The biggest needs for the Chargers are along the offensive line, interior part of the defensive line and free safety. But the cornerback position is an area that could very well likely be viewed as a big need for Los Angeles.
Given how thin the group is and just based on the homework they’ve been doing throughout the pre-draft process, this could be an area that the team looks to address a lot earlier than many expect.
In case this happens, which is very likely, we’ve laid out a cornerback that fits L.A. in each round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Round 1, CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Murphy possesses everything and more that would solidify the cornerback room, if he’s available at No. 28 overall.
Murphy was named first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus, and was also first-team All-Pac-12 and an AP second-team All-American. In 20 games for the Huskies, Murphy had six interceptions and 20 passes defensed. He returned one of his picks for a touchdown.
The small yet talented cornerback would be a perfect fit in the Bolts’ scheme as he shows excellent burst, instincts and ball skills on tape. Murphy has experience in off-man, bail, and press coverage.
Even though he doesn’t possess the size, length or speed compared to the other corners in this class, Murphy has all the traits in the world to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Round 2, CB Sean Bunting, Central Michigan
Bunting is one of the most accomplished cornerbacks in Central Michigan history. Only two cornerbacks from the program have been drafted since 1985, but Bunting will be the third this upcoming week.
Standing at 6-foot and 195 pounds, Bunting showcased elite testing at the combine where he posted a 4.42 40 and 41.5-inch vertical. That well-rounded athleticism was evident on tape.
That, his length, and natural ball skills make him a consistent defender at the catch point, both attacking forward and looking over his shoulder. Bunting possesses the deep speed to stay on top of vertical routes with good hip fluidity. He competes with the competitive toughness you want in cornerbacks, and is a willing run defender.
Bunting finished the year with 37 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended. He allowed a 39 percent completion rate when targeted, while earning First-Team All-MAC honors and being named the Chippewas’ Defensive Player of the Year.
Round 3, CB Joejuan Williams, Vanderbilt
Williams is huge for his position standing at 6-foot-4, 211 pounds and that along with his play style garnered the attention of the Chargers, as they had dinner with him around his Pro Day.
Williams wrapped up an impressive junior season with 61 total tackles, four interceptions and 13 passes defended.
A press corner with two years starting experience, Williams has the mental makeup to challenge NFL receivers, a nose for the ball, the aggressive nature to physically punish smaller receivers and the understanding of his natural skills to use them in his favor.
While the upside is evident, he is still developing his technique and his 4.64 40 time that he ran at the combine on tape can be concerning as he’s not as adept when running with receivers vertically.
The bottom line is that Williams’ combination of height, length and athleticism is like none other, and would make a solid press cornerback for the Bolts.
Round 4, CB Jordan Brown, South Dakota State
An FCS All-American in 2018, in 51 career games Brown tallied 141 tackles and eight interceptions while serving as a shutdown cornerback who matched up against the top receivers that the Jackrabbits faced every weekend, as well as the competition in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Brown possesses good overall size at 6-foot and 201 pounds. He is a boundary corner with balanced feet and key-point ball skills, where his former wide receiver-type ball hawk skills standout amongst others.
Tons of off-man and zone coverage at South Dakota State dictated Brown’s opportunities, but the tape shows mirroring ability, which will most likely translate well at the next level. Even though lack of true straight-line speed usually shows up on tape through deep routes, Brown shows to get physical at the top of routes.
Brown never got the recognition compared to the other player at his position in this class, but he could be one of the more sneaky good selections. He has the opportunity to fight for a starting job in his first year as a pro.
Rest of the Options
Round 5, CB Kris Boyd, Texas
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds, Boyd plays with the desired competitive nature and checks all the boxes as far as size, speed, and athleticism are concerned for a starting caliber cornerback. But, he plays undisciplined and doesn’t trust his eyes, often times causing him to arrive late with his reads. If he can become more disciplined he could be a steal for the Chargers.
Round 6, CB Chris Westry, Kentucky
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 199 pounds, Westry has the type of frame and length desired at the position. Given his 4.31 40 and 10-foot-1 vertical along with a 38-inch broad jump, Westry has the speed to match vertical routes along with the explosiveness and leaping ability to contest at the catch point. He isn’t there completely in terms of football intelligence yet, but he could turn into a solid developmental prospect.
Round 7, CB Donnie Lewis, Tulane
Lewis was a stat machine for the Green Wave, as he amassed 160 tackles, seven interceptions, 37 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and a half-sack. Even though he may be lacking the ideal frame, his competitive nature and ball skills are worth brining him as an ideal practice squad candidate.
