5 small-school targets Chargers should consider in 2020 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers might be interested in a small-school player as early as Round 2.

If the Chargers want to hit a home run in the 2020 NFL Draft, they are going to have to consider all options when choosing who will make their draft board.

Every year a prospect from a small school becomes an NFL star in the making. Whether it’s the early rounds or undrafted free agency pool, there’s plenty of players who always fly under the radar.

With that, we are going to take a look at five small school standouts who Los Angeles should consider later this month based on positional need.

Ben Bartch, St. Johns, OT

The Chargers need more help along the offensive line and Bartch is the one prospect that should be at the top of their board come Day 2. After a successful collegiate career for the Johnnies, Bartch put on a show against some of the top pass-rushers in the country at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. From his tape and his outing in Mobile, AL, Bartch showed everything that you could ask for in an NFL offensive lineman: Footwork, athleticism, play awareness, great hands, ability to anchor and strength at the point of attack. Bartch, the former tight end, played strictly left tackle during his time at St. John’s. He’s more than capable of competing for the starting left tackle spot, but he could slide inside to guard, too. Look for Bartch to finish in a similar situation as Buccaneers guard Ali Marpet — another former small-school standout, who went on to become drafted in the second round.

Cameron Clark, Charlotte, OL

Clark, Charlotte’s former team captain and two-time All-Conference-USA member, went on to set to a school record with 48 games played. Clark is an aggressive player in the run blocking department and a smooth mover out in space, playing with the mindset of taking the game to his opponents. He has good athletic traits and solid movement skills in pass protection to keep defenders at bay.  Like Bartch, Clark can play tackle or kick inside to guard at the next level. Given the new zone scheme the Chargers are expected to incorporate this upcoming season, Clark’s skillset would be perfect for offensive line coach James Campen to mold into a potential NFL starter.

James Robinson, Illinois State, RB

The Rockford native played in 46 games for the Redbirds, starting 39 of them. After finishing his All-American season in 2019 where he rushed for 1,917 yards, Robinson raised eyebrows of NFL evaluators at the Shrine Bowl, finishing with 137 yards from scrimmage, including a 63-yard touchdown run. The 5-foot-9 and 219 pound back isn’t a burner, but he has a powerful running style to break tackles where he would be able to pick up yards on first and second-down situations, as well as the strength to pick up defenders on third-down in pass protection. Given his bruising style of play, he would be the ideal compliment to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.

Dante Olson, Montana, LB

The Chargers will be looking to add more depth at the linebacker position, but also more special teamers after losing Derek Watt and Nick Dzubnar. Olson, the first-team All-Big Sky selection, led the FBS and FCS in tackles (179) for the second straight season. He raised some eyebrows at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine with a whopping 42-inch vertical. Olson is a smart, assignment sound defender in the run game and in coverage with NFL-level intangibles. While he may not start Day 1, he is capable of being a quality backup and special teams ace in his rookie season.

Aaron Parker, Rhode Island, WR

The Chargers need more depth at the wide receiver position to compliment Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Parker caught 30 touchdown in his career, and he led all Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) receivers in receptions and yards in 2019 when he was a team captain for Rhode Island, earning All-CAA honors at the end of the season. Parker has a rangy frame with above average speed, showing the ability to track, adjust and play above the rim. He needs to refine his route running at the next level, but he has the makings of a WR3/WR4.