How do you build an elite secondary in the NFL?
Pro Football Focus believes that it requires four Chargers defensive backs in order to do so.
Those four were cornerbacks Casey Hayward, Desmond King, Chris Harris Jr. (honorable mention) and safety Derwin James (honorable mention).
PFF named six players to their first-team list. Those were the Hayward, King, Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore, Vikings’ Harrison Smith, Titans’ Kevin Byard and Jets’ Jamal Adams.
Honorable mentions were James’, Harris, Rams’ Jalen Ramsey, Bills’ Tre’Davious White, Vikings’ Anthony Harris and Bills’ Micah Hyde
Hayward, King, James and newly acquired Harris have solidified themselves as some of the best players at their perspective positions, so to see them on this list should come as no surprise. Nonetheless, it’s very deserving.
Combined, the four have earned six All-Pro honors and have been to seven Pro Bowls in their professional careers.
Even with injuries affecting all levels of the defense last season, the Chargers managed to hold opponents to 21.6 points per game. With the key additions and if the unit stays healthy, that number will likely be lower next season.
