We’d like to welcome back The Scouting Notebook.
The Scouting Notebook will feature prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some may think it’s too early to start talking 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 2.
RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
Running back Melvin Gordon remains a mystery, as he continues to holdout due contract disputes. Gordon could return at some point this season, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be a Charger in the 2020 season. If he isn’t going to be on the roster, they could seek out a RB like Etienne.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence got the majority of the attention, but Etienne’s production in his first year as a starter did not go unseen. He rushed for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. In only one game this season, he’s amassed 205 yards and three scores on 12 carries.
Whenever the 5-foot-9 and 215 pound back touches the ball, he is bound to make a big play. Etienne is quick out of his blocks with the speed, vision and competitive run style to pick, slide and weave through enemy territory.
He isn’t that involved in the passing game that much, but if he were to develop this trait then he could easily become a plug-and-play running back right off the bat for the Bolts.
Etinne will be facing off against the Texas A&M Aggies at 12:30 p.m. ET. That game will be televised on ABC.
QB Jacob Eason, Washington
Quarterback isn’t necessarily a position of need for the Chargers. They signed Tyrod Taylor to a two-year deal, drafted Easton Stick and are expected to extend Philip Rivers next offseason. That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to consider one, though.
At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Eason is dripping with everything that the Bolts covet at the position. Eason is a big, strong armed quarterback who can make throws to all three levels of the field. For his size, he can move really well when he needs to evade the pocket.
Eason is coming off an impressive four touchdown performance against Eastern Washington, and now he will be tasked with facing a tough California secondary on Saturday. If he has an impressive outing, his draft stock will only continue to rise.
Eason is only a redshirt junior, which means he isn’t necessarily going to declare for the 2020 NFL draft. If he doesn’t the Chargers could have him on their radar for 2021.
OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
The Chargers enter the 2019 regular season with the offensive line being the biggest weakness still. With Russell Okung set to miss at least the first eight games, Trent Scott and Sam Tevi will start the season as the starting offensive tackles.
Los Angeles drafted Trey Pipkins in the third-round with expectations that he will become the long-term left tackle, but they still need more talent up front. That’s why Cosmi needs to be on the team’s radar, especially as he’s set to face a talented edge rusher in LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson.
Cosmi, a redshirt sophomore, had an impressive start to his year against Louisiana Tech, posting the most snaps in pass protection (47) without allowing a single pressure, per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-7 and 302 pound offensive tackle has ideal size, length and movement skills.
CB Camryn Bynum, California
The Chargers have two talented cornerbacks in Casey Hayward and Desmond King, but other than that, the future at the position remains to be unseen. Because of that, a corner will likely be under strong consideration in next year’s draft.
Bynum is coming off a season in which he broke up a career-high 10 passes. He has 108 total tackles and 18 passes defensed up to this point in his collegiate career, while drawing some of the toughest assignments.
At 6-foot-1 and 184 pounds, Bynum is a balanced athlete with the length, speed and competitive chops to challenge receivers up and down the field. He is also a willing run defender, making him a perfect compliment to Hayward.
In this weekend edition of “Pac-12 After Dark”, Bynum will be tasked with matching up against Washington’s top receiver Aaron Fuller on Saturday night.
WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Like the cornerback position, the wide receiver groups needs an upgrade with more talent. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have proven themselves, but we have yet to see someone step up as WR3. If that remains to be the case this season, they could be in consideration of one to fill that void.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Johnson checks the measurement box. Johnson is a crafty route runner who has natural ball skills and body control at the catch point, projecting as a possession receiver at the next level.
In 2018, Johnson started all 13 games, catching 78 passes for single-season school records of 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was limited to three receptions for 28 yards in the season opener, but he will have a chance to redeem himself against an intriguing Fresno State cornerback Jaron Bryant.
