Earlier this week, 338 NFL draft prospects were invited to the National Scouting Combine, which will be scheduled for later this month. The list consisted of players that were automatically pinned to get one, some surprises and quite a few that weren’t invited, leaving some scratching their heads.
Even though there are plenty that didn’t get the nod, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be worth getting drafted come April. Last year, 38 players who did not participate at the combine were drafted, including two top-100 picks: Raiders DT PJ Hall and 49ers’ Tarvarius Moore.
The Chargers’ scouting department and front office have all been doing their homework since the start of August, so they are very familiar with all the talent out there.
With that being said, here are three combine snubs who are not only fits for Los Angeles, but worthy enough of being drafted.
Khalil Hodge | LB | Buffalo
General manger Tom Telesco made the point that linebacker will be a big priority this offseason, as Denzel Perryman, Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown didn’t manage to play the whole year after suffering season-ending injuries. On top of that, Perryman and Kyle Emanuel will be unrestricted free agents in March.
Even if they choose to bring back both players, the depth at the position is really thin behind them. This would still likely force them to snag one early on and even later in the draft.
Hodge was one of the bigger surprises after entering the year as a top linebacker and ended his career with 421 tackles. He isn’t quite the athlete compared to the other prospects in this class, but he was consistently making plays.
Hodge is a very good run defender.. He loves to attack the line of scrimmage and fill run lanes with a purpose. Hodge is an instinctive player that recognizes plays and opposing team keys quickly and good finisher at contact.
The Buffalo product is a liability in zone coverage due to lack of speed and athleticism. His range as a linebacker is only subpar, and that could hurt his draft stock a bit. But he does have many of the intangibles that the Chargers would love on their team.
Tyree St. Louis | OT | Miami
The Chargers are no strangers at grabbing offensive lineman late in the draft, whether or not they already addressed the position early on. For a team that lacks talent and depth, they will likely be grabbing two in the 2019 NFL draft.
St. Louis finished his final season at Miami with a streak of 33 consecutive starts. He flipped from right tackle to the left side as a senior after former teammate K.C. McDermott departed to the NFL in 2017. St. Louis had a tough time transitioning to defending his quarterback’s blindside, but the traits are there for a developmental offensive tackle.
The Miami displays a well-built frame at 6-foot-5 and 312 pound. St. Louis is a high effort player with ideal foot quickness and long arms. He is an intelligent blocker that reads blitzes from the defense well and has the ability to shut them down when they come within his reach. He flashes an effective punch and battles to establish his hand fits. He showcases a stout anchor and is capable of absorbing power very well.
Ricky Walker | DT | Virginia Tech
The Chargers can do one of three things this offseason. They either draft a defensive tackle early, make a high end free agency signing and draft one in the middle-late rounds, or decide to double dip at the position in the draft. If they decide to address the group on Day 3, Walker is a nice option.
Mentioned earlier this season, Walker was a versatile defender, playing up and down the defensive line for Virginia Tech. He posted double-digit tackles for loss in 2018, and did it with natural leverage, a quick first step and power.
Walker is adept at working on the edge of blockers and creating leverage to the gap. He has short area quickness and is able to get upfield and create disruption. Walker has a high motor, showing the willingness to chase and pursuit. He can win with his hands, as he has a good swim, club, rip and hump move to help him get into the backfield.
The former Hokie would offer versatility, but would shine best as a three-technique for the Bolts.
