Initial Reaction: Safety Alohi Gilman

The Pick: Safety Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame

With their sixth round pick, the Chargers drafted safety Alohi Gilman out of Notre Dame. He projects as an in-the-box safety with a specialization in stuffing the run. He has had some struggles in coverage, but plays with tenacity that one loves to see in the safety position. Gilman was a former captain, another high character player for the Chargers’ locker room.

How does he fit with the Chargers?

As per the FPC Chargers Draft Guide, the safety position is not one of need for the Bolts. However, they lost many of their core special teams contributors this offseason and looked to replenish the squad for the underrated third phase of the game. Daniel Popper (Athletic) noted that Gilman reminded head coach Anthony Lynn of former All-Pro special teams ace Adrian Phillips. High praise. Albeit, the Bolts cut Phillips at least 6 times prior to him sticking on the roster.

Making the 53-man roster is not a given for Gilman considering that the Chargers are stocked at safety with the “elite” Rayshawn Jenkins, the actually elite Derwin James,  Nasir Adderley, Roderic Teamer and the versatile Dez King. The fifth safety spot likely comes down to the wire between Gilman and Teamer, who was playing 100% of snaps at times in 2019. They may also be competing for the backup spot to James, even if they play a more traditional strong safety role. The deciding factors will be who can make the most plays on special teams and who will avoid critical errors when they receive defensive snaps.