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Five non-starters to watch at Chargers training camp

By Tyler Schoon

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Dylan Cantrell #14 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders cannot stay inbounds to complete the catch during the game against the Texas Longhorns on November 5, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas defeated Texas Tech 45-37. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Dylan Cantrell #14 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders cannot stay inbounds to complete the catch during the game against the Texas Longhorns on November 5, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas defeated Texas Tech 45-37. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 09: Outside linebacker Jatavis Brown #57 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken up pass play in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 09: Outside linebacker Jatavis Brown #57 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken up pass play in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Chargers to watch: Jatavis Brown, linebacker

Jatavis Brown is one of two things, depending on how one looks at it: He’s either an over-achieving fifth-round pick who deserves more playing time, or an under-achieving former starter when compared to his stellar rookie season. He’s neither bad enough to be a roster cut nor excellent enough to be a legit starter over the current members of the roster.

It’s important to watch him closely during training camp (really, all the linebackers this season) because it’s his final chance to show the Chargers he’s worth keeping around. The organization selected Drue Tranquill with their fourth-round selection this past draft, as well as signed Thomas Davis to start at WILL; do both signal the end for the former Akron linebacker?

Chargers to watch: Cortez Broughton, defensive tackle

I pity the third-string fodder along the offensive line who will have to deal with Cortez Broughton. If not for Tranquill, Brougton would be the most likely candidate for preseason defensive standout. 18.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks are dream numbers for most defensive tackles, which is exactly what he put up in his final college season.

Get out of his way.

You do not want to be on the wrong end of this Cortez Broughton dunk.#Bearcats pic.twitter.com/jyY8zOO21I

— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) June 13, 2018

The Chargers were rightfully criticized for letting Darius Philon walk in free agency, but Broughton brings much of the same ability. Both were Day Three selections, and each has the potential to be a disruptive force on a handful of plays per game. Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, and a pairing of Tillery and Broughton between them (they’ll make it work) would be stupid fun to watch. He won’t get the starting nod over Tillery, but in a rotation or even alongside Tillery, Broughton could do some damage. Watch for him to wreck Scott Quessenberry with the second or third unit.

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