Chargers News: LA Safety Aims For A Huge 2023 Season

The second year safety will look to make a name for himself

Outside of Derwin James in 2022, the Chargers' secondary wasn't all that. It consisted of many young players who, at times, struggled to find their footing and didn't have a great season.

The secondary also consisted of a bunch of young players, like second-year safety JT Woods. LA selected Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn't get much playing time in his first year. Woods only played in 10 games, starting in one, and only collected three tackles. 

During the little time Woods was on, he struggled mightily with his tackling and was a big part of why he wasn't a constant fixture in the lineup. 

He aims to make things right in 2023 and is already showing improvement during training camp. 

Chargers defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell praised Woods for his improvement and growth on the field. 

“He’s got mental toughness,” Donatell said after practice when asked about this three-play sequence from Woods. “As a DB in this league, everybody knows that’s where you got to have next-play mentality. And he’s able to take the coaching, whether it’s hard or just talking through it. He’s a very tough kid in that way, and he can make the adjustments, and that’s what we’re looking for. Because there’s going to be things that happen on the field. It’s not a perfect sport at times. But he’s able to adjust and go to the next play and make the plays we need, because in the back end, you’ve got to have a short memory. That’s cliche, but it’s the truth.”

(via The Atheltic)

Woods was dominant in college, especially his senior year, where he lead the Big 12 with Baylr with six interceptions and finished with 57 tackles. I'm sure the adjustment period was tough, but with a new season underway and time in the NFL, he will be better and must be. 

According to ESPN, he is the second safety on the list behind James, and if he plays well during preseason, he may get even more playing time than he thought. 

The defense will be the main focus for the Bolts, and we cannot wait to see how they improved, especially Woods.