The Charger’s Defensive Backfield & Possible Draft Choices

Nov 9, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah State Aggies corner back Nevin Lawson (1) breaks up a pass intended for UNLV Rebels wide receiver Marcus Sullivan (18) in the end zone in the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah State won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Nevin Lawson, Utah State – CB – 3rd to 4th Round:

If you are a Jason Verrett fan, maybe you can hold off for a couple of rounds. Lawson lacks ideal size, at 5’10” / 190 lbs., but isn’t going to get burned by speed. He has good zone coverage skills, and reacts well to the pass. On the boundary, he plays off-man, or cover 2 zone. In the slot, he usually plays press. He sometimes loses at the line of scrimmage, so the Chargers “off-man coverage” will suit him. He is muscular, has long arms (for his size), and can mirror any slot receiver in the game. He is extremely durable, starting 39 consecutive games at Utah. In the run game, he isn’t afraid to get dirty, and attacks the ball-carrier at the hips.

He is a good “gunner” on special teams, which is the kind of contribution we are looking for from a late round pick. Most of his deficiencies are coachable, but he might need time to become a starter. However, he comes from an Aggies prgram that has recently been a breeding ground for successful NFL players. He has an extremely good off-the-field persona, and is confident.

CBS Sports had this to say about him:

“Lawson’s coverage and toughness in run support earned him an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game, where he recorded three tackles, including one for loss, a pass breakup, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. That performance helped earn him a call-up to the Senior Bowl, where again he impressed with his confidence, and athleticism”.

Needless to say, he could be what the Chargers are looking for at CB, in the later rounds.