Potential San Diego Chargers 2014 NFL Draft Profile: LSU WR Jarvis Landry

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Every draft season I fall in love with receivers. They are my weakness. I love receivers that have a little bit of swagger in their game. There are a number of receivers in the coming draft that have already caught my eye. This post is going to talk about someone who didn’t blow away scouts with his workouts at the Combine or during his Pro Day, but has produced on the field. This post will be about one of my favorite receivers in the draft and a player that could be available in the 3rd round for the Chargers. This post will be about LSU WR Jarvis Landry.
Another LSU receiver? Don’t LSU receivers SUCK when they get into the league? The history doesn’t look good with the program, but Landry could be someone who breaks that mold.
At the combine, he pulled his hamstring and ran a 4.65-second 40 yard dash. He then came back at his Pro Day and ran a 4.51-second 40. None of those were blazing times for the receiver, but he doesn’t depend on his speed to get open. A lot of fans are looking to add speed onto the roster. A lot of fans are looking for someone to stretch the field. Landry will not be that guy. That doesn’t mean he is not a good complement to Keenan Allen on offense though. The team still would need to find some speed, but don’t get hung up on the speed game. Just think about adding a Hines Ward type player on offense.
Landry brings a skillset just like the former Pittsburgh Steeler. He finds ways to get open and will grind for the tough yards on offense. He will bang around defenders while blocking in the run game. He is not afraid to go over the middle. He is not afraid of laying out a linebacker. He will win the 50-50 balls and will make tough catches with receivers draped all over him. He is a solid route runner and finds the open pouches in the zones. He does everything you need in the passing game, but doesn’t have that speed.
He is not going to be the deep threat. He is not going to be a speedster. He will be a threat though. He will get open and will move the chains. I would take a Hines Ward type player on my roster any day of the week. Would you?