(Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
The Chargers continue to push young safety JT Woods in his bid to earn more defensive playing time in 2023.
A third-round pick out of Baylor last year, Woods has the speed and range the Chargers demand to play in the deepest part of their defense. But his tackling remains a project.
Woods played 22 snaps on defense and nine on special teams in the Chargers’ first preseason game last weekend against the Rams.
“I thought that JT … did a really good job of commanding the back end and running the show,” defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley said. “Obviously, there are things that we have to work on — pad level and things like that — but I was pleased with his physicality.”
Woods has been used in several different packages during training camp as the Chargers search for their best defensive back groupings.
With Alohi Gilman dealing with a knee contusion, Woods received plenty of opportunities in the joint practices with the Saints. He had a notable run stop during Thursday’s session.
A lowlight for Woods came against the Rams late in the first half when he was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that led to a touchdown.
“I thought you saw a young player who got caught up in the moment of competing,” Ansley said. “…You just have to know when to pump the brakes…. It was one of those things that you learn from and move on.”