Derius Davis Gives Chargers an Explosive new Weapon

The Los Angeles Chargers recently selected specialist/WR Derius Davis in the 4th round of the 2023 draft. General Manager Tom Telesco knew Davis was his guy going into the draft by selecting him much earlier than draft experts expected.

This is one of the most exciting picks by the Chargers in recent memory. The Chargers have lacked speed at the wide receiver and a consistent return man… until now. Davis ran a 4.36 40-yard dash in the combine, ranking 5th among all wide receivers in this draft.

Bolts Instant Upgrade from 2022

Davis had the 3rd most receiving yards and the 2nd most touchdowns on the 13-2 TCU team last season, however, that is not why they drafted him early. Davis specialized as a returner, totaling five punt return touchdowns in his collegiate career, ranking 17th all-time.

The Chargers were solid in the punt return game with specialist Deandre Carter, but not so much in the kick returns. Carter had to play a larger role than expected due to injuries and was decent, but his lack of speed for a returner/gadget player was noticeable.

Davis has the ability to be a full-time kick and punt returner in 2023 as well as a similar role at wide receiver to Carter last season in gadget plays.

Let Herbert Cook

The struggles for the Chargers last season were due to a lack of speed and predictability in play-calling. Telesco is well aware of this, which is why he drafted two fast wide receivers this draft and hired new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

The glaring weaknesses of speed and play calling on offense last season were intertwined. There were no speed options for creative deep pass plays from the 2022 roster outside the Mike Williams jump ball.

Justin Hebert shined in his rookie season in large part from having speed threats. The two undrafted deep threats, Tyron Johnson and Jalen Guyton helped make the offense reminiscent of the famous Air Cornell Chargers offense. Although Guyton is still on the team, he has struggled to stay healthy missing all of last season.

Allen and Williams are great at what they do best, but they do not stretch the field enough to make the safeties play back. That’s where 1st round pick Quinten Johnston and possibly even Davis can let Herbert shine in this upcoming season.

When OC Moore coached for the Cowboys, they were a top offense due to the multiple ways they could attack any defense.

Alongside the run game, Moore incorporated a gadget player similar to Davis with Tavon Austin, who had success due to his speed and vision with the ball.

If just half of Herbert’s playmakers can stay healthy this season, the 2023 Bolts are going to be a major problem in the AFC.

Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.

Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com

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