The 2020 NFL Combine is just around the corner. The event is a useful tool for player evaluation, and some teams put more stock in it than others.
It is a big opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism and skillset through a series of tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and on-field drills.
With that, we have compiled a list of seven prospects all Chargers fans must watch in Indianapolis next weekend, in addition to a handful of others Los Angeles could be targeting in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Below are the players to keep an eye on:
QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Herbert has been commonly linked to the Chargers since the start of the pre-draft process. The 6-foot-6 and 227 pound quarterback’s tape shows a lot of good things, but two things stand out: arm strength and mobility.
I believe Herbert is going to run a 4.7 second 40-yard dash and his polarizing arm will be on display during the on-field drills, where he will make all the throws to all parts of the field, especially on the deep ball.
The interview process will be the most important for Herbert. This will be his opportunity to show that he can lead a team and impress the coaches when they put him on the whiteboard.
OT Josh Jones, Houston
The offensive tackle position is a glaring need for the Chargers, and Jones should be at the top of their board in the second-round (if he’s already not taken). With his basketball background, the athleticism is evident. He plays with long arms, coordinated feet and lower body movement skills in pass protection. Jones should do really well in the agility drills, but he should light up the on-field drills.
LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Like safety Derwin James, Simmons is a true chess piece on the defensive side of the ball. He can blitz, play the run, cover in the slot and play special teams. Think about that for a second, two James on the field at the same time.
Everyone is familiar with the 6-foot-4 and 230-pound hybrid defender after putting together such a polished resume for the Tigers. But the Combine is going remind people how much of a freakish athlete he is.
Simmons has a vertical jump of 40 inches and a broad jump of 11-0. He routinely jumps onto a 52-inch box for single-response jump work. He also has run a sub-4.4 40 this off-season, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.
WR Jalen Reagor, TCU
The Chargers are in need of another deep threat, given the underwhelming production from Travis Benjamin and the guys behind him on the depth chart this past season. If they choose to go that route early on in the draft, Reagor should be on their radar.
Reagor is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class. The 5-foot-11 and 195-pounder showed breakaway speed to burn corners week in and week out. This past offseason, he clocked a 4.29 40-yard, and his strength numbers are also eye-popping: a 620-pound squat, a 380-pound bench and a 380-pound clean, per Feldman.
CB Troy Pride, Jr., Notre Dame
The Chargers will be in the market for a cornerback. Pride Jr. got on my radar at the Senior Bowl, but it won’t be long until he catches the attention of others that aren’t familiar with him.
At the 2018 ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships he ran a personal-best 6.73 seconds in the 60-meter dash. His 10.50 100 time is one of the fastest in school history. This past offseason he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, per Feldman.
The 5-foot-11 and 193 pounder would be a perfect zone defender for the Chargers since he has a knack for reading and getting a feel for route concepts before making a play on the ball. His speed, mirroring ability and spatial awareness are all plus traits of his.
OT Matt Peart, UConn
Peart, a four-year starter at UConn, is a good athlete that boasts terrific length. The 6-foot-5 and 310 pound tackle doesn’t have overwhelming power to dominate his opponents, but he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural movement skills, base and length to keep rushers busy. His quick feet will be evident during the on-field drills.
OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s
The 6-6, 308-pound Bartch is coming off a stellar Senior Bowl week, where he showed that he could hang with some of the best pass-rushers in the nation. Now, he is bound to stamp himself as the first Division III player to be drafted since Buccaneers’ Ali Marpet, who has turned into a quality starter.
Bartch, the former tight end, is likely to run under five seconds in the 40-yard dash. But the on-field drills will be a major plus for him because on tape he showcases a silky smooth set in pass protection with beautiful footwork, lateral range and quickness in his kick slide to protect the edge.