3 Chargers starters that could be benched with a bad training camp

Asante Samuel Jr.

This is an odd inclusion as Asante Samuel Jr. already looks to be on the outside looking in when it comes to the starting cornerback room. In theory, he does not qualify for this as Staley has already made it pretty clear that he is the CB4 on the depth chart right now.

However, that being said, Samuel was still a starting corner last year and played a big role in the Chargers' defensive turnaround in the second half of the season. In coverage, Samuel is one of the best young corners in the sport and is likely going to get even better in his third season.

The big issue with Samuel is his run defense and that is ultimately what has put him behind the eight ball when it comes to starting. Michael Davis played too well to sit last season and J.C. Jackson is making too much for the team to stash him as the CB4.

It comes down to Samuel vs. Ja'Sir Taylor in the slot and Taylor is the more qualified player right now. Not only is Samuel's biggest strength on the outside and how he uses the sideline, but he is pretty awful in run defense and that is a core part of a slot corner's job.

We might end up seeing Taylor and Samuel split the snaps pretty evenly with Samuel playing on passing downs and Taylor playing in running situations. But if Samuel has a bad camp and still looks as bad against the run then his snap count is going to be even lower in 2023.