Here are three takeaways from Day 3 of workouts at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine performance in Indianapolis for the Chargers as they get prepared for the NFL draft.
No. 1 | Jerry Tillery showcases why he’s mocked to Bolts so often
Every year the Chargers have three or four prospects that is consistently mocked to them throughout the pre-draft process. Among the crop is former Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Projected as a second-round pick to some, Tillery illustrated why he’d make a great selection at No. 28 overall.
Tillery made his presence known starting with the measurements, standing at 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds with an arm length of 34 1/4 and hand size of 10 5/8, showing off his long and athletic frame.
When it came to the athletic testing portion, Tillery dominated. The former Notre Dame product posted a 4.93 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical jump, 115-inch broad jump, 7.45 three-cone drill and 4.33 20-yard shuttle, which all ranked among the top-10 at his position.
Tillery was fluid and smooth in the on-field drills, which replicates what was displayed on his film, as he moves well for a player of his size with lateral quickness, hip snap and flexibility.
After today, Tillery may have solidified his first-round status if his background and interviews checked out. If he is on the board when the Bolts are picking, he would help bolster a defensive line in need of playmakers inside.
No. 2 | Small-school DT shines in a deep group
Former Western Illinois Khalen Saunders may not have been getting the publicity as much as others at his position early on, but after the video of doing a backflip and Senior Bowl, his name has been trending. He would be a near ideal fit for the Chargers at 6-foot and 320 pounds after an impressive performance on Sunday.
Saunders was clocked at 5.01 seconds in the 40-yard dash, jumped a 30.5-inch vertical jump, followed by a 101-inch broad jump. Saunders made his money during the on-field events though, where he flashed violent, quick hands and proved to be a fast and fluid mover at his size.
Saunders was dominant throughout his three-year campaign by using great snap quickness, body control and strength to wreak havoc against opposing teams’ backfields. The former Western Illinois product should be a strong Day 2 consideration for general manager Tom Telesco at the 2019 NFL draft.
No. 3 | Chances of Devin Bush being available at No. 28 are slim
The linebacker position will be in need of an upgrade if the Chargers elect to move on from Denzel Perryman. Among the players that could replace him is former Michigan LB Devin Bush, who has been consistently mocked to them in the first round. But after today, it’s unlikely that he will get past the top-20.
Standing at a stout 5-foot-11 and 234 pounds, Bush put together some of the most impressive metrics at the combine, which were close to another talented prospect in LSU’s Devin White.
Bush ran a 4.43 40-yard dash, which ranked as No. 2 overall. He also turned in the highest vertical jump at 40.5 inches among players in his position group. The athleticism came as no surprise, as it popped off on the film, but many were not expecting a day like this one.
Despite his size, which NFL teams have raised concerns about, Bush’s production and performance today cannot be denied. What could’ve been the perfect match between the Chargers and Bush, it has seemed like they might have to kiss that reality goodbye.
