5 safeties the LA Chargers could draft in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
Tom Telesco loves using the Senior Bowl as a scouting tool and he could get a solid Senior Bowl standout in Tyree Gillespie. Gillespie is a sixth-round target for the LA Chargers (fifth round if they really like him) and I could see them taking him with the first pick in the sixth round, if the cards fall right.
Gillespie would essentially be Derwin James’ backup. This could be an issue as Gilman is better off as a strong safety than a free safety but Gillespie is a strong safety through and through.
The most exciting part about his game is his physicality. He is a really strong player, sturdy tackler and has given his fair share of licks for the Missouri defense. His coverage abilities are not fantastic but can be worked on and he is not the greatest athlete but is serviceable.
Gillespie fits in nicely as a backup strong safety in a split-zone scheme. Additionally, his strength and tackling ability make him a very intriguing player on the special teams side of the ball.
He is not fast enough to be a gunner on punts but could still be a valuable part of the punt unit, and more importantly, the kickoff team. It seems like a small role but it is a role that the Chargers have struggled with, which has cost them plenty of games.