Tag: Tarheeb Still Chargers

Chargers CB Tarheeb Still named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still was recognized for his efforts in the win over the Falcons.

Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still was recognized for his efforts in the victory over the Falcons, as he was named the Week 13 AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Still the fifth-round pick out of Maryland, was lights out in coverage. The rookie picked off quarterback Kirk Cousins twice, including one he returned for a 61-yard touchdown.

“I got the award, but it’s a testament to who we are as a team,” Still said on receiving the award, per the team’s editorial director Eric Smith.

According to ESPN’s Seth Walder, Still now has allowed -31 EPA as the nearest defender this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats, which is best among all cornerbacks.

On the season, Still has 36 tackles, eight passes defended and three interceptions.

Chargers rookie Tarheeb Still raises eyebrows in offseason program

Tarheeb Still could start as a rookie.

The Chargers’ fifth-round pick from Maryland, Tarheeb Still, made his presence known at minicamp practices. 

Within the last few practices, Still got an interception off Justin Herbert and two pass breakups against other quarterbacks during full-team drills. 

“Tarheeb has, probably in the last three or four practices, made a really, really good jump that you sort of expect a guy to make after being able to digest five or six practices,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “Really happy with the jump he’s made.

“He made a bunch of really nice plays out there the last couple days,” Minter added.

Chargers veterans like Derwin James are also taking note of Still’s ability on defense. 

“Tarheeb been making a lot of plays in the slot,” James said.

Still made sure to make the most of his first offseason program, which is no surprise since he was quite the ball hawk when he played at Maryland. He finished his final collegiate season with five picks, which was tied for the fifth-most in the FBS.

Still can play outside or inside, but he is most likely going to play in the slot and compete with Ja’Sir Taylor for the starting job.

Instant analysis of Chargers selecting CB Tarheeb Still

Analyzing the Los Angeles Chargers’ selection of Maryland CB Tarheeb Still with the 137th overall selection.

The Chargers have finally addressed the cornerback position.

It wasn’t a name most fans in LA knew.

Los Angeles selected Maryland corner Tarheeb Still on Saturday with the 137th overall pick, pulling a four-year starter from the Big Ten to add to their secondary room.

Still was a Freshman All-American in 2020, leading Maryland in passes defended. As a senior in 2023, he was named second team All-Big Ten and led the Terrapins in interceptions.

A balanced corner with the ability to play press coverage from the outside or in the slot, Still is a smooth athlete with ample ball production and instincts to stick on an NFL roster. He’s probably best suited for off-coverage for now, where he can keep routes in front of him, because his recovery speed tends to be subpar.

A potential option at nickel corner in Jesse Minter’s zone scheme, Still’s selection provides competition with 2023 nickel Ja’Sir Taylor. It also likely means Asante Samuel Jr. will stick on the outside.