The Chargers’ defense was lights out in 2025, and one player on the side of the ball who stood out week in and week out but rarely got the flowers they deserved was cornerback Donte Jackson.
Pro Football Focus identified the Secret Superstars for every team, which are contributors who consistently win their matchups and drive results without national recognition, and it was Jackson who represented the Bolts.
Jackson thrived in the Chargers’ zone-heavy scheme, earning a 79.9 zone PFF coverage grade that ranked 13th among cornerbacks. He tied for the league lead at the position in interceptions in zone (four). Jackson’s 16.3 coverage snaps per reception allowed ranked as the 12th-best rate among NFL cornerbacks.
Los Angeles signed Jackson to a two-year, $13 million contract with $7 million guaranteed last offseason. While he was signed to serve as the veteran in a cornerback room that primarily consisted of young players, Jackson went on to become a primary starter and playmaker for the defense.
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Jackson’s four interceptions tied the second-most he’s had in his career, while also adding 12 passes defended. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Jackson allowed a 67.3 passer rating as the nearest defender.
After proving himself, Jackson will be a key piece in a defense next season that could have a new playcaller, with Jesse Minter fielding a lot of head coaching buzz.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: PFF named this player the Chargers’ ‘secret superstar’ in 2025
