LA Chargers: 3 players who impressed the most vs. the 49ers
DT Cortez Broughton
Finishing second on the team in pressures to Fackrell was defensive tackle Cortez Broughton. On 20 reps, Broughton picked up two pressures. It's also worth pointing out that Fackrell's first sack came on an opportunity that really was created by Broughton's activity.
I love the juice that Cortez Broughton plays with. He was flying around all game long. Impressive for a man of his size. Easily the most well-rounded DT of the backup group. pic.twitter.com/rrkWWuba45
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) August 24, 2021
Coming into camp, I would've said that Broughton was primarily competing with players like Breiden Fehoko and Joe Gaziano in his quest to make the roster. During training camp (and fan fest), Broughton seemed to separate himself from the pack a little bit. That's been reaffirmed by what he's done in the preseason so far.
Whether it's a bump from Staley's scheme or some other factors, I'm not sure yet. But Broughton looks like a completely different player than he did during his first few years in the NFL. He just seems faster and physical with more juice.
Christian Covington will be the team's primary rotational defensive linemen, a la Damion Square's old role. Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, and Jerry Tillery are the starters. Broughton should be the second rotational lineman behind Covington at this point ahead of Fehoko or Gaziano.
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It remains to be seen whether the Chargers will actually carry five or six defensive tackles, but Broughton has put himself firmly out in front of potential cut danger in my view.