Tag: University of Calgary

Rookie CB Deane Leonard flashes on first day of Chargers training camp

Deane Leonard is looking to play his way into one of the cornerback spots on the Chargers’ 53-man roster.

It wasn’t just J.C. Jackson, who was the newest member of the Chargers’ secondary to stand out on the first day of training camp.

Deane Leonard, the seventh-round pick out of Ole Miss, raised some eyebrows during the team drills.

On two plays in coverage against wide receiver Jalen Guyton, Leonard deflected both passes thrown his direction.

Wednesday’s performance was a replica of his mandatory minicamp, as Leonard also got his hands on a few passes during that period.

Head coach Brandon Staley talked about how important it was to add cornerback depth this offseason, which he accomplished with Leonard and sixth-rounder Ja’Sir Taylor.

In one of the most heated position battles of the summer, Leonard and Taylor will be vying for one of the spots on the bottom of the depth chart with returners Tevaughn Campbell and Kemon Hall.

Leonard spent two seasons at the University of Calgary, where he had 47 tackles, one sack, and six interceptions in 23 games. He then transferred to Ole Miss, where he logged 62 tackles and seven pass deflections.

Analysis of Chargers’ pick of Deane Leonard with No. 236 overall selection

What the selection of Deane Leonard means for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers have gone north of the border for their latest pick, selecting Canadian DB Deane Leonard from Ole Miss with the No. 236 overall selection.

Leonard spent two seasons at the University of Calgary, where he had 47 tackles, one sack, and six interceptions in 23 games. He then transferred to Mississippi, where he logged 62 tackles and seven pass deflections in 18 career games.

This is a pure upside pick for Los Angeles, who are betting on Leonard’s elite 4.39 speed and good size at corner as developmental touchstones. Despite playing in 41 games over four seasons, Leonard is a raw player who will benefit from additional seasons of professional coaching and strength and conditioning. There’s reason for optimism: Leonard had 48 tackles in 2021 after an entire offseason in an SEC lifting program, more than he had in his entire career in Calgary.

Leonard’s instincts will need fine-tuning, as he failed to log an interception during his time as a Rebel. However, his technique is more polished than you’d expect from a seventh-round pick – I like how he flips his hips, and his footwork is mostly clean. He’s likely a practice squad stash candidate while the coaching staff works with him to develop his game further.