The Los Angeles Chargers had a defensive renaissance under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, and rookie Tarheeb Still played a large role in the overnight turnaround. A fifth-round pick, the Maryland product immediately outplayed his draft capital to record four interceptions, 10 passes defended, 62 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a 75.5 PFF grade, the 19th-best mark in the league.
The Chargers made it to the playoffs as Still established himself as one of the game’s best rookies, but one writer believes this is just the beginning of his greatness. In a recent article, Daniel Popper of The Athletic named Tarheeb Still as a potential breakout player for the Chargers and said he could be a household name at this point next year.
“A season-ending injury for Asante Samuel Jr. cleared an opportunity for Still, who quickly established himself as an impact starter and finished with four interceptions,” Popper said. “He has tremendous instincts in zone coverage and natural ball skills, which make him a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme. Still is capable of putting up big production and that could shift him into the national spotlight in 2025.”
Chargers Tarheeb Still Named Breakout Player
The Los Angeles Chargers will need Tarheeb Still to maintain his high level of play if they want to make a deep playoff run. Playing in arguably the best division in football, Los Angeles has their eyes set on finally dethroning Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West. They won’t be able to do this without a strong secondary, and the team’s decision not to add a big-name cornerback suggests they believe Still has what it takes to consistently lock down his side of the field.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – Imagn Images
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