The Los Angeles Chargers are on the lookout for potential cornerback additions to bolster their defense. With the NFL Combine upon us, we have identified several promising prospects to watch closely.
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Cornerbacks for the Los Angeles Chargers to Watch at the NFL Combine
Terrion Arnold, Alabama, 6’0″ 195 LBS
When Terrion Arnold hits the field, his fluidity shines as he accelerates, showcasing speed and control over his movements. Whether facing simple or complex routes, Arnold remains in sync, with gear-down abilities and body control.
While Arnold displays promising skills, there’s room for growth, particularly in his discipline, both in pass coverage and run defense. However, his football IQ shines through. Arnold doesn’t shy away from run support, which is rare among young corners.
He checks all the boxes for cornerback scouts. He led the SEC with an impressive 17 passes defended and five interceptions in 2023, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
If the Los Angeles Chargers want a plug-and-play cornerback, Arnold is the way to go. It will be seen as a bit of a reach, but will fill a need in the roster.
Combine Focus: Watch it all, but have fun. Arnold is a great athlete and it will show in Indy.
Cooper DeJean, Iowa, 6’1″ 207 LBS
If the Chargers were to trade back from pick five, Cooper DeJean would be a top contender for the Chargers. Known for his athleticism and versatility, DeJean fits the Chargers’ criteria well. With size being a priority in the secondary, DeJean’s stature could fill a crucial gap. Additionally, his proficiency as a return specialist could address the team’s struggles in special teams.
Combine Focus: Keep an eye on DeJean’s performance in explosive drills, particularly the 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump, as his fast twitch response time is an area of interest.
TJ Tampa, Iowa State, 6’2″ 200 LBS:
TJ Tampa brings an imposing physical presence to the cornerback position with his impressive height and arm length. He will likely fall to the late second or early third round, the Chargers may be able to snag him with pick 69.
With his elite size and starting potential, Tampa could make an immediate impact on the Chargers’ defense.
Combine Focus: Watch Tampa closely during shuttle drills to gauge his agility and quickness on the field.
Cam Hart, Notre Dame, 6’2″ 205 LBS:
Similar to TJ Tampa, Cam Hart offers the size and athleticism desired by the Chargers. They could potentially secure him in the back of the third round with the help of a tradeback. Hart’s performance at the Senior Bowl practices has showcased his speed and explosiveness, making him an intriguing prospect for the Chargers.
Combine Focus: Pay attention to Hart’s 3-cone drill results to assess his agility and change of direction abilities.
Max Melton, Rutgers, 5’11” 195 LBS:
Max Melton has seen his draft stock rise following an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. With notable speed and explosiveness, evidenced by his metrics from Zebra Technologies RFID tracking, Melton could be a solid option for the Chargers, especially if other targets are off the board.
Combine Focus: Keep an eye on Melton’s official height and weight measurements, along with his performance in the 3-cone drill, to further evaluate his potential fit with the Los Angeles Chargers.