Chargers OTAs exposed a ticking time bomb of a decision at important position

Nothing will be decided at OTAs, but the Los Angeles Chargers have some interesting roster decisions to make.

One of the most significant question marks on the roster in LA is who will be the starter at cornerback. The team does not have Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, or Eli Apple on the team anymore so that leaves what could be a massive battle at the position.

This has been common knowledge for the franchise heading into the OTAs, but the light is being shed at the position as the Chargers need results from the cornerbacks. That's what makes OTAs more vital than it has previously been.

Chargers have a battle on their hands at cornerback

Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine's recent article reviewed each NFL team's most important position battle to watch and the breakout candidate of the summer. Ballentine has his eyes on the cornerback battle after changes were made to the position.

"The Chargers have the potential to put a strong defense on the field in 2025. Cornerback is one of the few position groups that could really hold them back, though. Kristian Fulton left in free agency, leaving them with one less answer on the outside.

Tarheeb Still showed he can be on the field, but he probably fits in best in the slot. Cam Hart showed flashes as a rookie, but he had multiple injuries including two concussions. The Chargers brought in Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.

They'll need to find three reliable corners out of the group or go looking for answers elsewhere."

Still gives the Chargers their best coverage guy with the highest potential despite being a former fifth-round pick last year. He showcased his skills with an impressive 62 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and four interceptions in his rookie season.

Hart is another 2024 fifth-round pick of the Chargers, selected three picks behind Still. He was thrust into the lineup with six starts in 14 games as Hart racked up 37 tackles, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble.

Los Angeles will likely opt to go with their young cornerbacks to provide the secondary with stability and continuity, utilizing players who have been there. The real decision is on which veteran to roll with between Jackson and St-Juste.

According to PFF, neither Jackson nor St-Juste performed that well in 2024, as both are ranked between 187th and 196th out of 222 cornerbacks. Statistically, Jackson had the better season last year with eight pass deflections and five interceptions, as well as allowing a quarterback rating of 69.9. St-Juste allowed a staggering 102.2 quarterback rating, which was the second worst of his four-year career.

On paper, Jackson appears to be the better option, but the Chargers are hoping that either one of the veterans or a young player can emerge. Los Angeles aims to remain one of the top pass defenses in the NFL after finishing seventh last season.

OTAs run through its second week with more progress at cornerback needing to be seen before training camp and the regular season.