Chargers get Nasir Adderley to compete with Derwin James

The Los Angeles Chargers selected safety Nasir Adderley out of Delaware in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 60th overall.

Los Angeles' defense was significantly boosted by the addition of Derwin James in the first round last year, and picking up Adderley gives the AFC West team a pair of versatile safeties.

Adderley projects as a free safety, which could allow the playmaking James even more license to roam.

Prospect profile

School: Delaware
Height: 6-0
Weight: 206 lbs

Strengths

• Good athlete with movement ability that will translate
• Phenomenal sideline-to-sideline range
• Makes some truly incredible plays, ball skills to high-point
• Flies downhill and drops the hammer to show physicality
• Delivers big hits to any blockers he meets in box
• High-level production - nine interceptions in last two years
• Led all safeties with a 1.3 passer rating against in 2018 (PFF)

Weaknesses

• Played against lower levels of competition
• Doesn't have body to match physical play style
• Will need more discipline in coverage

Bottom line

Adderley is the rare Division II prospect who's earning Day 1 buzz, and it's not hard to see why. With the athleticism and instincts to cover sideline to sideline, and some ridiculous ball skills to convert opportunities into turnovers, the Delaware standout profiles as an impact single-high safety. He can deliver big hits in the running game and in coverage to separate receivers from the ball. The jump in competition will be significant, but Adderley is a potential game-changer on the back end.