The annual East-West Shrine Game will kick off this afternoon. This all-star showcase will feature several prospects that the Los Angeles Chargers should target in the 2020 NFL draft.
Last year, general manager Tom Telesco selected three players – Trey Pipkins, Easton Stick, Cortez Broughton – that played in the game, so it’s safe to say that he covets it as an outlet to find talent.
With that, here are eight players that the Bolts should target from the East-West Shrine Game:
RB James Robinson, Illinois State
With there being uncertainty regarding the future of Melvin Gordon, the Chargers could look to bring in another back to solidify the positional group if they move on from. Robinson, the 5-foot-10 and 220 pounder, is a powerful, downhill runner who possesses the burst, elusiveness, vision and contact balance needed at the next level.
OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
The Chargers need to add more depth along the offensive line, and Throckmorton, the experienced and versatile lineman would help to fulfill that. Throckmorton played nearly every single position except left guard for the Ducks. He is a powerful player who has solid pass protection technique, a strong anchor and the toughness to be a consistent starter in the league by Year 2 or 3.
OG Kevin Dotson, Louisiana-Lafayette
Dotson, the AP first-team All American, has good toughness and is sufficient in sustaining blocks by showing exceptional power and hand placement. He is a very strong finisher and regularly takes opponents to the ground through the whistle. The 6-foot-4 and 323 pounder has the opportunity to rise up with a strong showing and at the Combine, where has sneaky athleticism will be on display.
OT Cameron Clark, Charlotte
Clark, Charlotte’s team captain and two-time All-Conference-USA member, is an aggressive player in the run blocking department, and prefers to take the game to his opponents. He has good athletic traits and decent movement skills in pass protection to keep defenders at bay.
WR John Hightower, Boise State
Hightower, the 6-foot-2 and 185 pound wideout, caught 82 passes for 1,447 yards (17.6 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns in two seasons at Boise State. With the Chargers needing speed at the position, Hightower has good, quick footwork and short strides with high end acceleration skills to beat defensive backs.
WR Johnathan Johnson, Missouri
Johnson, the big play-maker, averaged 18.1 yards per catch and 17.7 yards per catch as a freshman and sophomore, respectively, and finished his career with 14.3 yards per catch. Though he is undersized at 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds, he has elite quickness, and he is an explosive athlete in space with the ball in his hands.
DT John Penisini, Utah
Penisini, the 6-foot-1 and 324 pound defensive tackle, had 14 tackles for loss and four sacks over the past two seasons for the Utes. Penisini is a good athlete for his size with good play speed, balance, and quickness. He has sufficient strength, always gets his hands on the lineman first and will battle through the whistle. He gives phenomenal chase when he’s on the field.
CB Nevelle Clarke, UCF
In his last two seasons at UCF, Clarke has amassed four interceptions, 24 pass deflections and one touchdown. Clarke, the 6-foot-1 and 187 pound corner, is a long and rangy corner who is extremely competitive. Best in zone coverage, is quick and agile with very good mirroring skills, long speed and reactive athleticism.