The pre-draft process leading up into the 2020 NFL draft is headed to Mobile, AL, for the Senior Bowl. This event is one of the biggest college football all-star games that will feature the most prolific prospects in the country.
This week will draw the attention of many Chargers’ scouts, coach Anthony Lynn, and general manager Tom Telesco to do their homework on players that could potentially be suitors for Los Angeles come April.
Last year this event brought in safety Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill. The year before that the team found linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, defensive tackle Justin Jones, linebacker Kyzir White and center Scott Quessenberry in the game.
It all starts tomorrow with weigh-ins/measurements, three days of practices and finally, the game on Saturday. I’ll be in attendance, constantly giving updates throughout the week.
With that being said, here are six players to keep an eye out on the defensive side of the ball.
CB A.J. Green, Oklahoma State – South Team
Adding another talented corner opposite of Casey Hayward should be a must for the Chargers this offseason. Green, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pound corner, finished the 2019 season with 49 total tackles, one interception (returned for a TD), and five passes defensed. The lean, yet lengthy corner played in different styles of coverage, but he is best in zone at the next level. Green shows good awareness of routes developing around him and trusts his instincts, often heading towards the ball before it arrives. He has a quick, tight backpedal with good lateral agility to make sharp diagonal cuts, and is a smooth transitioner from his backpedal to run vertically with above average top-end speed. The one thing that I’d like to see him to do a better job this week is efficiently playing the ball when it’s in the air.
CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa – North Team
Ojemudia was a big piece to the Hawkeyes’ defense this past year. Ojemudia recorded 52 total tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions, and had nine passes defensed. The rocked up 6-foot-1 and 200 pound corner played in different styles of coverages like Green, but he is adept in zone coverage, where he has great awareness of underneath routes, demonstrating the quick downhill burst to break up passes in front of him. He has a natural tracking ability which allows him to high point the football. Ojemudia also has the necessary athleticism you want to see out of a bigger corner, as he has the play speed to stay with most receivers. Another strong suit to his game is that he doesn’t lack for physicality in the run game, showing a willingness to blow up blockers and lower his shoulder into ball carriers.
DT Leki Fotu, Utah – North Team
The Chargers need to add more beef up front, and they will have a few different guys that are worth a hard look, starting with Fotu. Not many people of Fotu’s size can move like him. The 6-foot-5 and 335 pound defensive tackle has the speed, power, length, body control and mismatch ability to cause fits for NFL interior offensive linemen, where he would supply a huge boost in the pass rush and run defense department. The former Ute finished his collegiate career with 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed.
DT Davon Hamilton, Ohio State – North Team
Buried on the depth chart, Hamilton didn’t get the opportunity to unleash his full potential until this past season when he became a full-time starter. Hamilton recorded 28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. The 6-foot-4 and 310 pound Hamilton excels at his job and that’s to take on double teams to allow other members from the front seven to roam freely. Along with the strength and balance against double teams, he has the first-step explosion and hands to get in the backfield.
LB Cameron Brown, Penn State – South Team
The Chargers need to add more talent to the linebacker room, and they could benefit from someone that’s equally as talented against the run and pass. The 6-foot-5 and 233 pound linebacker is balanced, coordinated athlete who changes direction and accelerates smoothly. He eases into his zone in pass coverage, showing a nice downhill burst to the ball on underneath routes, as well as the range and agility to handle man-to-man duties against running backs and tight ends. Brown is active and aggressive in run support, slicing past would-be blockers to attack the line of scrimmage. He is a physical, competitive tackler with legitimate stopping power.
LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming – North Team
If you are anticipating a riser in this year’s class, Wilson is that guy that’s bound to skyrocket up draft boards. Wilson is a smart, tough, athletic backer who relies on his read and react instincts to get the job done. He possesses tremendous vision and is known to be highly competitive, showing up every play with maximum effort—a lunch bucket guy. He doesn’t have the length to blow up blockers, but he will avoid them with pure speed. Wilson is also strong in coverage, as he finished his senior season with four interceptions and seven passes defensed.