The Chargers drafted Nasir Adderley with the thought of him being the team’s starting free safety. His rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, Adderley struggled in that role.
In Year 3, Adderley is primed for a breakout season since he will be playing for coach that’s proven at getting the most out of his defensive backs.
Part of the way head coach Brandon Staley does this is by playing them in various roles, which is what Adderley is capable of since he defended the slot and even played some cornerback in college at Delaware.
At Tuesday’s media availability, Adderley said that Staley told him last week that the coaching staff was going to expand his role, with the expectation to play some corner.
Adderley added that the whole defensive back room has been honing in on versatility so they can each fill multiple roles.
Between Derwin James and Adderley, Staley believes he has two starting safeties with positional flexibility who can operate comfortably in the deep part of the field and play closer to the line of scrimmage.
“Very very excited. It is different but very exciting defense,” Adderley said, adding that he feels “the sky is the limit.”
