Welcome to Part 4 of our 2025 draft preview series, where we take a position-by-position look at top prospects and assess the Chargers’ roster ahead of the NFL Draft. This series will highlight potential draft options for the Chargers later this month.
We spoke with CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Trapasso to analyze the cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. You can follow Trapasso on X/Twitter @ChrisTrapasso for more of his insights.
Chargers status at cornerback
The Chargers had a strong showing in the 2024 draft, especially in the cornerback position.
General Manager Joe Hortiz and his team managed to select two starting-caliber cornerbacks, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, on Day 3, a move that benefited both the present and future of the team.
Both rookies were thrust into action starting in Week 6 and made significant contributions, delivering game-changing plays across multiple areas. By the end of the season, both Still and Hart ranked among the top 10 rookie cornerbacks in passer rating against and run defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus, with a minimum of 300 snaps.
Still also ranked in the top five in both defense (73.7) and coverage (73.3), while leading the Chargers with four interceptions.
In addition, the Chargers bolstered their cornerback depth through free agency, adding veterans Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, both of whom bring valuable experience to the unit.
In 2024, Donte Jackson recorded a career-high five interceptions, which ranked tied for second-most in the AFC and tied for sixth-most in the NFL.
The cornerback group is completed by Ja’Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard, both of whom were selected in the late rounds of the 2022 draft. They bring valuable experience, having stepped up in relief roles and contributed on special teams.
Is it a position of need?
Trapasso doesn’t believe the Chargers need to prioritize cornerback early in the draft.
While he sees the second-year players and free agent acquisitions as a solid foundation for the group, Trapasso points out that the NFL is a passing league. He suggests the Chargers might consider using one of their 10 draft picks in the later rounds, similar to last year, to bring in more competition and possibly find another young cornerback.
“It’s definitely a position where, in today’s NFL, it makes sense to take a couple of late-round chances, even if it’s not a top priority early on, given the passing-heavy nature of the league,” Trapasso explained.
