Derius Davis, Ryan Ficken, and Cameron Dicker shared their new perspectives on the uncertainty regarding the changed kickoff rule on Friday.
In addition to that, however, Davis gave some insight into how his offensive role could change under Greg Roman. When asked how things have gone offensively for him, the Chargers' returner had this to say:
"Honestly, I love it. Now they're like using me on a lot of deep routes, a lot of speed routes. So I like it honestly."
When asked by The Athletic's Daniel Popper on if the role contrasts with his rookie season, Davis said, "way different, I should say."
Davis' usage in Kellen Moore's offense last year was a bit inconsistent from week to week. Sometimes he was simply a decoy player. In other weeks, he'd be involved in motions and rushes out of the backfield. Davis' usage a slot receiver ticked up towards the end of the season as injuries piled up amongst LA's other wideouts.
Last season's biggest non-special teams play for Davis came on a 51 yard scramble vs. the Raiders:
The Chargers' 2nd play from scrimmage is a 51-yard gain for the rookie Derius Davis!
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
📺: #LVvsLAC on CBS⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/52TX3F10hp
Derius Davis could be a bigger offensive weapon for the Chargers in 2024
In his press conference, Davis specifically pointed out his route running as the area where he's grown the most so far:
"I'd say my route running. I'd say that's where I've grown the most. Like I said, getting my technique, getting in and out of cuts."
"That's something I focused on in the offseason, but that's also Sanjay (Lal, Chargers WRs coach) with the technique. Just the little stuff like starting stance, drive phase, teaching me how to get in and out of my breaks, the steps for certain routes."
Davis went on to say that he met up with Max Duggan, Easton Stick, and Justin Herbert in the offseason to work on the timing of certain routes.
The Chargers don't have a lot of natural speed in their current receiver room. Ladd McConkey did run a 4.39 on his second attempt at the combine this year and is naturally quick out of his cuts. But there's always more room to take advantage of the 4.36 speed that Davis offers in contrast with the rest of the wide receivers.
But Ficken and OC Greg Roman have to be careful about not overloading him with the massive role he's already playing on special teams. If they determine he can be a quality game to game offensive contributor, it's easy to see how Davis' speed could be an issue for opposing defenses through either YAC or the deep ball.