Los Angeles Chargers midseason 2020 mock draft

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 09: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs after catching a 64-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Chargers third-round selection: DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama

The Chargers doubled up on the offensive line in the first two rounds. Now, they select the first of the two receivers they will double up on. When you add the yardage of Andre Patton, Geremy Davis, Jason Moore, and Travis Benjamin all together, do you know what numbers you get? 13 catches, 133 yards, no touchdowns.

This lack of production has greatly hurt what Mike Williams and Keenan Allen can do. The loss of Tyrell Williams hurt as much as expected when you don’t draft his replacement. Rolling with Benjamin was the ultimate mistake for the Chargers, and they are paying for it. So, the first step? Take DeVonta Smith out of Alabama. At 6-foot–1, 175 pounds, he may not have the blazing speed or towering length of Tyrell Williams. What he does have is the route running, consistency, and reliability you want when scouting a prospect.

My personal favorite Alabama receiver, DeVonta Smith.

This is one of my favorite plays from Smith. He does what he does often, uses frame to box out the DB, reach through contact to secure the catch.

Would like to see more at the top of the route, a bit more push for separation pic.twitter.com/8X8QnKv4xW

— Jason Balliet II (@Syntari13) November 13, 2019

In this play, we see a lot of positives from Smith. First, we see a good, clean release to the inside. Essential for a route such as this. Next, we see a good vertical push for a moment, like he is selling a deep route.

The flaw in this rep is the work at the top of the route, where we really see a lack of any sort of “sell” or “push” as I like to call it. Allen excels at this, where he can “sell” an out, or “push” the defensive back away with an extra hard cut to the inside to add that extra space to make the catch.

The next positive from Smith out of the rep is the catch itself. Smith has the defensive back all over him, and you’d see quite a few receivers just try and trap the ball to their body. Smith isn’t a few receivers. Smith is reliable and consistent, and reliable, consistent receivers don’t trap the ball.

This is one of my favorite plays from Smith because it displays some of his flaws and his specialties in one rep. Having Allen as his mentor would only help him grow.