The entire goal of training camp is to continually stack good days on top of each other to get momentum for the start of the regular season. Cornerback Kristian Fulton has been doing just that during LA Chargers training camp this year.
Signed to a one-year deal by the Chargers in the offseason, the 25-year-old cornerback was not coming off a good year with the Tennessee Titans. Fulton was one of the worst coverage corners in the sport, prompting many fans to question why the Bolts signed him in the first place.
While he is yet to play any real game snaps with the Bolts, Fulton is showcasing the traits the Chargers obviously valued in the first place during training camp. Fulton has been a turnover machine and in Monday's practice he added yet another good practice to his growing list.
Practice just ended: Half speed today but one note: Kristian Fulton had two picks
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 5, 2024
Kristian Fulton continues turning heads at Chargers training camp
It was hard to predict this kind of showing from Fulton after the kind of season he had for the Titans last season. There were very few cornerbacks who had worse coverage stats than Michael Davis and Fulton was one of them. Somehow, some way, it looked like the Chargers found a downgrade.
But that no longer appears to be the case as Fulton continues to make his mark on Jesse Minter's defense. Fulton turned in several promising days of practice earlier during training camp and was one of the biggest standouts of the team's joint practice with the LA Rams.
If Fulton can translate this success into the regular season and become a ball-hawking mercenary then the Chargers' defense has a chance to be special. With a good pass rush and an elite safety in Derwin James, one impact corner can make a world's difference.
There are two important caveats to remember about Fulton's success, though. First, it is very common for defense to have the upper hand over the offense in the early stages of training camp. This is especially true when the offense is undergoing a philosophy and playbook change, which the Chargers are doing.
Second, the Chargers are practicing without star quarterback Justin Herbert. Picking off Herbert twice, even at half-speed, is far more impressive than picking off the other quarterbacks twice. Fulton won't get the luxury of facing Easton Stick and co. during the regular season.
All that being said, it is still completely justifiable to be excited over Fulton's strong play and the prospect of a promising season. Perhaps all the young corner needed was a change of scenery and a defense that actually plays to his strengths.
There is no guarantee the Chargers will provide that but the early signs are promising.