Los Angeles Chargers: Five players with the most to prove in 2018
By Jason Reed
![KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 11: Cornerback Jason Verrett #22 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates with teammate Jahleel Addae #37 after a second half interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G Aiken/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 11: Cornerback Jason Verrett #22 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates with teammate Jahleel Addae #37 after a second half interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G Aiken/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9b4b3ce0542992a137e9e27c896d23c35fdc7d7ed4b22d246a4e2eb3d4a9e1d7.jpg)
1. Jason Verrett, CB
Jason Verrett was once one of the most promising cornerbacks in the NFL and was the central point of a young Chargers defense that was in the rebuilding stages. However, the first-round pick has not been able to stay on the field and has battled injury problems his entire career.
Now, Verrett has seemingly become an afterthought with cornerback Casey Hayward taking charge as the center of a young, promising, Chargers’ secondary. Verrett, while he can still be great while healthy, is not necessarily needed by the Chargers anymore. The team proved they can win without him.
Thus, trading Verrett became topical before the NFL Draft if the Chargers wanted to acquire another first-round pick to draft Philip Rivers’ eventual replacement. While that obviously never happened, Verrett still finds himself in an odd middle ground heading into next season.
Verrett is entering a contract year and is going to have to prove that he can remain healthy to even get consideration from the Chargers or any other teams. Not only that, when he is on the field, Verrett has to prove that his limited playing time has not affected his ability to be one of the best corners in the game.
Verrett has a lot to prove which is great for the Chargers. If he manages to stay healthy, LA is going to get a motivated Verrett that will play at his very best; creating arguably the best secondary in football.