When the Los Angeles Chargers selected Tarheeb Still in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, few predicted the immediate impact he would make. But as Daniel Popper of The Athletic wrote, Still turned into “one of the steals of the draft,” capitalizing on a season-ending injury to Asante Samuel Jr. to become a 12-game starter with four interceptions in his rookie campaign.
Still’s combination of ball skills and zone instincts made him a natural fit in Jesse Minter’s scheme—and now, as he enters Year 2, the 22-year-old is already evolving into one of the secondary’s leaders.
“He’s really grown up and matured,” Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said. “Overnight it just seems like he’s a different person… He accepts coaching and criticism, even in a different way.”
Tarheeb Still’s Rapid Rise: From Fifth-Round Pick to Future Star in the Chargers’ Secondary
Still’s maturation has been fueled by more than just on-field reps. A pivotal offseason moment came when Khalil Mack asked him why he wasn’t showing up on Fridays. Inspired, Still began joining the nine-time Pro Bowler every week for training sessions.
“Khalil is just showing me how to be intentional,” Still said. “Taking advantage of small incremental gains every day to get to where I want to be.”
It’s a mentor-mentee relationship that’s already showing dividends. Though Still still sees room to grow—particularly in tackling—he’s clearly earned the respect of the locker room. Fellow second-year corner Cam Hart, who called Still his “best friend,” joked about their daily trash talk battles and shared that their bond off the field has pushed both to compete harder on it.
“Two fifth-round picks—that’s a steal,” said veteran safety Tony Jefferson, who’s become a mentor to both Still and Hart. “Those guys have the right mindset, the right attitude. They work hard and listen.”
As the Chargers reshuffle their secondary in 2025, Still’s rapid development—on the field and in the weight room—positions him not just as a starter, but as a tone-setter in a unit poised to take a leap.
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