The chances of a sixth-round pick carving a starting role in their rookie season are rare.
Chargers cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, the former Wake Forest product, is under that category. Taylor went from a special teams ace to playing meaningful snaps on defense by the end of the 2022 season.
Now entering his sophomore campaign, Taylor is acclimated to the pace of the NFL and he feels like he’s in a more comfortable position.
“Coming out here as a rookie, things move fast,” Taylor said. “You’re on one field, another field, special teams, defense.
“Just being able to be comfortable, know where I’m going, get my feet set,” Taylor added. “That’s what’s easier.”
Taylor was outstanding in his role as a punt coverage gunner at the beginning. As injuries in the cornerback room piled up, it led to Taylor’s emergence in the secondary.
Taylor had some lapses in coverage, especially when he had to play as an outside corner. But his standout performance came in the primetime win over the Dolphins, where he locked down Jaylen Waddle. Additionally, he came on strong as a tackler in open space and a blitzer.
A more prominent role is set for Taylor in his second season. Even though he is in a battle with Asante Samuel Jr. for the starting slot corner, Taylor will still likely see the field depending on the matchup on a week-to-week basis. Plus, his ability to defend the run will be essential to have.
“I’m just trying to come in here and get better each and every day,” Taylor later added. “I’m not sure how the depth chart works. As long as I come here, do what I have to do to improve each and every day, I’m sure I’ll be in a position to help this team.”
