Tag: Elerson Smith

4-round Chargers mock draft: Bringing balance to the roster

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez releases his latest four-round projections where Los Angeles goes corner in the first-round.

With the 2021 NFL draft just under three weeks away, predictions are spreading like wildfires.

The Chargers have made it clear the positions that they need to address to fill out the roster based on the acquisitions made via free agency.

With that being said, here are my last predictions before completing my annual final seven-round projections the day before the draft.

Round 1, CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

I’ve made it clear that the Chargers would be wise to take one of the top offensive tackles with their first-round pick, but given the fact that secondary play is vital in Brandon Staley’s system and the pressing need for a boundary corner, Horn is too good to pass up on here.

Horn has been in contact with the Chargers a couple of times, according to Chargers Brawl Podcast. He said that he has a connection with defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley and shares the same agency (Athletes First) as safety Derwin James.

Capable of playing both coverages at a high level, Horn is the type of playmaker who would do wonders in the secondary due to his combination of size, athleticism, competitiveness, football IQ, smoothness and ball skills, projecting as an All-Pro corner.

Round 2, OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

The Chargers gets their left tackle of the future after fulfilling the cornerback spot here in the second-round.

Leatherwood elected to return for his senior season, and was arguably the nation’s best left tackle. A consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 2020 Outland Trophy, Leatherwood made 48 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018.

Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses great size and length paired with good strength, anchor ability, instincts, and an aggressive disposition. If he can fix the slight issues with his hands, he could be a solid long term left tackle for Los Angeles.

Round 3, OL Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

The Chargers signed Oday Aboushi to a one-year deal with many expectating that he would be the Day 1 starter at right guard. But based on Staley’s comments from his press conference on Thursday, it appears that he will be competing for the job this summer.

Banks, the three-year starter at left guard was an anchor for the success of The Fighting Irish over that time span.

The first-team All-American allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks was the only Power Five guard who earned a pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 80.0.

At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Banks is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles due to his frame, strength and physical attitude, projecting as a probable starter.

Round 3, EDGE Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa

The Chargers will be looking to upgrade their depth at “EDGE”.

In 2018, Smith finished second on the team with 7.5 sacks. He turned things up a notch the following season, recording 14 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 21.5 total tackles for loss. The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19 but he shined at the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Smith, the 6-foot-6 and 252 pounder, has all the traits that Staley covets with his players at the position; length, explosive ability and athleticism. Smith could benefit from adding more mass, but overall, he has the skillset to be a reliable rotational defender with starting upside for L.A.

Round 4, WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston

Keenan Allen is locked up long-term in the slot, but Mike Williams is only under contract for this season. Tyron Johnson is ascending, as is Jalen Guyton, but he dealt with his fair share of drops in 2020. Therefore, the Chargers could look to give quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon.

Stevenson is a speedy receiver that displays solid ball skills. He fits like a glove in the Chargers offense vertical offensive system, where the team would be able to get creative in order to get him the ball in a handful of ways and take advantage of his speed. He also has special teams experience as a returner.

Stevenson finished his collegiate career with 147 receptions for 2,269 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Colts’ 7-round mock draft: Edge rusher in free agency

How would the draft go if the Colts address EDGE in free agency?

The Indianapolis Colts are less than two months away from the 2021 NFL draft and while free agency will have an impact on how they go about their picks, it’s still wise to take a look at some of the options.

In this latest mock draft, we are undergoing a scenario in which the Colts add to the edge position in a big way during free agency. We will be running some exercises like this with other positions before free agency hits.

This mock has a little more of what I would do, differing from the typical mock drafts in which we try to predict what Chris Ballard will do.

Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, here’s a look at our latest mock draft in which the Colts have addressed a big need at edge rusher in free agency:

6 potential Chargers who stood out in Senior Bowl game

Which players caught the attention of the Los Angeles Chargers in the Senior Bowl game?

After a trio of practices, the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl concluded on Saturday with the annual all-star game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Here are six potential Chargers targets who stood out in the showcase:

Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Radunz just a couple of days ago. I spoke to him after three great practices. He carried that over to today, showing why he’s worthy of a top-40 selection in the game. Radunz was a brick wall in pass protection, displaying outstanding footwork, balance and anchor to handle both speed and power. In the running game, he executed multiple reach blocks and a high motor when working to the second level.

Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma

Like Radunz, Humphrey carried the momentum of dominance into Saturday. After being used as a center and a guard, Humphrey exclusively played center, which is where he projects best at the next level. The former All-American showed great power and patience in pass protection and country strength in the running game, where he bulldozed defenders off the line to clear lanes. I wouldn’t be surprised if Humphrey doesn’t reach the third-round.

Cameron Sample, EDGE, Tulane

Sample didn’t receive a lot of buzz coming into this week, but based on how he performed in the practices and the game, I wouldn’t be surprised to be him be a top-100 selection. The 6-foot and 274 pounder was moving like he was 35 pounds lighter, winning with quickness and making plays away from the line of scrimmage, displaying great change of direction and a high motor. Not only that, but he showed great technique and power with his hands. Sample lined up both on the outside and inside. That versatility would come in handy for the Chargers.

Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa

When I interviewed Radunz, he said one of the toughest pass rushers that he faced in college was Smith. The 6-foot-6 and 272 pounder put together a performance, showing why he was a challenge for Radunz. Smith used all of the necessary traits at the position to be disruptive; length, flexibility and athleticism. It carried over when rushing the quarterback and in the run game, where he made a nice play in open space for a tackle of loss.

Keith Taylor, CB, Washington

Taylor was one of the most consistent corners during the week of practices and he was today, too. Even though he allowed a short touchdown, displayed the athleticism, competitiveness and length to stay attached to receivers throughout the afternoon. He was stellar at turning and locating the football. As a result, Taylor had a couple of passes defensed. Given the fact that the NFL covets, long corners that can play press and run, he’s going to go high.

Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota

Another corner who is going to go a lot higher after today is St-Juste. St-Juste showed good play strength at the line of scrimmage, jamming receivers and consistently staying on their hip throughout the route, which led to two passes defensed. The 6-foot-3 corner was lock down and he utilized his 80¼-inch wingspan to his advantage. Both St-Juste and Taylor are capable of playing early on for the Bolts.

6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 2 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes received attention from Los Angeles on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl.

Day 2 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

After experiencing some rain, the weather held up a lot better in Mobile, AL.

There were a handful of prospects that stood out today, some of which capitalized on yesterday’s performance and a few that made their first cases.

With that being said, here are six players that shined who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

IOL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Senior Bowl is notorious for bringing in small-school prospects who show that the competition is not too big for them. This year, it’s Meinerz. The former Division III has lined up both at center and guard, where he’s been a wall in pass protection and a road-graded in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the event, Meinerz is making his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Given the Chargers’ need up front, the team could benefit from Meinerz’s services.

OT James Hudson, Cincinnati

After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures this past season, Hudson has still gone under the radar. However, he’s making his case to be a solid mid-round selection come April. In the one-on-one drills, the former defensive lineman is showing off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers. Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.

EDGE Elerson Smith, UNI

While Hudson and Meinerz shined, there were a few defensive linemen that got the most out of the guys up front, including Smith. Smith has all the necessary traits at the position; length, flexibility and athleticism. Today, he showed great usage to work inside of offensive linemen’s frames and the burst off the line of scrimmage. In 2019, Smith had 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. The 6-foot-7 and 255 pounder is a guy that’s likely going to go on Day 3, but will exceed expectations early on.

DL Cameron Sample, Tulane

If the Chargers want someone who can affect the quarterback from multiple alignments, Sample is the guy. Lining up outside and inside, Sample was in the backfield on a consistent basis. He came in at 6-foot-2 and 274 pounds, Sample was moving like a guy 30 pounds lighter. Sample showed great change of direction, explosiveness and quickness off the line of scrimmage and quick hands to clear his frame. Sample is a player who could rise into the top-100 picks.

CB Keith Taylor, Washington

I’ve mentioned before, head coach Brandon Staley covets good defensive back play in his system. Taylor, the 6-foot-3 and 195 corner is someone who could intrigue. At his best in zone coverage, Taylor has also shown a great understanding of technique and understanding of routes in man coverage, sticking to some of the top wideouts down the field. Taylor didn’t produce any interceptions in college, but while Taylor has inconsistent ball skills to create turnovers, he displays the athleticism, competitiveness and length to stay attached to receivers.

CB Aaron Robinson, UCF

Robinson was another defensive back who made some eyebrow-raising plays. Coming in at at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Robinson locked up receivers in one-on-ones, playing tough and physical at the line of scrimmage to affect the release and timing of routes. He also showed the speed and hip fluidity to turn and run with receivers after the initial press. Overall, he was super sticky all day. Robinson has shown the versatility to play outside corner, nickel corner, strong safety and outside linebacker.

Northern Iowa EDGE Elerson Smith declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Northern Iowa edge defender Elerson Smith is skipping a potential spring season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft

Amid the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the college football landscape, another top FCS prospect is making the early jump to the pros.

Norther Iowa edge defender Elerson Smith is opting out of a potential spring season and will instead enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

It’s rare to see FCS prospects leaving school early, but Smith certainly has the talent to turn some heads among the NFL scouting community. Smith was dominant as a redshirt junior in 2019, racking up 14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.

Instead of padding his college resume this spring, Smith will instead try to impress NFL decision-makers throughout the predraft process, which could solidify him as a Day 2 selection when next year’s draft rolls around.

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Meet Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa’s gem of a pass rusher

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Northern Iowa edge defender prospect Elerson Smith

Every year, NFL teams look high and low for the best college football prospects, often finding diamonds in the rough at smaller programs who end up making a huge impact on Sundays.

