The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Friday with the offensive line running backs, kickers and punters working out on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Here are three Chargers takeaways from said workouts.
No. 1 | Andre Dillard would bolster offensive line tremendously
There hasn’t been a player that has been talked about more here on this site than former Washington State offensive tackle Andre Dillard. The reason for Dillard being highly touted from us is because he would be the perfect fit for the Chargers, who have a glaring need at the right tackle position.
For Los Angeles, they struggled with keeping quarterback Philip Rivers and Dillard would immediately fix that. His tape demonstrates a beautiful pass protector whose athleticism is clearly evident the way he moves. His showing at the combine matched what was seen.
Not only did he check in with good measurements, standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, but he showed off his athletic prowess with the best short shuttle time (4.40), broad jump (9’10”), the second fastest 3-cone drill (7.44) and the fourth fastest 40-yard dash time (4.96). In the position drills, Dillard had silky smooth footwork and good balance throughout.
We’ve been pounding the table for Dillard for quite sometime, but now the question becomes whether or not he will be there at No. 28 overall. Graded out as a late first round selection, there’s a good chance he may not get past the top-20.
No. 2 | Former Husky would be a great selection on Day 2
If the Chargers are unable to land Dillard, or choose not to address the position in the first round, there will be plenty of options available as this year’s draft class is loaded with talent along the offensive line. Among their choices is one of my favorites, former Washington offensive tackle Kaleb McGary.
McGary spent the past four seasons manning the right tackle spot for the Huskies. He was the 2018 Morris Trophy winner as the Pac-12’s top offensive lineman (over Dillard), which is voted on by opposing players in the conference. But prior to his football playing days in college, McGary was a basketball player in high school. That size and traits translated to his showing in Indy.
Standing as one of the tallest among the group at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 317 pounds, McGary looked like an NFL-ready offensive tackle. He was superior in the testing, placing top-10 in the 40-yard dash (5.05), vertical jump (33.5), broad jump (9’3″), shuttle (4.58), 3-cone (7.66) and bench press (23).
When it came to the on-field drills, McGary demonstrated great feet and change of direction in the mirror drill. It replicated exactly what was shown on the film, as he is a flexible mover and would always stay balanced during his pass sets.
McGary didn’t come in having the longest arms for the position (32 7/8), which had some questioning whether he is suited better being kicked inside. In my opinion, he can fit both at the next level, but he has the makings of a nice right tackle that could compete with Sam Tevi and likely win the starting job on Day 1.
No. 3 | Commonly mocked prospect disappoints
Unlike Dillard and McGary, there were players that didn’t perform how they would’ve liked. It just so happens that Little, who’s a prospect that’s commonly mocked to the Chargers, failed to produce a good showing in front of them and the other 31 NFL teams. To some, Little was listed as ‘athletic’, but the results did not show to bill him as the term that was used.
The four-year starter at left tackle for the Rebels kicked things off with a poor 40-yard dash time (5.34). That was then followed by a 25-inch vertical. Although the jumps hardly matter for offensive linemen, Little was unable to showcase his strength and conditioning with the bench press, as he chose not to complete it.
When it came to the on-field drills, Little didn’t do anything to prove that his testing was the only thing that was a dude. His footwork and movement skills were very concerning, as well as struggling to flip his hips. It was odd to say the least because I thought he moved well on tape, but it did not replicate that.
In 2018 we saw former Oklahoma and current Ravens’ Orlando Brown being hyped as one of the best at the position. And now Little may have replicated what Brown did a year later. It’s hard to believe that Los Angeles would use their first, let alone second round selection on him after today.
