The San Diego Chargers have a defensive back that can run a 4.44 40-yard dash while also being a terrific tackler.
Drafted out of Texas State, Craig Mager might become a vital piece of the Chargers’ defense. A third-round pickin the 2015 NFL draft, Mager looked like a bit of a head scratcher at first glance. With bigger names like David Johnson and Sammie Coates still on the board, the Chargers went with Mager in hopes of landing a diamond in the rough.
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Mager is listed as a cornerback with measurements around 5’11″ and close to 200 pounds. When watching Mager on tape, it is easy to see that he is the definition of a raw talent. Given that last season Mager received limited playing time, most tape was watched from his college days.
In this certain game against Arkansas State, Mager shows both why he was drafted by San Diego and why the team might have been able to pass on the cornerback.
My favorite aspect about Mager is the fact that he is a sure-tackler. I have watched three collegiate games on Mager and did not see him miss a tackle, always showing terrific form. He has tremendous ability to set the edge and go through a block to tackle a runner.
In coverage, however, Mager can be suspect against the pass. Multiple times, Mager guessed on the play call and resulted in long gains through the air against the corner. Yet, there were also other times that I watched Mager perfectly mirror the receiver, play the ball in the air, and make an excellent play on the ball to defend the pass.
In my opinion, I would like to see the Chargers transition Mager to a safety position. Not only would this help the depth at safety, it would give an upgrade over Jahleel Addae. Addae is too reliant on trying to blow up a play with a big hit, instead of dissecting the play and working to pursue the ball.
At safety, Mager’s ability to find the ballcarrier would be put in the spotlight. He would be a perfect compliment to Dwight Lowery, who is more of a centerfield-like safety. All in all, Mager looks like the type of player ready to break out and help build on this young San Diego defense.