A severe thunderstorm knocked out the power in Delaware Head Coach Danny Rocco's home right before his former All-American safety was selected in the second round of 2019 NFL Draft.
Perhaps it's only fitting that Nasir Adderley's new team dons a lightning bolt on their helmet.
"I knew it was about that time, and then sure enough I got a few text messages and a phone call," Rocco said. "So, I may have missed it live, but certainly was tracking it really closely."
For the second straight season, Los Angeles used a high draft pick on a versatile safety. On the latest episode of Chargers Weekly – the official podcast of the team – Rocco detailed what the team and fanbase can expect from Adderley. Excerpts from the conversation are below.
Rocco on the type of player the Chargers are getting in Adderley (10:00):
"Well, he's an extraordinary athlete and he's extremely versatile. So, I think those are two things right there that will create a lot of value and create a lot of options. I mean, he was an outstanding special teams player for us in addition. So, they have a guy that can do a lot of different things. [He] played some corner, certainly could play over the slot. [He] could be a third-down slot cover corner, and he could play in the post. And, I think what we saw him do and really flash at was his range. He's got extraordinary range in the post, and most of his highlights in the pass game just show his ability to cover ground and play the ball in the air. So, he's an exciting player. He was very productive for us in the run game. He was a downhill safety and he was a good tackler. So, he's a dynamic player and he's just a quality, quality young man."
Adding another player to the Chargers' secondary who can get to the ball (11:30):
"Well, I think the biggest thing is just playmaking ability. It's so impressive to be able to have guys back there that can change the game – guys that aren't back there trying to survive and just get off the field. They're trying to take the ball away, and those are the kinds of things to me that really generate energy and enthusiasm and momentum on your defense. So, three-and-outs are great, but you take that ball away and it's even that much more exciting. And when he gets his hands on the ball, he's dynamic. He's done some things in the return game that really show his athleticism. … I do think that it just brings another guy that can change the game because of his ability to make plays, his range and his ability to see and play the ball in the air."
Listen to the entire interview on Chargers Weekly, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, YouTube and the official Chargers app. A five-star rating/review is appreciated and will help spread the word to other fans this offseason.
