There are many former LA Chargers draft picks scattered throughout the NFL heading into the 2025 season. That is what happens when the previous general manager had a bad track record of drafting and keeping talent long-term in Los Angeles.
Some of those former draft picks are thriving on new teams but most have either already been cast-off into retirement or are hanging onto a roster spot by a thread. The latter situation best describes safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who finds himself in a roster battle on the Cleveland Browns.
Jenkins' status on the Browns has recently become a topic of conversation as he has all the makings of being cut by Cleveland before the start of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be the first former Chargers draft pick to get the ax from the Browns this offseason, as Tre' McKitty was already unceremoniously let go.
Former Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins may be cut by the Browns
Jenkins signed with the Browns earlier this offseason and joins a safety room that is loaded with depth heading into training camp. While he can absolutely earn a roster spot with strong play in the preseason, it is going to be an uphill battle for the veteran safety.
Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman and Damontae Kazee, who also signed with the Browns this offseason, are all ahead of Jenkins on the depth chart. At best, Jenkins finds himself as the fourth safety heading into training camp.
Being the fourth safety is enough to get a roster spot but he could also lose that job as well. Undrafted free agent Donovan McMillon is also competing for that role and may have the upperhand on Jenkins.
The former Pitt safety was viewed as one of the best UDFA signings after the draft with many expecting him to actually be picked in the latter rounds. With youth and roster control on his side, McMillon is naturally going to get a tiebreaker over Jenkins if the competition is close.
If Jenkins can show up in Cleveland and play like he did in Los Angeles (or even Jacksonville, for that matter) then he will fend off McMillon and earn a roster spot. However, Jenkins is going to have an extremely tough time making the roster if he plays like he did during his tenure with the Seahawks.
The Chargers' fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft could be nearing the end of his playing days if he cannot secure a roster spot on the Browns.