Chargers 90-in-90: DB Arrion Springs

Coming out of high-school, Arrion Springs was the #6-rated cornerback in the nation, as well as a top-50 prospect overall according to ESPN. Following his senior year, he got participate in that year’s Under Armour All-American game.

In his first season up in Eugene, Springs saw playing time as a reserve in 10 contests. After that year, he won a starting cornerback position and never looked back.

He would go onto start all 12 games as a sophomore, leading the team with 12 passes defended while adding 53 tackles, a single interception, and a pair of forced fumbles.

In 2016, his junior year, Springs started 9 of 12 games. He once again led the team with 12 PBUs togo along with 39 tackles, with 3.5 going for a loss.

In his final collegiate season, Springs was named an all-conference honorable mention selection after starting 12 of 13 games. He led the team for a third-straight year in pass break-ups with 18. He added another pick and four tackles-for-loss. Pro Football Focus also named him to their First-Team All-Pac-12 squad.

Basic Info

Height: 5-10
Weight: 208
College: Oregon
Experience: 1
Years with team: 1

Contract Status

“Arrion Springs signed a 1 year, $495,000 contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, including an average annual salary of $495,000. In 2019, Springs will earn a base salary of $495,000, while carrying a cap hit of $495,000.” - Spotrac.com

The Good

Just by looking at his astounding number of passes defended, you can deduce that Springs as the natural ability of always being around the ball. Anybody having 42 of any stat is a crazy accomplishment.

Even at 5-10. Springs can also stick to wide receivers that are plenty taller than him. He knows to play the ball through the hands of the pass-catcher which helps him make up for a lack of length.

Spring is one of three defenders listed as a DB on the roster instead of designated as a cornerback or safety. This is because Springs offers the versatility to play either one in this defense and that might be a good thing for the former Duck.

The Bad

His number of PBUs at Oregon are a good thing, don’t get me wrong. But there’s something to be said about having 42 passes defended yet only having two career interceptions. I found this intriguing so I threw on some 2017 Oregon tape and, wouldn’t you know it, Springs dropped a lot of interceptions. And i’m talking “right in the hands”-type of picks.

If Springs can’t right the ship for his hands in the NFL, it’s going to be a short-lived career.

Odds of making the roster/What to expect in 2019

Unless Springs can somehow bypass Brandon Facyson for the final cornerback spot, I don’t think Springs will be making this roster. However, I think he should be a priority to stash on the practice squad, just in case.

Fun Fact: While at Oregon, he was named the team’s best video game player by his teammates. Also, he admitted to blaring Taylor Swift in his headphones prior to his games in college.