The Chargers held their local pro day on Thursday. This event has grown in significance as it offers Los Angeles an opportunity to get an extra look at players they may consider for the draft or pick up as an undrafted free agent.
People may not view this with near the importance of the National Scouting Combine, the Senior Bowl, or a school pro day. That would not be entirely accurate. In 2018, L.A. selected two participants, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and guard Scott Quessenberry.
It’s clear that general manager Tom Telesco values players right in their backyard. With that, here are four options that could end up in a Chargers uniform at the end of month.
OT Chuma Edoga, USC
The Chargers will look to acquire starting-caliber offensive linemen, but also players that will serve as reliable depth. Former USC product Chuma Edoga is a great option that has shown to man the tackle position.
A tremendous run blocker and serviceable in the pass protection department, Edoga moves with smooth feet and stays balanced at contact due to his combination of core power and natural coordination. Although his hand placement requires work, Edoga has outstanding arm length (34 3/4 inches) to keep defenders at bay.
He would likely serve as a backup for a couple years so he can continue to get stronger to compete against NFL-caliber talent. Once proven, Edoga could step in as a starter by Year 3.
Projection: Round 4
LB Cameron Smith, USC
The linebacker position for the Chargers is in need of depth, as well as potential starters down the road. The team could look to shore that up with Nwosu’s former teammate in linebacker Cameron Smith.
Smith, a four-year starter for the Trojans, plays with the temperament and ruggedness that the Chargers could use in the middle of their defense. Smith is a muscled-up, throwback linebacker in a league that covets football intelligence, twitch and a knack for making plays. His special teams ability should the draw the team’s attention, as well.
With a couple years under his belt at the next level, Smith is capable of becoming an effective full-time starter at inside linebacker.
Projection: Round 5
TE Caleb Wilson, UCLA
Should the Chargers elect to not bring back Antonio Gates, they could be looking for a No. 3 option late in the draft. Former UCLA product Caleb Wilson is an option that should draw their attention.
Wilson opted to not return for his senior season after a very productive junior campaign. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 selection, starting all 12 games and amassing 60 receptions for 965 yards (16.1 average) and four touchdowns for the Bruins.
Wilson is an undersized tight end, and will work best running the seam to find soft spots in zone coverage to keep the chains moving. He does possess high football IQ, but will be limited to passing situations at the next level, as he has proven to be a liability as a blocker.
Projection: Rounds 6-7
CB Iman Marshall, USC
At some point of the draft, the Chargers will need to address the cornerback position. The team could look to pick one as early as the third round or in the seventh round, which is where former USC CB Iman Marshall is likely to fall.
The size of Marshall is the first thing that pops out as he stands at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds. He uses that to his advantage when being physical with wide receivers at the line of scrimmage when pressing or coming downhill to make a booming tackle.
Marshall did have six interceptions the first two years of his collegiate, but that dropped off as he finished with zero the final two campaigns. Given his lack of ball skills, but tenacious demeanor, Los Angeles could look to convert him to a safety if he doesn’t pan out that well at corner.
