the fourth-round of this year’s draft out of Duke. While he’s undersized for the position at 6-foot-5 and 234 pounds, Rumph demonstrated the ability to rush the passer at a high level. Similar to Leonard Floyd, who Staley coached last year with Rams, Rumph has an excellent feel for getting heat on the quarterback with pure athleticism, explosiveness, length and body flexibility. While the traits are there, he isn’t a true edge-setter due to lack of strength and bulk on his frame. Rumph will likely be a third-down pass-rusher and special teamer early on in his career while he continues to get stronger.

Projecting the Chargers’ offensive line depth chart in 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers have a solid starting five up front. But what about the depth?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

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

LT: Rashawn Slater

Many, including myself, did not expect Slater to see a slide to where the Chargers were selecting at No. 13. After he did, it was a no-brainer for the team who needed a franchise left tackle. While there are some who still believe he will be a better guard in this league due to his lack of height and arm length, given how he fared against Chase Young along with other elite edge defenders in college and his traits at the position, I think Slater will be just fine at protecting the blindside.

Backups: Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton

LG: Matt Feiler

One of the best value moves made by Los Angeles was signing Feiler. He started 40 games for the Steelers since joining them in 2016, including 29 games in the last two seasons – 26 at right tackle and 13 at left guard. During his time with Pittsburgh, he was a contributor to holding opponents to the fewest sacks in the NFL over the past three seasons. His consistency and durability and ability to fill in at multiple spots along the line will go a long way at maintaining competency up front.

Backups: Brenden Jaimes, Scott Quessenberry

C: Corey Linsley

Among the plethora of offseason acquisitions made by the Chargers, arguably the best one was signing the All-Pro center. Named first-team All-Pro and rated Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 center from 2020, Linsley didn’t allow a sack or a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage vs. the run. He allowed just four total pressures last season on 437 pass-blocking snaps — the lowest pressure total in the NFL. With Linsley, L.A. now has a dependable and consistent presence to anchor the offensive line.

Backups: Scott Quessenberry

RG: Oday Aboushi

The team released Trai Turner and went out and signed Aboushi in correspondence. Aboushi stepped into a starting role in the second half of the year for the Lions in 2020 and thrived. On 1,875 total snaps, he has only blown 33 blocks (19 pass, 14 run). Aboushi will have some competition in training camp with fifth-round pick Brenden Jaimes. But given the fact that he is coming off his best season yet and is more experienced, Aboushi should lock up the starting spot.

Backups: Brenden Jaimes, Scott Quessenberry

RT: Bryan Bulaga

Bulaga is the only returning member on the offensive line. After signing with the Chargers last offseason, the 34-year old was hit with a variety of injuries, limiting his time on the field to just 10 games. According to Sports Info Solutions, Bulaga surrendered 10 pressures (7 pass, 3 run) on 418 total snaps. If Bulaga is dinged up again, the team could move Feiler to right tackle and slide Jameis into the left guard spot or vice versa.

Backups: Trey Pipkins, Brenden Jaimes, Storm Norton

Bleacher Report names one expendable player for Chargers

If the Los Angeles Chargers were to trade a player, who would that be?

While the majority of rosters are pretty much set ahead of training camp, there are trades that could still occur between now and the regular season.

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon named a player on each of the 32 NFL teams that could or should be traded and for the Chargers, he listed defensive tackle Justin Jones.

Jones isn’t expensive, but he’s not as accomplished as Joseph or as talented as Tillery and there’s a decent chance the Chargers lose him next offseason anyway. Might as well see if anyone is willing to pay for the 24-year-old’s combination of experience and upside, especially if his workload is expected to drop off in L.A. anyway.

It’d be a cheap one-year experiment for a team in more desperate need of defensive line help than the Chargers, but there’s also little reason for Los Angeles to pull the trigger unless the front office gets a solid return for a key player like Jones.

Jones, the former third-round pick, is entering the final year of his contract. In each of his three seasons, Jones has steadily improved as a player.

Jones amassed his first career sack last season and five tackles for loss, which marked a career-high. While he’s stronger against the run, Jones has put the pieces together as a pass-rusher.

Now entering his fourth season in head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, Jones could be in a prime position for his best year yet since he’ll be aligned as a defensive end in the new scheme, a perfect role for his skillset.

Even after the acquisition of Christian Covington, the interior part of the defensive line is thin in terms of depth, so moving Jones wouldn’t be a great idea. Plus, he could turn out to make an impact this season, more than people realize.

