Chargers preseason week 2: Top player to watch on offense and defense

For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Chargers will host the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason and there is an offensive and defensive player to watch.

The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated in the team’s first preseason game by the Arizona Cardinals, 17-24. Despite the outcome, there were several players that stood out, wide receiver Geremy Davis.

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The most anticipated player to watch last week, and likely will be heading into next week, is free safety, Derwin James. James fell to the Los Angeles Chargers at the 17th overall pick after being projected to be a top-seven or so pick prior to the draft.

James was the best safety in the draft class and fits into the Chargers’ secondary like a glove. Los Angeles got another ball hawk to go along with the elite secondary and pass-rush. Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see if James lives up to this potential.

It is not James that is the biggest player to watch on the defensive side of the ball, though. James is essentially guaranteed the starting free safety job, regardless of his outcome.

Instead, the biggest defensive player to watch is someone that could have a huge impact in his rookie year and is playing for his number of snaps.

Defensive player to watch: OLB Uchenna Nwosu

We know that James is going to be the starting center. We also know that Uchenna Nwosu is going to play a role his rookie year, especially considering the Chargers used a second-round pick on him.

What we do not know is how often Nwosu is going to be on the field and in what packages. Is he going to be primarily a pass-rushing linebacker or is he going to show progressions in dropping back in coverage?

The preseason will give us those answers. At the very least, Nwosu will line up either behind Joey Bosa or Melvin Ingram and will thrive at rushing the passer because of it. After a good showing in week 1 with a sack, the Chargers should look to drop Nwosu in coverage more to see what he is capable of.

Offensive player to watch: Sean Culkin

The Los Angeles Chargers have a void to fill at the tight end position and Sean Culkin looks to be the front-runner after week 1 of the preseason. Culkin made just two receptions for 24 yards against the Cardinals, however, Culkin looked comfortable in the passing schemes and could be a red zone threat for Philip Rivers.

Culkin definitely has the size at six-foot-five, 250 pounds. At the very least, he should be a good blocking option in the run game. With progressions in the passing game, Culkin could serve as the big-bodies drag target that Rivers hits against blitzes or on the goal line.

Culkin should see more playing time in week 2 as the Chargers really start to figure out his role next season. Because of that, keep your eyes on number 80.