Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists seven Combine snubs that the Los Angeles Chargers could consider drafting.
337 NFL draft prospects were invited to the National Scouting Combine, which is scheduled for next week. The list consisted of players that were automatically pinned to get one, some surprises and quite a few that weren’t invited, leaving some scratching their heads.
Even though there are plenty of prospects that didn’t get the nod, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be getting drafted come April. Last year, 33 players didn’t attend, but still ended up being selected, including seventh-rounder defensive tackle Cortez Broughton.
The Chargers’ scouting department and front office have all been doing their homework since the start of August, so they are very familiar with all the talent out there.
With that being said, here are seven combine snubs who should be on the Bolts’ radar.
WR Jonathan 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 to separate, and he is an explosive athlete in space with the ball in his hands.
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, along with the foot quickness. He is a very strong finisher and regularly takes opponents to the ground through the whistle. We’ve highlighted his former teammate Robert Hunt as a potential option for the Chargers, but Dotson should be in strong consideration, too.
OT Darrin Paulo, Utah
Paulo, a three-year starter for the Utes, has good athletic traits and decent movement skills, but he needs refinement with his technique. Paulo would project best as a backup lineman at the next level, with experience on the blindside, but a skillset more suited for right tackle.
OT Jared Hilbers, Washington
Hilbers took over at left tackle when his former teammate and current NFL prospect Trey Adams had his season come to an end in 2018. He moved over to replace Falcons’ Kaleb McGary. Hilbers is a better run blocker, but he has a good, natural skillset and flashes of athletic pass protection. Like Paolo, he would be a solid depth option.
DT Bravvion Roy, Baylor
At 327 pounds, Roy is a massive human with eyebrow-raising quickness to wear down blockers. He was moved all up and down the line for the Bears, but he would be the ideal candidate to serve as a rotational nose tackle for the Chargers to help aide with clogging up the middle with his point-of-attack power.
CB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri
Acy was one of the betters corners in the SEC that wasn’t talked about, notching three interceptions and 20 passes defended. The 6-foot-2 and 215 pounder is long and rangy who has experience in a variety of coverages. His speed and play recognition are perfect traits for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s zone scheme.
LB Tae Crowder, Georgia
Crowder didn’t start playing on the defensive side of the ball until 2017. But he has made an impact at the linebacker position since then. He isn’t the most explosive player, but he uses his quickness, football intelligence and coverage ability to make plays in pass defense, and his read and react abilities to make plays against the run. Crowder is a nice depth option with key special teams upside.
