Avery Smith, the undrafted rookie cornerback, is absolutely lighting up training camp right now for the Chargers, pulling off multiple standout days that have everyone talking. This guy came in with little fanfare and is quickly proving he belongs in the pros.
Smith’s Mentorship Paying Off Big Time
This isn’t some fluke either. Smith got to hone his skills at Toledo, learning directly from a former first-round pick, Quinyon Mitchell. And you can bet that mentorship is paying off big-time early in his pro career. It’s not unheard of for the Chargers, honestly. We’ve seen this path before, with other undrafted corners busting through to make the roster. Just last year, Nikko Reed pulled it off. And Eric Rogers might have joined him if a major preseason injury hadn’t sidelined him. Smith is showing that same kind of grit and talent that gets UDFAs noticed.
Chargers Defense Is Looking Tough Early On
It’s not just Smith showing out on his own. The Chargers defense as a whole came out swinging on the first day of pads, putting in a dominant effort, especially in the secondary. And while Smith is grabbing headlines, he’s not alone in turning heads. Derius Davis is also out there defying the odds in camp, proving why they’re saying two undrafted guys have been shaking up training camp through this first week. You gotta wonder if Smith is one of those two making serious noise. It’s early, but the energy around that defense is undeniable.
Big Questions Loom as Camp Heats Up
So, the million-dollar question for Chargers fans is already hanging in the air: Can Avery Smith actually break through and make the final roster in September? And what about Nikko Reed, does he hold onto his spot as that final corner, or does Smith’s rise push someone else out? These are the real battles heating up in camp right now. While everyone’s also keeping an eye on other NFL news, like Zay Flowers’ massive extension with the Ravens or the Hall of Fame Game on deck, these camp battles are where careers are made. It’s going to be a wild ride watching how it all shakes out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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