The Chargers have made the point that their focal point in the 2019 NFL draft will be on the offensive and defensive line and free safety position. There are other areas that they will need to fill for depth purposes, though. One of which is the wide receiver position.
Following the departure of wide receiver Tyrell Williams, Los Angeles has some players to turn to outside of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but they haven’t had a chance to prove themselves.
This all points to the direction of them adding one in year’s draft, but with it not being a glaring need, L.A. will likely target one in the late rounds.
With that, here are three late round fliers that the Bolts should consider.
DaMarkus Lodge | Ole Miss
Lodge spent his time with the Rebels a part of a three-headed monster that consisted of himself, D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown. Though Lodge didn’t get as much attention as the other two, who are considered to go early in the draft, Lodge still produced. Lodge was an 11-game started in 2018, catching 65 throws for 877 yards (13.5 average) with four touchdowns.
Lodge is well-built for the position at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds. Though he’s not going to win solely with a full route tree or separation, Lodge demonstrates good hands, body control and awareness to dominate over defensive backs along the secondary. Like Tyrell Williams, he is at his best down the field to make plays.
Lodge is best suited outside at the next level where he can flourish along the sideline by using his wide catch radius. He will need to work on some things, but he is worth taking a shot at, using as a special teamer and developing into a No. 3 or 4.
KeeSean Johnson | Fresno State
Johnson spent the majority of his career under looked as he resided in the Mountain West Conference. But the Fresno State product got under scouts’ radar when he finished 2018 top 10 nationally with 95 receptions, 1,340 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns to garner second-team All-Mountain West accolades.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds, Johnson shows a knack for the ball as he’s at his best when he’s going up for jump balls to bring in contested passes with his big and strong hands. Though he’s not a speedster (4.6 40) and isn’t a finesse route runner, Johnson is smooth and athletic when operating on the field.
His playmaking abilities should draw the attention of the Chargers. Johnson has the makings of a solid No. 3 wide receiver with one year in the league and could provide special teams value.
Jakobi Meyers | North Carolina State
Meyers teammate and projected second round selection Kelvin Harmon got the majority of the attention throughout the season and pre-draft process. But Meyers still had a lot of success catching passes from quarterback Ryan Finley. After earning Most Improved Player in 2017, Meyers went on to amass 92 receptions for 1,047 yards and four touchdowns, which earned him first-team All-ACC.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Meyers displays great size and speed for the position. He’s at his best when he uses his strong hands to track balls and make adjustments to it. He’s not the most savvy with his route running, but he can consistently creates yards after the catch, where he is able to make defenders miss in open space.
At the next level, Meyers will likely be suited best in the slot, but he has the ability to play on the outside given his playmaking traits. A player that will consistently move the chains, Meyers should be on Los Angeles’ radar for a solid No. 4 option.
