LA Chargers select Jordan Love in March 2020 Mock Draft
Round 4, Pick 112: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Chase Claypool helped himself out at the combine when he showed off his great 4.42 40 yard dash. Some draft analysts and experts suggested the Claypool convert to tight end at the next level, but with that speed, he’s a definite wide receiver prospect.
If Claypool’s combine speed doesn’t win teams over, his 2019 performance should. A 1000 yard season where he averaged 15.7 yards per reception with so-so quarterback play is pretty impressive.
As a prospect, Claypool doesn’t necessarily have dynamic separation from defenders despite his speed, which is why some are hesitant on him. It’s worth noting though that even with that as a drawback, Claypool was fourth in all of college football in big play percentage.
He may not be John Ross fast, but he’s fast enough to get to the next level and cause some damage. He’s certainly faster than Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and that’s part of why he’d be good complement.
The tight end talk may also benefit him in a way. Being able to put a 6’5″ receiver with great speed and blocking ability into some tight end spots in formations may not hurt. It can also confuse defenses in terms of spreading the field.
Round 5, Pick 151: LB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
Missed tackles were a problem for the LA Chargers in 2019. It resulted in plenty of coverages being blown. Another area where they struggled was in stopping the run. Well, in all honesty, they’ve been struggling with that for a pretty long time now.
Enter Shaquille Quarterman. The numbers are kind of mind-boggling. He had 356 tackles, 12 sacks, and nearly 50 tackles for loss. All things considered, the guy has been one of the best run stoppers in college football over the last four years.
Denzel Perryman has a year left on his deal. Thomas Davis has been released. The Chargers could certainly draft some linebacker help for the future. Outside of Blake Martinez, there’s really not all that much in this linebacker free-agent class. Even he’s a tad overrated.
From sideline to sideline, Quarterman is a hard-hitting linebacker with a penchant for tackles for loss at the line. He’s not great in pass coverage, but with the raw skills and talent he has, it’s worth taking a chance on him and developing him.
Plus, we’re in the fifth round already. The guy who has the physical tools and abilities can always develop. The Chargers took that chance on Perryman, and now, they do it with another Miami prospect.