Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists six players who could be key reserves in the upcoming season.
The Chargers have one of the most talented rosters from top to bottom, which will make it quite difficult for some players to see the field as frequently.
With that being said, here are six Chargers players who could be key reserves this upcoming season:
LB Uchenna Nwosu
Since entering the league in 2018, Nwosu has primarily backed up Melvin Ingram at LEO, getting snaps when Ingram would come off the field, which has not been very often. However, the former USC product has made his presence known on a consistent basis in the limited capacity. In two seasons, Nwosu has totaled 59 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Even though the 23-year old has only played a role as a rotational pass-rusher, his impact has gone a long way towards the team’s defensive success. Heading into the new year, Nwosu isn’t expected to have an expanded role due to the presence of Ingram and Joey Bosa, but if one were to go down, he could be counted on as the next man up.
DE Isaac Rochell
Another key piece to the Chargers’ dominant defensive line that may go unnoticed is Rochell, the team’s seventh-round selection from the 2017 NFL Draft. Rochell has served as Joey Bosa’s backup, which is why he rarely gets playing time. But he has made the most of his limited opportunities, posting 45 tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and seven sacks within the past three seasons, with the majority of those coming in 2018, which is when he saw an uptick in snaps after Bosa missed some time due to an injury. Rochell has proven himself as a viable pass-rusher and run defender. In 2020, he will have the same role, but will see the field more should either Bosa or Ingram go down with an injury.
DT Damion Square
Square was re-signed last week, and for a very good reason. The 31-year old nose tackle has been a valuable rotational piece in the middle of the defensive line. In 2019, Square recorded 27 tackles (15 solo), a tackle for loss and two passes defended. Whether it’s rushing the passer or stopping the run, Square has almost aways been a part of the action. In six seasons with the Chargers, Square has posted 96 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss and eight passes defensed. The former Alabama product will backup newly acquired Linval Joseph, but his playing time will increase if an injury occurred.
FS Nasir Adderley
Had Adderley not been injured during his rookie season, there’s a good chance that he could’ve been the starting free safety. But the coaching staff’s trust in Rayshawn Jenkins in that role likely indicates that it’ll be difficult for him to win the job this season. However, with the defense expected to show more two-deep safety looks and there being a hole at the dimebacker position, Adderley could see the field in Year 2. Should Adderley stay healthy and carve out a spot, the former Delaware product supplies the backend of the defense with another talented player, one of whom has the range, speed, tackling ability and ball skills to consistently make plays.
OL Scott Quessenberry
The offensive line wasn’t particularly a bright spot for due to injuries that occurred throughout the 2019 season. But when one man (Mike Pouncey) went down, another stepped up. Quessenberry made an impact early on that many may have not been expecting from him when handing him the starting duties. But you could tell that he benefited from learning from a four-time Pro Bowler. The former UCLA product was consistent in pass protection and in the run blocking department. If Pouncey experiences another injury or if one of the guards goes down this upcoming season, Quessenberry supplies the unit with a solid player that can be counted on at any of the interior slots.
WR K.J. Hill
The Chargers had no desire to pick a wide receiver in the seventh-round of the draft, according to general manager Tom Telesco. But when they saw Ohio State’s reception leader still on the board, they couldn’t pass up on him. Hill joins a talented wide receiver room, which features Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. He will be in contention for the No. 3 job with Andre Patton, Jason Moore, Darius Jennings and Joe Reed. I believe Hill could win the spot, but the coaching staff may bank on the experience with Patton at first. However, the route-running savvy and great hands of Hill should eventually enable him to carve up a role. If Allen was to go down with an injury, Hill would be the front runner to fill his shoes as the starting slot wideout.