The Chargers have gone north of the border for their latest pick, selecting Canadian DB Deane Leonard from Ole Miss with the No. 236 overall selection.
Leonard spent two seasons at the University of Calgary, where he had 47 tackles, one sack, and six interceptions in 23 games. He then transferred to Mississippi, where he logged 62 tackles and seven pass deflections in 18 career games.
This is a pure upside pick for Los Angeles, who are betting on Leonard’s elite 4.39 speed and good size at corner as developmental touchstones. Despite playing in 41 games over four seasons, Leonard is a raw player who will benefit from additional seasons of professional coaching and strength and conditioning. There’s reason for optimism: Leonard had 48 tackles in 2021 after an entire offseason in an SEC lifting program, more than he had in his entire career in Calgary.
Leonard’s instincts will need fine-tuning, as he failed to log an interception during his time as a Rebel. However, his technique is more polished than you’d expect from a seventh-round pick – I like how he flips his hips, and his footwork is mostly clean. He’s likely a practice squad stash candidate while the coaching staff works with him to develop his game further.