Shocking Chargers CB is turning heads at camp (and might've saved his job)

For some, training camp and the preseason serve as a ramp-up to get ready for the regular season. For others, they serve as the last chance to prove a player deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. LA Chargers cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor finds himself in the latter camp.

Taylor was one of the first names mentioned in the cut candidates conversation before the start of training camp. After all, he was drafted by the old Chargers' regime and struggled in the opportunities he did get with the Bolts last season.

However, Taylor is bucking those expectations early on in training camp. While there is a long way to go until Week 1, Taylor is making an early impression that bodes well for his odds of making the 53-man roster (h/t Daniel Popper, The Athletic).

Ja'Sir Taylor is turning heads at Chargers training camp and may save his job as a result

The LA Chargers' cornerback room is full of opportunity and Taylor looks primed to take advantage. While he wasn't penciled in to be a starter as camp approached, he quickly could rise up the depth chart and cement himself as a constant feature on defense.

Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still are the only two cornerbacks who really have a lock-solid place on the depth chart. Outside of those two, the rest of the depth chart is fluid. New signings Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste could end up playing a major share of the snaps, but they also could become special teams players.

The Chargers drafted Taylor in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft under then-GM Tom Telesco. Taylor was viewed as a reach at the time, with Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projecting him to be an undrafted free agent before the draft.

Taylor has played like a draft reach early on in his career, unfortunately. Pro Football Focus grades are far from being the end-all, say-all, but it is important to note that Taylor has recorded a 58.4, 56.2, and 56.7 defensive grade in his three seasons. Consistent mediocrity.

But that was in the past and Taylor seems as if he is leaving the past behind him. Taylor is doing everything right thus far, capturing the attention of his defensive coordinator.

The real test will be in the preseason, where Taylor is almost guaranteed to get ample playing time. If he can follow his strong practice play with a solid preseason then his place on the 53-man roster, surprisingly, may be locked in stone.