Chargers CB Tarheeb Still named a minicamp surprise by ESPN

With spring minicamps wrapped up across the NFL ahead of rookies reporting for training camp in mid-July, former Maryland cornerback Tarheeb Still drew praise for his first reps in the NFL after ESPN named him the Chargers' biggest surprise. When talking about Still, ESPN's Kris Rhim wrote: "The Chargers' pass defense was this team's Achilles heel last season, but their retooled secondary fared well throughout the offseason program, perhaps the most surprising player in that secondary has been Still. A fifth-round pick in April's draft from Maryland, Still snagged an interception and had multiple pass deflections throughout minicamp. Safety Derwin James Jr. pointed to Still as a player who impressed him, and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said he has appreciated how much Still has improved since the beginning of the offseason program. "He made a bunch of really nice plays out there," Minter said." Still became one of two draft selections from Maryland back in April, joining Delmar Glaze after he became the first to come off the board to the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round. Still became a day three selection after the Chargers took him with the 137th overall pick in the fifth round, becoming the fourth defensive back drafted out of Maryland in the last three years. Now, Still will be tasked to help turn around the NFL's worst pass defense last season while the Chargers signed former Baltimore safety Tony Jefferson last week, joining a long list of former Ravens in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz pointed to Still's versatility in college as a trait that stuck out during the draft evaluation process. “I mean, if you’ve seen him, if you’ve seen the highlights, I mean, he plays inside and out there. He’s played with really good corners throughout his career. He had a first rounder playing with him last year…but he started with them. Played inside and outside with them. Belonged on the same field with them. Like you couldn’t tell them apart at times. You had to find him cause you’re like, gosh, which one is that? Sometimes you were grading Tarheeb last year, thinking you’re grading someone else. He moves around, has that versatility, got that toughness, burst, explosiveness.” After signing with Maryland as a three-star prospect out of Timber Creek (NJ), Tarheeb Still immediately became an integral piece in the Terps' secondary after starting in 39 of the 40 games he was available. Still was among the nation's best in pass deflections throughout his career, leading the nation with two per game as a freshman while tied for third nationally as a senior, while he became one of only three FBS players to have two games with two interceptions in 2023. Related Links Florida OT Lamar Williams commits to Maryland, breaks down decisionHighland Springs DB Brennan Johnson talks Maryland OV highlight, next stepsNotes from final OV weekend (+)Four-star Jeff Exinor down to final two ahead of Friday commitmentFresh off Maryland official visit, Malik Washington sets commitment detailsFour-star Blake Woodby closing in on decision after Maryland official