Chargers training camp, Day 20: JT Woods getting extended audition at cornerback (2024)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers defensive back JT Woods is getting an extended audition at outside cornerback.

Woods was drafted as a safety in 2022. That is where he primarily played through his first two NFL seasons. And that is also where he played this spring and early on in training camp for Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Last week, however, Woods moved to outside cornerback in practice. He has played exclusively at that position over the past four practices — two last week and two this week. Woods also played 23 of his 28 defensive snaps at outside cornerback in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

When asked earlier this week if Woods’ move to cornerback is permanent, Harbaugh said, “It could be.”

Seeing if Woods is a better fit at cornerback makes sense. A third-round pick in 2022, he has the size, length and speed to match up with receivers on the outside. And, just as importantly, Woods has looked comfortable playing from various alignments at outside cornerback, particularly when he can get physical with receivers in press.

This might be the position that better unlocks his physical tools. When the previous regime drafted Woods, they loved his college ball production and believed his 4.36 speed would allow him to cover a ton of ground as deep-field safety. Those expectations were never realized, partly because Woods did not show the vision or instincts necessary to fill that position amid the speed of the NFL game.

Cornerbacks, by nature, are typically forced to see less of the field than deep-field safeties.

And within this more consolidated role, Woods’ athletic traits are starting to flash.

jt woods is strapped in

📺 | CBS LA + Estrella pic.twitter.com/xpbhWuDBEl

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 11, 2024

He did not get targeted in his 23 snaps at outside cornerback Saturday against the Rams. He had a run stuff on a third-and-2, flying off the edge to drop Rams running back Boston Scott for a 2-yard loss — an encouraging sign for a player who has struggled with missed tackles in his career. This week in practice, Woods has three near-interceptions in two days at outside cornerback.

He had two in one practice on Monday. On the first, receiver Simi Fehoko ran an out route during a two-minute drill. Woods was defending Fehoko while working with the second-team defense. Easton Stick threw to Fehoko along the right sideline. Woods was in tight coverage. He read Stick’s throw and jumped it. The ball went through his hands, and Fehoko came down with the reception. But Woods’ break on the ball was outstanding. Something to build on, for sure.

Later in Monday’s practice, during an 11-on-11 red zone period, Woods was in coverage on rookie receiver Jaelen Gill to the outside. The Chargers’ offense faced a third-and-goal from the 5-yard line. Gill ran an in-breaking route. Woods was in Gill’s hip pocket. Quarterback Luis Perez tried to fit a throw into Gill. Woods again jumped it. This potential interception went through his hands, as well. Still great coverage, though.

“He’s got all the athletic ability you need for corner,” cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. said of Woods.

Woods then almost came down with a red zone pick in Tuesday’s practice, this time against quarterback Justin Herbert. The first-team offense faced second down at the 12-yard line. Woods was in coverage on receiver Joshua Palmer on the outside. Palmer ran a slant. Woods jumped the route and knocked the pass away. He had a chance to catch this one, too.

“He’s tall, he’s long, he’s athletic, he’s fast, he’s got makeup speed,” Harbaugh said. “If there’s versatility there if he could play cornerback and safety, then that’s a good thing.”

It has not been all positive. He got beat on a go-ball by Fehoko in Monday’s practice. In Tuesday’s practice, he lost track of rookie receiver Brenden Rice on a back-shoulder ball for an explosive reception.

But on a snap-to-snap basis, Woods looks to be a more dynamic version of himself at outside cornerback. He has a natural feel in man coverage, and his movement skills shine in these moments.

The Chargers offense ran multiple mesh concepts — intersecting crossing routes over the middle — in the red zone Tuesday. Woods did well on both plays to stay on his man, Palmer, through traffic.

“If that’s what he does best,” Harbaugh said of Woods playing cornerback, “let’s see him there doing that.”

Is that what he does best?

“We’re going to see, right?” Harbaugh said. “But given he’s long, athletic, fast, a guy with coverage skills, why would you not try that?”

News and notes

• Chargers who did not practice Tuesday: safety Derwin James Jr.; edge rusher Joey Bosa; receiver DJ Chark; offensive lineman Trey Pipkins; linebacker Nick Niemann; safety Thomas Harper; tight end Will Dissly; tight end Hayden Hurst; edge rusher Chris Rumph II.

• Herbert practiced for the second consecutive day. He was in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since sustaining the injury to his plantar fascia in July. Herbert took 10 reps of 11-on-11. The play of the day for Herbert came in the red zone in 11-on-11. He escaped to his left away from pressure, then threw on the run to Palmer in the back left corner of the end zone, just clearing two defenders in coverage. Making this kind of throw on the run is a positive sign in Herbert’s return from the injury.

• Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer returned to practice Monday after missing nearly three weeks due to an injury. He has been in individual drills the past two days but has not yet been back in team drills.

• Center Bradley Bozeman was back in team drills. He took limited reps at center.

• Pipkins has sat out of the past two practices. With Pipkins out and Salyer not yet back in team drills, Foster Sarell has worked as the right guard with the first-team offense this week.

• Receiver Quentin Johnston had an ugly drop in Monday’s practice that led to an interception. He came back Tuesday with one of his best practices of camp, catching five of his six targets. The only incompletion was on a go-ball from Herbert. Johnston ran a good route and created some separation down the left sideline against cornerback Cam Hart. Herbert’s throw was a touch out of reach. Overall, Johnston continues to look like a much-improved player.

(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)

Daniel Popper is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Jacksonville Jaguars for The Athletic after following the New York Jets for the New York Daily News, where he spent three years writing, reporting and podcasting about local pro sports. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielrpopper