The LA Chargers were active in free agency and will be aggressive at the draft. Which current Chargers need to prove themselves in 2020 to stay on the team?
2019 was obviously a disappointing year for the LA Chargers. In a way, it has put more pressure on everyone in 2020. There are a few Chargers in particular who are playing for their futures in 2020.
When making this list, a couple of things were considered. 2019 performance was an obvious factor. Another was contract status. Players on one year or short term deals are under more pressure. The future at certain positions due to free-agent signings or projected draft selections was a consideration, as well as injury history if any.
CB Michael Davis
Many assumed Michael Davis would just start the year as cornerback opposite Casey Hayward. No one saw the signing of Chris Harris coming. He may start at corner himself. Even if he doesn’t, he’s going to wind up taking a significant amount of snaps from Davis.
The Chargers placed a second-round tender on Davis this offseason. For 2020, he’s still a necessity. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him phased out of the future plans of the team though. In addition to signing Harris, it’s very possible the team takes a cornerback within the first five rounds of the draft.
Davis has been average in his time as a Charger. He’s got good coverage instincts with poor tackling ability. The pass interference calls are also a problem. Going into year four, there are still moments where he seems incapable of turning his head around to avoid a penalty.
Davis also put the team in a compromised position in 2019 when he got suspended two games for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.
If he wants to remain on the team heading into 2021, there has to be an evident improvement in tackling ability this year. Obviously, the pass interference calls on him have to be reduced. Davis is talented, but he has to make his game more efficient to compete with the other cornerbacks on the roster.