Chargers rookie safety Alohi Gilman was strictly seen as a player who would be a special teams player and sub-package defender in Year 1.
But now, Gilman has the opportunity to play a role much larger in his rookie season. After the big loss of Derwin James, there’s a possibility that Gilman could be the starting strong safety for Los Angeles.
“This is a great opportunity for me to step into a role where I can play a little more early on in my career,” Gilman said. I got a lot of room to grow. A lot of room to work at. But that’s a day-by-day process. When my number is called, I’ll be ready for sure.”
Gilman had been working as the backup strong safety the past couple of weeks of training camp prior to James’ injury, while having the luxury of learning from one of the best safeties in the league.
James lauded Gilman as “one of the best athletes that he’s been around.”
Even though it’s always a bit worrisome to throw a rookie into the fire, Gilman has the skillset to do fine at the position.
The former Notre Dame product is stout as run defender and he can blanket tight ends, showing the competitive skills to be disruptive at the catch point.
It remains to be seen if that’s the direction L.A. will go to fill James’ void.
The team could move Rayshawn Jenkins to strong safety, let Nasir Adderley or Desmond King play free safety while Gilman plays the dimebacker role.
They could also sign a free agent like Jahleel Addae.
There isn’t much time to figure out how the Chargers will replace the star safety, but they must act quickly as there is only 13 days until the season opener against the Bengals.
