The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is set to begin.
This event is a useful tool for player evaluation, and some teams put more stock in it than others.
It is a big opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism and skill set through a series of tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and on-field drills.
With that, I have compiled a list of 11 prospects Chargers fans must watch for in Indianapolis over the course of the next few days.
Below are the players to keep an eye on:
WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas
At Tom Telesco’s presser, he mentioned that one of the goals this offseason is to find more weapons for Justin Herbert. Should the Chargers look to check that off the checklist on Day 1, Burks is a polarizing option. Burks, the 6-foot-3 and 225 pounder proved to be a deadly weapon for the Hogs. He is a threat with the ball in his hands no matter the alignment and is set to show off his sheer combination of size, strength, and speed. Not only will he raise eyebrows in the positional drills, showing off his hands that require 4XL gloves, but look for him to run in the 4.4s and post a big number of reps on the bench press, having done 380 pounds, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.
WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
If the Chargers want a receiver in the first round with a little bit different flavor than Burks, Olave could be that guy. Arguably one of the top route runners in this year’s class, Olave also has the top-end speed to win vertically. A track star at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, CA, Olave reportedly hit 10.8 seconds in the 100-meter dash and it would not be surprising if he runs in the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash.
WR Calvin Austin, Memphis
Unlike Burks, Austin is an example of why size does not always matter. With a frame at just 5-foot-7 and 173 pounds, Austin is capable of having defensive backs compromise with quickness and savvy with his releases and top-end speed to generate large gaps of separation vertically. When the ball is in his hands, Austin is nearly always going to create positive plays. Austin won nine state titles on the track in high school and ran track in college for the Tigers. Look for that speed to stand out.
OT Max Mitchell, Louisiana
With Bryan Bulaga’s future with the Chargers up in the air, they could be looking for his replacement, or at least someone to compete for the starting job from Day 1. Mitchell led all FBS tackles with a 94.8 PFF grade, as he allowed only 13 pressures and three sacks this season while racking up the third-most big-time run blocks. With very good athletic ability and foot quickness to get to his spot to protect the edge and range when blocking at the second level, it should be replicative when Mitchell performs the positional drills.
DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
Now until the draft, Davis and the Chargers will be a popular pairing. While I’m a believer that they should wait until Day 2 to draft a nose tackle, the coaching staff may see the impact against the run that Davis could make right away, and the testing might be the ultimate selling point. His rare movement skills are evident on tape, and even at 350 pounds, there is a strong chance Davis could run under a five-second 40-yard dash.
DT Travis Jones, UConn
If the Chargers choose to pass up on Davis in Round 1, Jones brings just as much, if not, more value in Round 2. Jones’ power and heavy hand should not only show up when hitting the bags, but his testing should reflect it, as he benches 455 and has done 32 reps at 225 pounds. Further, Jones also has a shuttle time of 4.57. For reference, former Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown, a top-10 overall pick who was almost the exact same weight, ran it in 4.79 at the 2020 combine, per Feldman.
EGDE David Ojabo, Michigan
Should the Chargers add another pass rusher into the mix on Day 1, Ojabo is just the type of player Brandon Staley covets. Wreaking havoc opposite top-3 selection Aidan Hutchinson, Ojabo is long and flexible with explosiveness, lateral agility, and closing burst. Per Feldman, he is expected to run the 40 in the low 4.5s and vertical jump in the high 30s.
EDGE Dominique Robinson, Miami (Ohio)
Robinson was a high school quarterback and converted to wide receiver in college. He moved to pass rusher in 2020, finishing his collegiate career with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Robinson is an explosive, edge rusher with the bend, burst, and change of direction to be a disruptive force in opposing backfields. At Miami, he ran a 4.31 agility time and also has vertical jumped 34 inches, per Feldman. Look for him to run in the mid-4.6s.
CB Trent McDuffie & Kyler Gordon, Washington
McDuffie and Gordon are set to join a long list of NFL defensive backs that the Huskies have produced, and the Chargers should be watching closely, having a glaring need at the position. McDuffie’s body control and sweet feet will show up in the positional drills, while his explosive burst will translate to when he jumps. McDuffie has posted a 41.5-inch vertical and a 10-9.5 broad jump. Meanwhile, Gordon also has elite athletic traits and change of direction on the field, which should show up in testing, as he has vertical jumped 42.5 and clocked a pro agility time of 3.87 seconds.
S Nick Cross, Maryland
The Chargers will also be searching for players to fill out the safety group. The do-it-all ability of Cross, who finished with three interceptions, 66 tackles and three sacks, should garner their interest. But it’s the athletic traits that may be the ultimate selling point. A track star in high school and college, Cross posted times of 6.93 in the 60 meters and 22.27 in the 200 meters.
