As we near the start of training camp on July 30, we'll preview each position for the San Diego Chargers. We continue with a look at the cornerbacks.
The Roster
Jason Verrett –Verrett established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league last year as he made his first Pro Bowl. Entering his third season, he's worked tirelessly to remain among the NFL's elite. Verrett figures to match up against the opposition's top weapon each week, and his battles in Chargers Camp against Keenan Allen are always a must-watch.
Brandon Flowers –Perhaps no player on the Bolts is more eager to officially turn the page on 2015
than Flowers. Battling nagging knee injuries, the cornerback did not perform up to his usual standards, and said he didn't even recognize himself on tape. He is determined to get back to his Pro Bowl form, and earned positive reviews from Head Coach Mike McCoy during OTAs.
Casey Hayward – Hayward has a knack for making the big interception, which is one of many reasons the Chargers inked the former Green Bay Packer to a contract on March 13. He formed a strong bond with the rest of his teammates from the moment he arrived, and training camp will be the first chance to watch the newest corner in action.
Craig Mager – After a whirlwind rookie campaign in which last year's third round pick went from Texas State to the Chargers, Mager said the game has slowed down a great deal entering 2016. He says his role as a young player is to back up the trio ahead of him on the depth chart, so it will be interesting to see how the Bolts rotate him in throughout Chargers Camp.
Steve Williams – The speedster out of Cal put on a show in the 2015 season finale, recording two forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery and one sack against the Denver Broncos. He looks to build on that effort heading into his fourth season.
Greg Ducre –Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Ducre worked his way from the practice squad to the active roster midway through last season. He appeared in four games, including his first career start in Oakland.
Richard Crawford – The Oceanside native was one of the final players cut as the Chargers trimmed their roster to 53 before last season. He rejoined the practice squad late in the year, and now aims for a spot in 2016.
Larry Scott –The Oregon State product made a number of plays during OTAs, and will need to keep it up to defy the odds as an undrafted free agent. The 5-11, 194-pounder finished his collegiate career with 72 tackles, one interception, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 15 passes defensed in 31 games.
Terrell Chestnut –Chestnut starred at West Virginia, posting 86 tackles, four interceptions, 18 passes defensed and three forced fumbles over his career.
Trevor Williams –A two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten pick out of Penn State, Williams totaled 84 tackles, 30 passes defensed and four interceptions from 2013-15.
Keep an Eye On…
Ricky Henne: There are a lot of players I can name, but I'll most likely keep tabs on Brandon Flowers more than the other cornerbacks throughout Chargers Camp. The Chargers need the Flowers they saw in 2014 rather than the 2015 version. Last year was a lost season for the former Pro Bowler, who says he now feels fresh and healthy. He had an impressive offseason program, so I want to see if he can continue that level of play.
Hayley Elwood: With 10 cornerbacks on the roster, there's bound to be a ton of CB competition during training camp. I'm looking forward to seeing how Jason Verrett will build off his Pro Bowl season. Watching him go up against Keenan Allen in 7-on-7 drills is one of the most exciting things to watch during camp. I'm also interested to see how free agent signing Casey Hayward will work his way into the fold and how Craig Mager will continue his development into year two.
