The Charger’s Defensive Backfield & Possible Draft Choices

Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae (37) celebrates after a stop during the first half against the New York Giants at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers have a clear need in the defensive backfield… particularly at cornerback. They also need depth at strong safety. They have been busy interviewing a number of players, that could help them in the secondary. The Chargers are definitely front runners for taking a first round cornerback. If they decide to go that route, they will probably only get a shot at Jason Verrett. But, there are rumors that they may be leaning away from drafting him. He is a second round cornerback, in my opinion, and I hope he doesn’t go to the Chargers in the first, unless there is some unpredictable trade-down scenario.

At cornerback, the Chargers currently have Shareece Wright holding down the #1 position, and Richard Marshall holding down the #2 position. I expect them to be the day one starters. Behind that, we have Marcus Gilchrist, Steve Williams, Crezdon Butler, Marcus Cromartie, Brandon Jones, and (newly added) Brandon Ghee. That’s eight CB’s already on the roster.

Not all of them will make the final cut, but they are listed on there, as of today. Wright, Marshall, and Gilchrist are the only three with any proven talent at the position, and none of them would be considered #1 cornerbacks on most teams. Brandon Ghee, and Steve Williams have potential to be good, but injury has held them back. Crezdon Butler “is what he is”.. back end depth. Cromartie and Jones have even more to prove than Ghee, and Williams.

As for safety, Eric Weddle and Jahleel Addae would be the starters. Marcus Gilchrist, Darrell Stuckey, and Brandon Taylor would be the back-ups. Having Gilchrist as strong safety depth, and also cornerback depth, is great. He didn’t do that well in his first year at strong safety, and should definitely not be the starter. But, he can fill in if an emergency arises. Stuckey is a decent back-up at free safety, and played well last season, when asked to be on the field. He is a great special teams leader, and has earned his spot on this roster. But, he is not a great option, should Weddle go down. Brandon Taylor just can’t get onto the field, and recently had another setback with his ACL surgery rehabilitation. Unless the Chargers know something we don’t, it’s probably time to cut him loose.

I won’t get into talking about the cornerbacks, and safeties, that won’t even fall to us. There is nothing I can tell you, that you probably haven’t already heard, or researched yourselves. If we draft a strong safety in the early rounds, I hope that it is Washington State’s Deone Bucannon, as he seems the best fit. The Chargers have already talked to him multiple times, and were in attendance for his pro day. As for cornerbacks, there are so many to choose from, in all rounds. If it is a first round selection, I would be happy with Kyle Fuller, or Bradley Roby. If they aren’t there, I would move along.

Tom Telesco works to the beat of his own drum, and doesn’t always see things the same way that we do. So, him picking defensive backs in any round is highly possible. Here are some players that are on the Chargers radar, and could end up hearing their names called during this year’s draft.