Chargers prospect profile: Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow

Following the loss of one of their receivers, the Chargers are looking to find their third receiver. Could Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow be a perfect fit?

The Chargers need a third receiver following the departure of Tyrell Williams, and have thus far opted to bring back veteran Geremy Davis and training camp standout Artavis Scott, as well as continue to develop 2018 draft pick Dylan Cantrell. All have a shot to make the roster; however, what if Tom Telesco decided to find a better one in the draft instead? The team cannot afford to use a pick on a receiver in the first three rounds, but they could opt to take one with a Day Three selection. If they are looking in that draft range, Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow needs to be the pick.

Game to watch: Clemson vs Alabama, 2017 National Championship Game

Pros:

Renfrow will walk into the NFL having one of the best hands in the league immediately. He’s consistently making incredible catches, putting on a clinic every time the ball is thrown to him. If he makes a reception, it sticks like glue. If it’s a drop, blame the quarterback, and it’s almost guaranteed that it’s still a “pretty” drop.

https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1046109638595366915

It’s difficult to make out how athletic of a catch No. 13 makes there on first glance, but the second replay shows just how incredible it was. Against Texas A&M, Renfrow was not asked to run many deep routes, mostly working as a gadget receiver screen player. However, when called upon to make a play, he made a similar play to the one above.

It’s clear the Chargers are going to remain invested in Travis Benjamin, who although made three key plays that helped the team beat the Steelers and Chiefs ended with just 12 catches on the season. They need a receiver who can produce 40 catches, which is about Tyrell Williams’ average over the past two seasons. Renfrow can complement the offense very well so long as the coaches are creative in using him.

Hunter Renfrow is out here cooking EVERYBODY at the Senior Bowl

(via @thecheckdown, @fairshakeFB, @BradKelly17)pic.twitter.com/WefXGfC8vn

— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) January 25, 2019

Cons:

Immediately, Renfrow is knocked for being 5’10”, 184 pounds, making him about 10 pounds heavier than Benjamin is. The Clemson receiver also put up an abysmal seven bench press reps at the combine, which would be half of what Benjamin did.

This also makes him an ineffective run blocker at times, something necessary in Anthony Lynn and Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. There are many plays where Renfrow ends up on the ground or being pushed backwards trying to block on the play. However, dig a bit deeper and one can find plays of tremendous heart and effort that make up for it.

Physical corners who do not respect his vertical threat size or speed will also look to bury him before he can run.

Draft Projection: Early Day Three

One shouldn’t pound on the table for Renfrow with any of the Chargers’ first three selections, but Telesco could really find a not-so-secret gem in the fourth round by selecting him. He runs well and makes incredible catches on a game-to-game basis. Despite his size, which will be a concern, no one can doubt his effort and dedication. If the Bolts don’t grab him, he’ll be the kind of player that winds up killing it on the Patriots. Philip Rivers is as accurate as they come, and would thoroughly enjoy one of the most consistent route-running play-makers in the draft.