LA Chargers: 10 sleeper draft prospects that fit the team

WR Devin Duvernay, Texas

Devin Duvernay is more of a classic slot receiver prospect than Claypool. His 4.39 40 yard dash moved him from being a fourth or fifth-round pick to a late third-rounder.

His tape is somewhat reminiscent of early Golden Tate. He’s got great speed with good contested catch ability. At 6’1″ and 215 pounds, he’s got a running back’s body at receiver.

Duvernay really took off in his senior season. He was behind Collin Johnson on the depth chart his first few years at Texas, but quickly gained on him over time. When Johnson got hurt in 2019 with a nagging hamstring injury, Duvernay took advantage. He went from 41 receptions in 2018 to 106 receptions in 2019. With 10 touchdowns, six more than his previous season, Duvernay made his presence felt in the red zone.

He also beat his 2018 receiving yard total by 800 yards, going from 546 to 1386. Duvernay was second in the country to only LSU’s Justin Jefferson in first down receptions. Whatever stat you choose to look at, Duvernay killed it in 2019.

So, what’s keeping him so low? It’s just that good of a receiver class. When prospects like Duvernay and Claypool are projected in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds, it’s just too competitive at the top. In other draft years, they might easily be second-rounders.

One thing Duvernay should improve on at the next level is route moves. Sometimes his jukes and cuts aren’t always the best. It can make it a little easier on the defense to play him. Ultimately, this is somewhat of a nitpick, but it’s one minor issue that may be keeping his draft stock down in addition to the receiver class.

Devin Duvernay can’t stop winning contested catches in the Valero Alamo Bowl. He’s cooking for Texas. Going to be a Senior Bowl favorite. pic.twitter.com/fVosmRpzyW

— Rob Paul (@RobPaulNFL) January 1, 2020