What began last season as an experiment has become the foundation of the Los Angeles Chargers defense.
Safety Derwin James Jr. emerged over the second half of 2024 in a role that unleashed the full spectrum of his talents. Playing closer to the line of scrimmage—often as the team’s nickel—James became a menace in run support, an effective blitzer, and a one-on-one matchup problem for tight ends and bigger slot receivers. The role was fluid then. In Year 2 under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, it’s now defined.
“This is not my first time going through it with these coaches, so it’s not an experimental thing this year,” James said after Tuesday’s OTA session.
That clarity was evident on the field. In a modified seven-on-seven period against Justin Herbert, James blanketed veteran receiver Willie Snead on a slant, broke up the pass, and set up an interception for linebacker Denzel Perryman. One play later, he jumped another route against tight end Tyler Conklin. Later, James came off the edge and batted down a screen pass from rookie QB DJ Uiagalelei. He capped the day with another pass breakup during 11-on-11 work.
“Just continuing to stack the days with consistency,” James said. “Be free, play fast.”
With James as the anchor, the rest of the secondary is starting to fall into place.
Los Angeles Chargers DB Room Taking Shape
“With [Cam] Hart back in team drills, the defensive back rotation started to crystallize,” wrote Daniel Popper of The Athletic. “When James was nickel, [Tony] Jefferson and [Alohi] Gilman were at safety, while Donte Jackson and Tarheeb Still were at outside cornerback. Hart and Benjamin St-Juste were the second-team outside cornerbacks. Still also got work in the slot during the practice.”
That mix reflects the competition in a retooled group. Kristian Fulton left in free agency and Asante Samuel Jr. remains unsigned, leaving the door open for players like Still and Hart to step into full-time roles. Jackson and St-Juste bring veteran savvy, but the growth of the 2023 fifth-rounders may be just as crucial.
Still, in particular, has taken strides—literally. After telling a coach he’d see him Monday, Khalil Mack challenged him: “Why aren’t you coming in tomorrow?” Since then, Still has spent every Friday training with the nine-time Pro Bowler.
“Khalil is just showing me how to be intentional,” Still said. “Small incremental gains every day.”
That work is showing. Still locked onto Ladd McConkey on a deep route Tuesday but held back on making a play, honoring the non-contact nature of the session. Asked later if he would’ve picked it off in full pads, he smirked and said, “No comment.”
Hart, meanwhile, continues to work back from shoulder surgery after an injury-riddled rookie year. He expects to be full-go by minicamp and is eager to show he’s more than what he flashed in limited action.
“I showed a small percentage of who Cam can be in the NFL last year,” Hart said. “With 17 healthy games, I think I got a lot more to show.”
Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale isn’t making promises.
“Nobody has a spot,” Clinkscale said. “We want to see who’s going to earn it.”
But with James leading the way—and young players embracing the standard he’s setting—the Chargers’ secondary is no longer a question mark. It’s becoming an identity.
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