2023 Chargers Draft Preview: Safeties

As mentioned above, the Chargers could be set at starter with Gilman lining up next to James.

But with how Staley likes to deploy his defense, Trapasso believes even more depth could be needed behind Woods and Layne.

Trapasso said safety could be a strong need later this week, and that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Bolts went that direction as early as Day 2.

“They have JT Woods, who they picked last year, but I think it’s a pretty big need because in today’s NFL, even if you have someone like Derwin James that is a true game-changer, you kind of need two, or maybe even at times three, quality safeties,” Trapasso said. “With all the receiving tight ends that are out there, the running backs that are getting better as receivers that are coming out of the backfield a lot. Obviously just the slot receivers, every team has got at least one good slot receiver.

“I think safety is not a super sexy position in the draft, but I certainly think to compliment Derwin James and to add someone else that can be relied upon at the safety spot is actually a pretty big emphasis for the Chargers early in the draft,” Trapasso added.

1. Is Alabama’s Brian Branch the clear No. 1 safety prospect?

“Yeah, I think so. Some teams might really like Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M, but I’m a lot lower on him than most because he misses so many tackles and I don’t think he’s really great in coverage despite his size. Brian Branch, not the traditional safety in that he’s more of a slot defender and is better closer to the line of scrimmage, but tremendous tackler. The best tackling defensive back that I’ve ever scouted. Like, he does not miss a tackle. It doesn’t matter who he’s facing, and then he has that great zone awareness or savviness in zone to make plays there as well.”

2. How do you view the positional value of safety in early rounds?

“It’s kind of the same deal [as linebackers]. A lot of the times safeties, the Johnathan Abrams of the world…