Most improved position groups from the 2022 NFL offseason:

Cornerbacks – Los Angeles Chargers

Additions: J.C. Jackson, Bryce Callahan & Ja’Sir Taylor/Deane Leonard

Departures: Chris Harris Jr., Davontae Harris & Ryan Smith

I told ya’ll the Chargers really upgraded on defense and they make another appearance here. I’ve already discussed some of the front mechanics and how they coincide with what they want to do on the back-end under Brandon Staley and Renaldo Hill. Now I want to take a look at the pieces they added at the cornerback spot this offseason.

Last year in the draft, I thought they made a slam-dunk pick with Florida State’s Asante Samuel Jr. in the second round. I thought he’d be a perfect fit as more of their field-side off-zone cornerback, with the ability to cap over routes vertically, as well as plant and drive on stuff in front of him. He was certainly on the right track early on, holding opposing passers to six-of-13 when targeting him, with zero touchdowns compared to two interceptions over his first three games. He got banged up and had some issues holding his own in contested situations against bigger bodies, but that’s not necessarily the matchups you want him in anyway.

So my question heading into the year was the guy they could line up in the boundary and have in more quasi-man-coverage, whether it was Michael Davis or Tevaughn Campbell. The good news is those two guys are still there, but they’re now backups, because the Chargers brought in the diamond for this free agency class of corners in J.C. Jackson. While the Patriots do traditionally use their top corner against the number two receiver and double the biggest threat. However, we did see Jackson shadow the opposing team’s star a lot of times. Even when the Patriots had to somewhat defer to more zone looks last season, he was able to make big plays on the football. Basically, this guy in three seasons as a stable, leads the NFL with 22 interceptions, with passer ratings of 34.1, 66.5 and 46.8 allowed, respectively.

The second big addition was Bryce Callahan, who was one of the top nickels in the league back in 2017 and ‘18, when Staley was with him in Chicago. Callahan missed the 2019 season and then performed like one of the best outside corners in Denver in 2020. Last season wasn’t quite up to par, but over his last 34 games, he’s only been responsible for two touchdowns compared to his four picks. So you get him there now in the slot over Chris Harris Jr., who has been a great player for a long time. Harris will turn 33 years old and has certainly fallen off recently, with seven TDs allowed versus two picks over his 23 games in L.A.

So as I’m trying to envision how this defense could look different, I’m picturing J.C. Jackson lining up across the X receiver, particularly in three-by-one sets. As well as being in quasi-man as they’re playing quarters or cover-two and keep that safety to his side on the hash. With Callahan's addition inside, they can stick him onto the slot and allow Samuel to drive up as a flat defender. Another option Samuel carries out wide and then you can kind of work in banjo shenanigans, as you drop down Derwin James or incorporate switch calls late. They can do this because you have versatile coverage pieces and guys that have experience in multiple spots. So I’m excited to see what those guys will cook up. Finally, they brought in a couple of developmental CBs late in the draft, with Ja’Sir Taylor from Wake Forest and Deane Leonard from Ole Miss fighting for a roster spot.

Also considered: New York Jets & Houston Texans