Los Angeles has a chance to evaluate its young defensive backs and determine whether the secondary depth will need addressing down the stretch of the season.
The Los Angeles Chargers enter the preseason with plenty of established talent in the secondary, but the next few weeks could be just as important for the young defensive backs fighting to establish themselves.
With the Chargers dominating the Texans in their preseason opener, rookies Genesis Smith and Avery Smith are among the players who stood out and have looked the part throughout training camp to this point. With several veterans expected to see limited or no action throughout the remainder of the preseason, those reps will provide young players with an opportunity to show the coaching staff what they can offer in game situations.
Genesis Smith, selected by the Bolts in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has already made an impression during training camp. The Arizona product's ability to make plays on the football has continued into training camp. He recently intercepted Justin Herbert during practice, another indication that he is becoming increasingly comfortable in Los Angeles' defensive system.
Now, the preseason gives Smith an opportunity to translate those flashes into live-game production.
For Avery Smith, the stakes may be even higher.
The undrafted rookie cornerback has steadily emerged as an intriguing player during camp. He has made plays in coverage and shown an aggressive mentality, proving that he belongs against next level competition.
Those performances have helped put Smith into the conversation for a roster spot.
The Chargers already have a group of established defensive backs, including Derwin James Jr., Tony Jefferson, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still and Donte Jackson. However, the depth behind the expected starters remains something worth monitoring as the preseason unfolds.
That makes these games extremely valuable. The Bolts don't simply need to determine which rookies can make the roster. They need to determine which young players can potentially be trusted when injuries inevitably occur during a long 17-game season.
That said, the preseason can provide answers that practice cannot. For Genesis Smith, this is an opportunity to prove that his ball skills, athleticism and instincts can translate against NFL competition. For Avery Smith, it is a chance to show that his strong training camp performances are more than just flashes.
And for the Chargers, every defensive snap can provide information that influences decisions beyond the initial 53-man roster.
Los Angeles has invested significant resources into its defense, while O'Leary—a former safeties coach—takes over as defensive coordinator. Evaluating the young defensive backs will be an important part of determining how much confidence the team can have in its depth.
