Chargers: Status of the team’s secondary heading into 2019

CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive back Adrian Phillips #31 and free safety Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate a missed field goal by the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive back Adrian Phillips #31 and free safety Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate a missed field goal by the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 04: Desmond King II #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown from an interception in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 04: Desmond King II #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown from an interception in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Chargers: Status of the corners and final grades

The corners, while still good, have a bit more murky of a situation than the safeties. We know, for sure, that Casey Hayward will still be Casey Hayward. After that are potential starters in Trevor Williams and Michael Davis. Many thought Williams was ready to take the next step to being an elite corner after his 2017 campaign, which was a very underrated individual season. But, injuries and some inconsistent play really hurt him in 2018, leading up to his eventual spot on the IR in December. Michael Davis is tougher to project. He’s certainly serviceable, but it felt like half of the deep balls thrown his way resulted in a pass interference. He’s still developing, but is getting better.

Desmond King is, in actuality, probably the second best corner on this team. However, the Chargers seem content playing him in the slot corner role, where he’s done very well. Maybe at some point he gets the second corner spot, but for now his role seems to be on special teams and as a slot corner, which means either Williams or Davis will try to hold down the second CB spot again.

How does it all fit together in a secondary? Pretty well, generally speaking. The Chargers have a pretty good secondary altogether, though the safeties are a little bit more skilled and athletic than the corners. The development of Adderley and how exactly King will be used are two variables in this defense that could really take this secondary to the next level.

Cornerback Grade: B

Safety Grade: A-

Overall Secondary: B+

Schedule