The LA Chargers are looking for a fresh start in 2021. While many of the same faces on the field are still around, the team is looking to start a new era with Justin Hebert in his second season and Brandon Staley now running the show.
The Chargers essentially overhauled the entire coaching staff aside from defensive line coach Giff Smith to make it clear that this is the dawn of a new era in Los Angeles. While it is exciting for the fans, it might not be as exciting for the players.
While general manager Tom Telesco is still in charge, there are recent draft picks who were selected during Anthony Lynn’s tenure that might not get the same benefit of the doubt with Lynn gone. With Staley looking to start anew, there is no doubt that he will cut who he has to in order to field the best possible team.
With that being said, these four recently drafted LA Chargers could be on cut watch
1. K.J. Hill
K.J. Hill was viewed as a tremendous value selection in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft but there is a reason that he fell that far and he did not look great in the minimal chances he did get last season. He was not a good punt returner and had a case of the drops.
The Chargers have a lot of depth in the wide receiver room so it becomes easy to leave Hill out, especially as the second of two receivers drafted last year. With Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Tyron Johnson, Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer and Joe Reed all ahead of him, Hill could find himself on the chopping block.
In fact, there are already some negative signs for Hill as we move into camp. Some keen Charger fans have noticed that Staley has not referred to Hill by name while referring to every other receiver by name.
I know Lombardi's less than glowing remarks about Joe Reed seem to have garnered a lot of attention, but to me Staley's omission of KJ Hill's name TWICE in 2 separate discussions where questions were posed regarding the WR group is far more intriguing.
— Craig L. Smith (@Top_flyt3) June 3, 2021
It might be nothing, or it could be an early forecast on what the team is going to do with Hill in 2021.