If your favorite team is looking for that kind of player on the edge of their defensive front in the 2021 NFL Draft, Northern Iowa’s Elerson Smith should be on their list.

A versatile rusher with a knack for making the big play, Smith recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his expectations for the 2020 season, the challenges of navigating offseason preparations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he’s working to improve this year.

JM: This is a big season for you. The spread of COVID-19 has brought many challenges. How are you finding ways to work out and improve your game with so many restrictions in place?

ES: I’m lucky enough to have a squat rack in my garage. Actually, I have a full Olympic lifting set and squat rack. That’s how I’ve survived the pandemic. A teammate of mine, one of his family member’s actually hooked me up. I’m extremely thankful to the family. Its kept me in shape and working hard. I’m also getting onto the field whenever I can. I’m trying to stick to a “normal” schedule despite everything that’s going on.

JM: What are you hoping to achieve as a defense this season?

ES: We have very high expectations for our defense this season. We really got things going as a defense towards the end of last season. We were holding teams to 10-14 points a game. We were playing really good defense out there. Almost everybody from last year is returning. We only lost a handful of guys. I’m looking forward to taking things week-by-week. We’re going to do everything we can to help our offense. If we can hold teams to about 10 points, it should be enough for us to go out there and win some ball games.

JM: What can you tell me about the scheme that you guys are running on defense?

ES: We’re a pretty versatile defense. We’ll switch from a four-man front to a three-man front quite often. It just depends on the personnel of the offense. Sometimes we’ll roll with six defensive backs on the field. We do some things with our linebackers. Most of the time, we line up in a 4-3 defense. We run that more than anything. We’re very versatile. We can line up all over the place.

JM: What are three traits that an EDGE rusher must possess in order to be successful?

ES: A good first step is huge. You want to put pressure on the offensive tackle right off the snap. You want to get them on their feet and attack them really. You don’t want them to comfortably settle into their stance. A good first step is huge. You need to be physical. You want to be physical and be able to incorporate a bull-rush into your game, you want to be able to come inside. You can’t let the offensive linemen get a hold of you. That’s never a good thing.

Lastly, you have to be savvy. You have to be savvy with your hands. You have to find ways to win with your hands. Every offensive tackle is different. Each game is a new game, and you have to approach it that way. You have to find ways to win. Whether that means going around a guy, going inside or going underneath him, it doesn’t matter; just find ways to win. Being savvy means finding ways to win.

Syndication: DesMoines

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the EDGE position?

ES: I love getting a good strip-sack. That’s probably my favorite part. That’s always fun. Creating a turnover and having a big impact on the game is fun. It can be a huge turning point. When you’re rushing the passer, you’re sort of on an island with the offensive tackle. I love that. It’s often a one-on-one situation. It gives you a chance to show what you’ve got. I enjoy doing whatever I gotta do to win.

JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?

ES: This past year, I would definitely say Dillon Radunz from NDSU. He’s a good player. He’s physical and moves well for his size. He definitely comes to mind. If I think back a little further, I played against Iowa a few years ago when they had Tristan Wirfs and Alaric Jackson. They were both very good. Those three guys come to mind.

JM: Do you feel you’re more developed as a pass rusher or run stopper at this point in time?

ES: I’d have to say that I’m a better pass rusher at this point. I’ve been looking at the film from my past few seasons. I can admit that some of my run fits need some work. I have room to improve in the run game. I think I’ve taken some strides there, but there’s still more work to be done. I’m definitely a better pass rusher at this very moment.

JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?

ES: I’m a versatile rusher. I can rush from both inside and outside. I can beat guys around the edge. I have some power to my game, I can use a bull-rush and come inside. I honestly just use whichever move I think will work best in that very moment. I’m pretty versatile and can win with a variety of moves as a pass rusher.

JM: You’re a multi-sport athlete. You’ve participated in track and field, basketball and wrestling, just to name a few. How do you think playing all of those sports helped you become a better football player?

ES: I think it’s huge. You can attribute any of those sports to some aspect of football. You can look at the straight line speed of track or the leverage of wrestling and see how those things have made me a better pass rusher. It’s been huge for me as a defensive linemen. I’m really glad that I spent my time in high school playing as many different sports as I could. I built so many relationships and developed so many skills that way. I had a lot of fun being placed in so many different situations, and I learned a lot.

JM: I find that kids are sometimes encouraged to specialize in one sport too early. They think they need to focus on one sport, but don’t realize how playing multiple sports in high school can actually help you once it’s time to specialize.

ES: Yeah, that’s very true. I totally agree with you. I don’t know what the kids are doing nowadays, but I would definitely encourage anybody that’s interested in pursuing professional sports to play as many different sports as they can handle growing up. It will only help you in the long run.

JM: What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?

ES: I don’t really keep track of any personal goals. I’m trying to get better every single day. Every practice gives you an opportunity to get better. As a team, our main goal is to win a National Championship. That’s what we’re trying to accomplish.

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