Projecting the Chargers’ tight end depth chart in 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers tight end group is led by veteran Jared Cook.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

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

TE1: Jared Cook

Cook signed with Los Angeles this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Saints in which he had 80 catches for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns. He will primarily offer upside as a pass-catching option for quarterback Justin Herbert and a guy to clear out space for the wideouts. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s scheme should pay dividends. While he’s at the tail end of his career, Cook is in a prime position to produce.

TE2: Donald Parham

Signed last year, Parham took advantage of his limited opportunities, recording 10 catches for 159 yards (15.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns on 20 targets in 2020. Heading into Year 2, Lombardi said he liked what he saw from Parham on film, and that he’s excited to unlock his true potential. Expected to be a threat up the seams and in the red zone, the 6-foot-8 Parham could be in for a big season in 2021.

TE3: Tre’ McKitty

Drafted in third-round, McKitty was selected for his blocking skills, where he will have a role as an in-line blocker right off the bat. Underutilized as a pass-catcher in college, McKitty has flashed enough traits to be a reliable option in that department in this league. As he refines his game more, McKitty has the potential to be a physical mismatch with big-play potential.

Projecting the Chargers’ wide receiver depth chart in 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of talent at the wide receiver position.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.

Quarterback

Running Back

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

WR1: Keenan Allen

Still not given the respect that he deserves, Allen has proven himself as one of the league’s most efficient receivers. Allen has averaged 100 receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards over the past four seasons, with Pro Bowl appearances coming in each one of them. As long as he stays healthy, the crafty route-runner will remain as one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s go-to targets in the upcoming season.

WR2: Mike Williams

Since being selected in the first-round of the 2017 NFL draft, Williams has yet to live up to that status. While he has delivered in clutch situations as a big-play threat throughout the years, Williams has failed to surpass 50 catches, has just seven touchdowns over the past two seasons and has dealt with a injuries along the way. That could change in 2021, as Williams is expected to be an integral piece in Joe Lombardi’s offense as the ‘X’ receiver, which is the same role that was held by one of the league’s best wideouts, Saints’ Michael Thomas.

WR3: Tyron Johnson

This is where the battle begins. There are a handful of players fighting for the final spots, but basing it off of last season, Johnson is the front-runner for the job. Proven as a reliable option behind the two starters, Johnson amassed 20 receptions for 398 yards (19.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns, with zero drops. Four of his first five receptions in the NFL went for 50 yards or more. In a way, Johnson reminds me of former Saints’ Brandin Cooks, who Lombardi spent a few seasons with. They are solid route runners, have speed to take the top off a defense and have reliable hands.

WR4: Jalen Guyton

Guyton entered the 2020 season as the third wide receiver. While he managed to put up decent production in his role, with 28 catches for 511 yards (18.3 yards per catch) and three scores, Guyton had six drops, and wasn’t quite as efficient as Johnson. While Guyton’s speed should still have some value, Johnson has the leg up on him because his hands are more superior and he’s a better route-runner.

WR5: Josh Palmer

Drafted in the third-round out of Tennessee, Palmer will be in contention for the third spot alongside Johnson and Guyton. However, since this is a projection for the first week of the season, Palmer’s inexperience in the league will start him off lower on the depth chart. Nonetheless, with his ability to separate at all levels of the field, especially vertically, Palmer could quickly receive more playing time as the year goes down, especially considering that Lombardi goes through a lot of different personnel packages.

WR6: Joe Reed

The first five receivers listed are the presumed locks to make the 53-man roster. Assuming the team rolls with six wideouts, the final spot is a battle between five players: K.J. Hill, John Hurst, Jason Moore, Austin Proehl and Reed. Reed, the team’s fifth-round pick of last year’s draft, didn’t have many opportunities on offense. Instead, he was relegated to a return specialist, but was dethroned by Nasir Adderley in that role later in the season. While he didn’t get to prove himself much, Reed’s special teams experience and versatility to work as a receiver and out of the backfield could be the selling point to Lombardi and company.

Chargers sign 4 players

The Los Angeles Chargers made a few roster moves on Friday.

The Chargers made a few roster moves on Friday.

Los Angeles signed defensive lineman Willie Yarbary, linebacker Damon Lloyd, tight end Matt Seybert and wide receiver Michael Bandy, the team announced.

All four players signed formerly played in The Spring League, which is a developmental league to showcase for professional talent.

Yarbary, Seybert and Bandy played for the Conquerors, while Lloyd was with the Blues.

The roster currently sits at 86 players.