Projecting the Chargers’ safety depth chart in 2021
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.
Next up, I project what the safety room will look like heading into this season.
Derwin James
After missing 2020 with a torn meniscus that he suffered days before the start of the season, James is finally back on the football field. As a rookie, James racked up 105 tackles, 13 passes defensed, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions, earning first-team All-Pro honors in the process. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him from demonstrating dominance on a consistent basis. He has played in just 21 games, while missing 27 games in three seasons. This season, James will display his multi-dimensional skillset in new head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, where he will be used in a variety of roles and is expected to make a huge impact in all facets.
Nasir Adderley
Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Adderley’s rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, he had his ups and downs in former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme. Heading into Year 3, Adderley could be due for breakout year since he will be playing for Staley, the defensive mastermind who’s known for unlocking the potential of his players. The staff believes that they will be able to get the most out of Adderley by utilizing his versatility, where he can be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money) on top of his role of defending the deep parts of the field.
Alohi Gilman
Gilman, the sixth-round pick of the 2020 NFL draft, was primarily a special teamer and didn’t receive playing time on defense until near the end of the 2020 season. At Staley’s post-draft press conference, he said that the team is “really excited” about Gilman. Gilman does some of his best work when coming downhill to defend the run and in zone coverage. Therefore, he is a candidate to play that ‘Money’ role also known as a sub-package linebacker.
Mark Webb
Webb was selected in the final round of this year’s draft. Webb, the former Georgia product, is currently being seen as special teams ace. However, his versatility, athleticism and traits in coverage and against the run coupled with the coaching he will be receiving should only benefit his game. Given the fact that the team is lacking defensive back depth and it’s a necessity in Staley’s defense, that could lead to Webb seeing the field a lot earlier than many are anticipating, whether that be in the deep parts of the fields, as a dimebacker or lined up in the slot.
