All eyes will be glued to the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where the LSU Tigers take on the Clemson Tigers on Monday night.
While many will be watching it for entertainment purposes, there will be plenty of NFL caliber talent on the field that are worth keeping an eye out for.
With that, here are nine players that the Los Angeles Chargers could be scouting tonight:
LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (#11)
Simmons possesses the traits that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would drool over. His size and speed give him incredible play-making potential. Simmons’ ability to play up in the box, back deep in coverage, or work out of the slot in man coverage make him a versatile Day 1 starter that would make out to be one of the most deadly tandems in the league between him and safety Derwin James.
WR Tee Higgins, Clemson (#5)
The Chargers will be in the market for a WR3 this offseason. Should they look to address the position early on, Higgins is a player that could be available in Round 2. Higgins, the 6-foot-3 and 205 pound wideout, is a physically imposing individual with long arms and great length, which enables him to excel in 50-50 balls.
WR Justin Jefferson, LSU (#2)
Jefferson isn’t going to win with pure speed, but he will with his good understanding of his body and how to play to his strengths to get open. He can win off the line of scrimmage with detailed movements at the line of scrimmage, can make tough catches, is a good outlet given his catch radius and hand strength when reeling in the ball, and can break tackles after the catch.
CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson (#8)
The Chargers will likely be looking for a cornerback to compliment Casey Hayward on the outside this offseason. Terrell, the 6-foot-1 and 192 pound corner, has a great blend of height and length for the position. He has top-notch long speed to stay on the hip of opposing wide receivers, while showing great eye discipline to stay intact with the quarterback and the route. Once the ball is thrown, he disrupts passing lanes using his long arms, making life tough on receivers.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (#22)
Depending on what happens with Melvin Gordon, the Chargers could be looking to round out the backfield. As a runner, Edwards-Helaire has good patience, balance and lateral explosion and burst. A powerful, downhill back with some wiggle to slip through tackles, Edwards-Helaire constantly keeps his legs churning upon contact and can push the pile for additional yardage. He also offers some value as a pass-catcher, showing reliable hands and refined routes out of the backfield.
OG John Simpson, Clemson (#74)
The interior part of the offensive line needs an upgrade this offseason, and Simpson would be a great addition. Simpson, the 6-foot-4 and 336 pound guard, possesses the competitiveness and character that the Chargers would covet. The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection.
LB Patrick Queen, LSU (#8)
The Chargers found a gem in Drue Tranquill in last year’s draft. Should they look to find another one and round out the linebacker room, Queen should be in consideration. He possesses good change of direction, sideline-to-sideline ability, short area burst, lateral agility, and reactive athleticism to make plays against the run. In a pass-happy league, Queen is a solid coverage defender where he’s smooth in his backpedal and can close passing windows efficiently.
DT Rashard Lawrence, LSU (#90)
The Chargers will be looking to add more beef up front, especially with Brandon Mebane’s tenure close to coming to an end. Lawrence is a disruptive, upfield player that can penetrate and use his active hands to get into the backfield to make plays. As a run defender, he’s a laterally quick player that can beat blockers to the gap or slide down the line to make plays. His effort and intensity can’t be questioned.
OT Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson (#73)
The Chargers will seeking to solidify the offensive line from the early rounds to the mid-late rounds. Anchrum, the 6-foot-2 and 312 pound, would fall under the mid-late round category, but he is a solid player who can offer position versatility. Anchrum projects well outside or inside at the next level based on his frame, aggression, athleticism, and finishing ability. Despite his length and size, he moves well in open space to fend off pass-rushers.