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Chargers HC Brandon Staley Pleased With CB Ja'Sir Taylor's Development as Training Camp Comes to a Close

Chargers draft pick Ja'Sir Taylor has been a bright spot in training camp.

Chargers rookie cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor has been a pleasant surprise in training camp.

Taylor, a sixth-round pick of the Chargers in the 2022 NFL Draft, has primarily worked from the slot cornerback alignment. His versatile skill set also offers the capability to play on the outside, but Taylor has been a standout while working the middle part of the field from the slot.

“He has really proven to be a really versatile defensive back. We really like coaching him. He has good size for the position. We really feel like he’s a defensive back, that he can play a lot of different places — corner and then some of the sub [package] roles, Dime, Money, Star." 

On Wednesday, Taylor picked off Justin Herbert during 11-on-11s on an attempted pass to DeAndre Carter. Taylor jumped the route, breaking towards the sideline and stepping in front of Carter to come down with the pass.

Typically, late-round picks on Day 3 of the draft, are more of taking a flyer on a player. But from what Taylor has shown across the last four weeks of training camp, he looks like a real player who's holding his own and then some.

Taylor has periodically received reps in camp with the first-team defense. He also offers contributions on special teams as a gunner.

As a rookie, being able to assist on special teams is critical. Taylor likely won't see a whole lot of playing time at cornerback to start the season, but showing his efforts on special teams will help get him on the field early on.

"On special teams, he has enough speed to be an effective gunner," Staley said of Taylor. "He’s a good tackler. He’s a good contact player as a defensive back. He has a sturdy body. He’s like a 190-plus [pounds] guy, so he’s strong. He’s improved a lot for us and he’s shown that he can hold his own. We’re glad that we drafted him.”

In the Chargers' last preseason game against the Cowboys, Taylor recorded two tackles, including one tackle for loss.

The Chargers will square off against the Saints Friday night in New Orleans at 5 p.m. PT for their final preseason contest in which Taylor will likely see a steady dose of snaps.


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Nick Cothrel is the publisher of Charger Report. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickCothrel for more Chargers coverage.