It’s Saturday, which means we are back with our sixth edition of 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 8
WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina, No. 89, 9:00 a.m. PT, ESPN
The Chargers could be in serious need of a No. 3 wide receiver if none of the guys behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams step up the rest of the season, given the fact that the team is prone to move on from Dontrelle Inman and Travis Benjamin in the offseason.
If Los Angeles chooses to wait late Day 2 or early Day 3 to pick one up in the draft, they could potentially find a gem in Edwards, who would be the perfect compliment to Allen and Williams.
The 6-foot-3 and 215 pound wideout set a school record for most consecutive games with a reception in program history last weekend (44). So far this season, Edwards has 28 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns.
Edwards plays a physical brand football, who has the acceleration at the line of scrimmage, can win 50/50 balls with strong hands and leaping ability and is very active as a run blocker. He will be lined up across from a top cornerback prospect in Florida’s CJ Henderson.
CB Cam Dantzler, Mississippi State, No. 3, 12:30 p.m. PT, CBS
Michael Davis has held his own in coverage, but the Chargers could look to bring in more talent opposite of Casey Hayward in the offseason. If that’s the case, the team could very well have their eyes one of the bigger risers in this year’s cornerback class.
Dantzler, the 6-foot-2 and 185 pound corner already has 16 tackles, four passes defensed and two interceptions in five games. Facing some of the top SEC wideouts, he shuts them down with his line of scrimmage skills to knock of their timing and his speed and length to get his hands on the ball.
On Saturday, Dantzler will be tasked with lining up across from LSU quarterback Joe Barrow’s favorite target, WR Justin Jefferson, who won’t be an easy matchup.
DT Jordon Scott, Oregon, No. 34, 12:30 p.m. PT, ABC
It’s evident in the poor rush defense that the Chargers need more beef up front. Not to mention defensive tackle Brandon Mebane will likely play one more season after this year, leaving the need for an ideal 0-1-technique.
Insert Scott.
Scott, the Ducks’ 6-foot-1 and 325 pound nose tackle has been a clog in the middle of the defense, helping his team give up only 107 yards per game. His 12 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss aren’t enticing, but he does his job and that’s to collapse the pocket and allow other members of the front seven to make plays.
Scott will face Washington’s Nick Harris, who’s one of the nation’s top senior center.
OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama, No. 70, 6:00 p.m. PT ESPN,
The Chargers need an upgrade at the offensive tackle position and they could look to address it as early as Round 1. If they elect to do so, Leatherwood could be an ideal fit.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Leatherwood possesses the competitive toughness and works hard in all phases, in which would translate to a starting caliber NFL offensive tackle.
While many players at the position are stressed by athletic edge rushers, he’s not and beats defenders with a blend of athletic movement skills and brute strength.
Leatherwood will be looking to follow the footsteps of Bengals’ Jonah Williams and become the second consecutive Alabama offensive tackle drafted in the first round.
OT Austin Jackson, USC, No. 73, 6:30 p.m. PT, Pac-12
The Chargers could look in their backyard to find an offensive tackle who’s quickly climbing up the ranks of players at his position.
Jackson was a top high school recruit and has started in 18 of his 32 career games in three seasons thus far.
At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Jackson has great size and length for the position. He is a good athlete with smooth movement skills and solid flexibility. He shows good competitive toughness and cares about his assignments.
Jackson has competed and won against elite talent in his collegiate career and has more room to grow. His style of play and character will be sure to garner the attention of Los Angeles.
