The battle in the back end of the cornerback continues to heat up as the Chargers are in the thick of training camp.
Raising plenty of eyebrows as of late is sixth-round pick, Ja’Sir Taylor.
On Tuesday, during the team’s two-minute drill, Taylor was tasked with covering star wide receiver Keenan Allen. Allen ran an out-route, Taylor read the route perfectly, and secured an interception for a touchdown off quarterback Justin Herbert.
“You see a lot of growth with him, sitting right next to Bryce Callahan picking his brain every day in meetings,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said on Taylor. “His growth potential is really high right now. We expect good things from him once those bright lights come on.”
Taylor has primarily been working in the slot with the second team, but he saw extensive time with the first team during this session. He has also been playing gunner with the punt team on special teams.
Head coach Brandon Staley talked about how important it was to add cornerback depth this offseason, which he accomplished with Taylor and another summer standout, seventh-rounder Deane Leonard.
This will be one of the most monitored competitions heading into preseason play. Leonard and Taylor will be vying for one or maybe two final spots with returners Tevaughn Campbell and Kemon Hall.
At Wake Forest, Taylor logged 184 tackles, six interceptions, 24 passes defended, one sack, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 62 career games.
Taylor also returned kicks in his final season, averaging 26.3 yards per attempt, including one touchdown, on eight attempts.
