It’s Saturday, which means we are back with our seventh edition of The Scouting Notebook.
The Scouting Notebook features prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some think it’s too early to talk about the 2020 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to talk about the future of the Chargers.
With that being said, here are four prospects to watch for in Week 9.
QB Joe Burrow, LSU, No. 9, 12:30 p.m. PT, CBS
There hasn’t been a bigger draft riser than Burrow this season. Touted as a mid-round draft selection coming into the year, Burrow has solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The Ohio State transfer has posted video game numbers, completing less than 80 percent of his passes for 2,484 yards, 29 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Burrow has the makings of a top NFL quarterback in several ways, including his mechanics, his ability to thrive under pressure, arm talent and his football intelligence.
If Los Angeles happens to be picking within the top-10 in next year’s draft, there’s no doubt that he will be on there radar and will view him as the ideal successor to QB Philip Rivers.
Today, Burrow will be facing the No. 9 Auburn Tigers.
OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn, No. 71, 12:30 p.m. PT, FOX
A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned Driscoll’s teammate Prince Tega Wanogho. Touted as potential top-100 pick, Driscoll gets the spotlight as a potential offensive tackle for the Bolts.
Driscoll played at UMass for the three seasons before earning his degree early and transferring to Auburn. Last season, he played through injuries, but he was still dominant in the trenches.
Driscoll isn’t a dominating blocker, but he gets in the way and finds ways to keep his man occupied. Facing a prolific edge rusher in LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson, he will need to be on his A-game, in which could help his draft stock.
IOL Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin, No. 61, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX
The interior part of the offensive line has been belittled with injuries. First, it was center Mike Pouncey. Now it was guard Forrest Lamp to recently be hit with a season-ending injury. Even though the offensive tackle needs more help, the team could be thinking about remodeling the interior.
If they were to go down that path, Biadasz would be solid option to play anywhere inside.
Biadasz made an impact in his freshman season, where he was an All-American in 2017. He dealt with a hip injury the majority of his 2018 campaign and instead of declaring, he decided to return for another season to help the Badgers.
The 6-foot-2 and 318 pound center has the movement skills, proficient technique and brute strength to stymie NFL defensive tackles, projecting as an instant plug-and-play guard or center.
Biadasz will be facing a stout Ohio State defensive line, which will help his draft stock even more if he has a solid performance.
WR Collin Johnson, Texas, No. 9, 12:30 p.m. PT, FOX
There has yet to be a receiver behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to step up. Because of that, the Chargers will likely be shopping for a No. 3 wideout in the offseason.
Los Angeles covets big-bodied receivers and that’s why Johnson would likely catch their attention. The 6-foot-6 and 211 pounder thrives on using his length to catch everything away from his body, but he’s also a heck of a route runner, which he doesn’t get enough credit for.
Johnson will be lined up across from TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, who is also currently projected as a top-100 selection.
