It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another 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 five prospects to watch for in Week 13.
CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State, #24, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX
The Chargers haven’t added a true playmaker at the cornerback position since signing Casey Hayward back in 2017. While Michael Davis has been decent this season, the team could look to replace him with a long-term solution, who has plenty of talent.
Wade, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pounder, primarily plays in the slot for the Buckeyes. For someone of his size, it’s a little unusual but he has the speed and athleticism to thrive on the outside in the NFL. The redshirt sophomore has the read and react skills from zone coverage that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would covet.
Today, Wade will be under the microscope of many NFL evaluators as he and Ohio State battle it out with the Penn State Nittany Lions in a top-10 matchup on Saturday morning.
OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia, #79, 12:30 p.m. PT, CBS
The offensive tackle position will be one area that the Chargers will be doing their homework on heavily this offseason to ensure that they have more reinforcements for quarterback Philip Rivers or his potential successor. Luckily, this class is loaded and plenty of talent can be found on Day 2.
Wilson, the monstrous 6-foot-7 and 340 pound right tackle, plays opposite of a potential top-10 selection, left tackle Andrew Thomas. The New York native broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman and has remained there, as he uses his wide base, wingspan and brute strength, dominating in pass protection and the run game.
Wilson is only a redshirt sophomore, so it’s not all that certain that he will declare. But if he does, he has the size and skillset to become a starting tackle at the NFL level.
WR Nico Collins, Michigan, #4, 12:30 p.m. PT, ESPN
It’s almost certain that the Chargers will address the wide receiver position. Going into the season, there were concerns with the depth behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and it’s become evident with the injuries that have occurred and the lack of receptions with the guys behind them.
Collins, the towering 6-foot-4 and 222 pounder, is one of three junior wideouts for the Wolverines that has huge potential at the next level. Not only does he have the size, but he possesses the smoothness in his route running, ideal acceleration and skillset to make contested catches.
This season, Collins has amassed 25 receptions for 484 yards and four touchdowns.
DT Lorenzo Neal, Purdue, #9, 1:00 p.m. PT, FOX
Yes, that is son of former Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal. To shore up the defensive tackle position, Los Angeles could look to add his son next summer.
Neal, the 6-foot-3 and 315 pounder, is a powerful-packed and stout run defender who would settle nicely as a nose tackle in the Chargers’ 4-3 scheme. He has excellent work habits and is well-respected team captain for the Boilermakers.
Veteran Brandon Mebane isn’t getting any younger, so the Chargers could look to fill the void with some more beef this offseason, and Neal would be a great option on Day 3 of the draft.
QB Jordan Love, Utah State, #10, 7:30 p.m. PT, CBSSN
No one knows what the future holds for 16-year veteran Philip Rivers. But whether or not he returns with the Chargers for the 2020 season, the team will be looking to add his eventual replacement in the first couple rounds of the draft.
When you look at Love’s stat sheet from this season, it’s easy to be swayed away. He has thrown 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this season. Just a year ago, Love posted 32 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Whether it’s the coaching change or lack of talent, the inconsistency is evident but the potential is too great.
The 6-foot-4 and 225 quarterback has the arm strength and talent, athleticism, football IQ, confidence character and physical traits that easily translates to the next level. His decision-making has been questionable this season, but the positives outweigh the negative, which could easily be addressed.
According to the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, one scout even used the term “Mahomes-like” to describe his skill set. Love is still in consideration for the first-round and could make his case more evident with a strong finish to the season.
