The Los Angeles Chargers could use help at safety. Lucky for them, they can find talent outside the first round.
Safety is one of the Chargers’ needs heading into the draft. To be more specific, they need a free safety since Tre Boston, who was last year’s starter at the position, is no longer on the team.
As of now, Jahleel Addae, Adrian Phillips, Rayshawn Jenkins and Jalen Watkins are the current safeties on the roster. Addae is the team’s starting strong safety. Meanwhile, Phillips saw a ton of playing time last season due to subpar linebacking play, but he shouldn’t be a full-time starter; the Chargers re-signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason. Jenkins, a 2017 fourth-round pick who made more of an impact (good and bad) on special teams, could compete at free safety because of his range and athleticism, but his frame suggests that he’d better suited to play a hybrid LB/SS role (the role Phillips played last year). Watkins, a former fourth-round pick by the Eagles who was recently signed to a one-year deal, has the versatility to play corner and safety but will likely see more reps at free safety.
As for the draft, Florida State’s Derwin James would be a great selection if he falls to 17, but there’s a good chance he won’t be there. Stanford’s Justin Reid, the brother of Eric Reid, and Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison are next on the list, but both are considered late first/early second-round talents, so they won’t be included in this article (which stinks because I’m a big fan of Reid’s).
No worries. There are several other prospects who could make an impact Day 1. Let’s take a look.
*Note: This order is based on where I believe each player will get drafted.