EL SEGUNDO — If there were questions about the Chargers’ defensive backs going into training camp, and there were a few, then they have more or less been asked and answered through the first seven days of practice. Kristian Fulton has answered many of them with his standout play so far.
When camp began last week, it was assumed that Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman would be the starting safeties and Asante Samuel Jr. would be one starting cornerback. Fulton was one option to fill the vacancy at cornerback, having signed with the Chargers after four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
But it was also possible 2024 draft picks Tarheeb Still from Maryland and Cam Hart from Notre Dame could battle for the other starting cornerback position and win it. Others, including Matt Hankins, a free-agent acquisition in 2023, also were expected to stake a claim on the position.
Instead, Fulton has been everything the Chargers hoped for, and more. They did their due diligence before signing him to a one-year, $3.125 million contract during the offseason. They watched video of his play while with the Titans and they spoke to his college coaches from his time at LSU.
“Kristian is practicing like we thought he could,” Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said Wednesday. “He’s an ultra competitor. He’s really talented. I’m confident he’ll perform well this year. I don’t even know if he’s got a chip, but he’s got a boulder on his shoulder. We have a lot of confidence in him.”
So far, so good.
Fulton, 25, could fill a variety of roles, including as a slot cornerback. He might be more comfortable playing on the outside, but he said he played the slot position as a freshman at LSU. He also said he was comfortable in that role if that’s what the coaching staff asks of him in the days, weeks and months to come.
“I just think he’s a versatile corner,” Minter said. “He’s able to mix up his coverages and do different things. He’s got a really good (football) sense. He played on a great defense in college. He’s had some good, productive years in the NFL and started a lot of games (37 of 42 with Tennessee).”
Fulton agreed with Minter that he has much to prove in camp and this season.
“I just want to prove I’m a top corner in this league,” Fulton said. “It’s going to show come game day, but right now I’m just focused on showing it every day to my coaches and my teammates that they can trust me out there. I know if I do my job, everything will take care of itself.”
To be sure, nothing is set in stone in the second week of camp and it will be quite a while before the Chargers issue an unofficial depth chart, but it would seem that Samuel and Fulton have nailed down two cornerback spots with James and Gilman securing two safety positions.
But who might back them up?
For one thing, Ja’Sir Taylor could win the slot corner position with Deane Leonard as a possible backup. Leonard has been a special teams ace for the Chargers, someone who has played the role of gunner in punt coverage in recent seasons. Still, Hart and Hankins are expected to be depth players at cornerback.
James’ versatility makes him valuable in so many ways, but especially when it comes to moving him around the field like a chess piece. He can play the slot. He can play deep. He can even play as if he was an inside linebacker. Gilman is a more traditional safety, anchored to one role.
Backups for James and Gilman could include Tony Jefferson, a 10-year veteran from Oklahoma, and Thomas Harper, an undrafted rookie from Notre Dame. Also in play at safety are AJ Finley and JT Woods. Harper has been impressive at times in deflecting passes and making interceptions.
Gilman returned to practice Wednesday after his wife gave birth Tuesday. … Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer did not join his teammates for practice after leaving Tuesday’s session early because of an apparent leg injury. … Running back J.K. Dobbins, tight end Donald Parham Jr. and linebacker Junior Colson worked out on the sidelines with members of the athletic training staff. … Center Bradley Bozeman continues to work almost exclusively with quarterback Justin Herbert. Center Brenden Jaimes has worked almost exclusively with backup quarterback Easton Stick.
