Here are Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling’s 2019 NFL draft projections for the Chargers following the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis complete with analysis.
Round 1 | No. 28 | Andre Dillard | OT | Washington State
Coming into the 2019 NFL Combine, Dillard was a borderline first round selection. After testing very well and showing out in the on-field drills, the former Washington State product solidified himself as a top-32 selection.
The question now becomes if he’s even able to slide all the way to No. 28 overall to the Chargers. In this case, Dillard surpasses all of the teams that are also in need of an offensive tackle, upgrading the right tackle position for Los Angeles.
Dillard, the most prolific pass protector in this class, has the best feet among the offensive linemen with outstanding lower body flexibility and core strength to protect the edge. Although he needs to be a little bit more physical in the running game, Dillard has the traits to be a great player at the next level.
Here is Easterling on why he projected the Bolts to scoop up Dillard with pick No. 28 overall.
Philip Rivers can’t have too many seasons left, and the Bolts need to do everything they can to maximize what time he can still give them. That starts with improving the tackle situation, and Dillard has the size, length and athleticism to be an elite pass-protector at the next level.
Round 2 | No. 60 | Gerald Willis | DT | Miami
The Chargers will have a decision to make by next week when free agency begins, determining who among the four defensive tackles that are unrestricted free will return in 2019. It’s unexpected that they re-sign all of them, which leaves a hole still at the position.
A standout at Miami, Willis did not participate in any of the drills in Indy. Although it would’ve been wise for him to test because many question his athleticism, he did come in at a decent size for the position, standing at 6-foot-1 and 302 pounds.
On tape, Willis is a head case for most interior offensive lineman. He is incredibly quick, powerful and disruptive off the ball. He is strong at the point of attack and is difficult for offensive linemen to push back. When he doesn’t win with brute strength, Willis does have an arsenal of pass-rushing counters, including a heck of a swim move.
With him not participating in the drills this past weekend, it may have pushed his stock down a bit, as he didn’t finish the season strong. So the spot taken here may be a bit rich, but the former Miami product would still be a stout pick for Los Angeles.
Round 3 | No. 91 | Germaine Pratt | LB | North Carolina State
Like the defensive tackle position, the linebacker spot could very likely be under construction this offseason with Denzel Perryman, Kyle Emanuel and Hayes Pullard’s future with the team up in the air. Expected to put a big emphasis on upgrading the position, the Chargers get a steal with Pratt in the third round.
A top-5 linebacker, Pratt went into combine and helped his stock with 24 reps on the bench press and followed that with a blazing 4.58 40-yard dash. The former North Carolina State product then concluded his day by showing out in the on-field drills, which included a diving grab, illustrating that his previous experience at the safety position is still there.
Although not elite in any one area on the field, the 6-foot-2 and 240 pound LB is very well-rounded with inside-out versatility and intangibles that will make him a valuable piece for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Round 4 | No. 130 | Ryan Finley | QB | North Carolina State
The Chargers could look to find a flyer at the quarterback position, as Philip Rivers isn’t getting any younger despite playing at a high level. What better way to find one by drafting a prospect who attended Rivers’ alma mater and just so happens to be mentoring him.
That’s the route that Los Angeles goes with the selection of Finley to kick off Day 3 in the 2019 NFL draft.
Although he still needs plenty of development, it’s understanding why many scouts believe he should have some success in the NFL. Despite not having the biggest arm, Finley is accurate, has great touch, throws his receivers open and is good with eye manipulation,
Given the style of offense that Finley played in the majority of his career at Boise State and North Carolina, his above average numbers, and production, it will make him an intriguing target for the Bolts to consider to sit behind one of the best in the business.
