JC Jackson was traded back to the Patriots on Wednesday, ending a rollercoaster era with the star cornerback that has left the Chargers in a position of flux going forward. Michael Davis will be a free agent after the season and has not played to the same level he did down the stretch in 2022. Asante Samuel Jr. will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Ja’Sir Taylor is secure in the slot and Deane Leonard is good depth, but neither have shown they can be starting outside corners.
That leads us to the draft, where corner has become the likeliest selection in the first round. If that’s what the Chargers are after, there’s perhaps no better place to start than Tuscaloosa, where McKinstry and Arnold have led the charge for one of the best defenses in America. The Crimson Tide travels to Texas A&M this weekend for a marquee matchup with receivers Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Jahdae Walker.
McKinstry, many analysts’ preseason CB1, has looked every bit the part so far this season and is firmly in the first-round conversation. But Arnold’s emergence has been a bit surprising on the other side, especially as more targets have come his way with McKinstry locking down his side of the field. Both are long-armed press corners, with McKinstry the better player in zone so far this season.
-Alex
2023-10-07 14:44:00
#potential #Chargers #prospects #Week
