On the Roster: Alohi Gilman, Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Derwin James, Jr., RJ Mickens, Elijah Molden, Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, Tarheeb Still, Benjamin St-Juste, Ja’Sir Taylor and Kendall Williamson
We’ll start with the cornerbacks, a group that will give Minter plenty of options for how to deploy them this season. Minter said at the end of camp that he feels as if the Bolts have “four starters” here, as that quartet includes Hart, Jackson, Still and St-Juste.
Hart and Still shined as rookie fifth-round picks a season ago, with each offering a different style of play in the secondary. Still was a ballhawk with a team-best four interceptions, a total that could perhaps double this season if he progresses as hoped. Hart is a bigger cornerback who provides a physical presence on the outside and can match up against any opposing teams’ ‘X’ receiver on a weekly basis.
Jackson and St-Juste both landed on the roster in free agency this offseason. Jackson is coming off a career year with five interceptions and could thrive in Minter’s zone-heavy scheme. St-Juste (6-foot-3) offers a similar skillset as Hart and is looking to bounce back after an up-and-down 2024 season with Washington. Overall, don’t be surprised if Minter rolls out a rotation between these four players early in the season, especially as each missed various points of camp with ailments.
Taylor’s role will primarily be on special teams as he’s perhaps the Chargers best gunner in punt coverage. Taylor also has experience in the slot and could be called upon there if the group gets hit by injuries.
Reed and Rogers both made the initial 53-man roster as undrafted free agents as both were preseason and training camo standouts.
Reed flashed from Day 1 of training camp and continued that progression with an interception in the Hall of Fame Game. Although he missed time with an injury, he closed camp with an interception on the final day of practice.
Rogers, meanwhile, had two interceptions — including a pick 6 — against the Saints in preseason play. But he suffered an injury late in that game and didn’t practice for the remainder of training camp. Even so, the undrafted free agent from Rutgers made a strong impression on coaches and teammates this summer.
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