Training camp is nearing, and with a few more weeks of dead time during the quietest part of the NFL offseason, Chargers Wire is endeavoring to document each of Los Angeles’ players before it kicks off.
The Chargers selected former Baylor safety JT Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Woods recorded 157 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, five passes defended, eight interceptions, and a touchdown through his four collegiate seasons.
Woods was taken to play him as the deep safety to allow Derwin James to move all over the field. But that never came to fruition. Woods struggled as a tackler in his limited defensive snaps and was a non-factor defensively.
Los Angeles is hopeful that Woods’ play will improve. The chances of him beating out Alohi Gilman, who played well in 2022, are slim. So he will have to show growth to be trusted as the third safety.
Contract:
- Value: $5,276,440 ($1,319,110 APY)
- Fully Guaranteed Money: $1,017,412
Acquired: The Chargers drafted Woods with the No. 79 overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Quote: Brandon Staley on Woods:
“We’re going to find out a lot more about him when the pads come on. He’s had a good offseason. He’s working hard. He has definitely improved his body. He has become the professional that we expected him to be. But we’re going to find out a lot more during training camp. But, we love working with him, for sure.”
Highlight:
The tackling will come along for Chargers S JT Woods, but the diagnosing skills and range are definitely already there. pic.twitter.com/k3eJzB3eoG
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) August 16, 2022