LA Chargers: 10 sleeper draft prospects that fit the team

RB Patrick Taylor, Memphis

Missing a lot of time in the 2019 season due to a foot injury is really what cost Patrick Taylor the chance to move higher in the draft. He’s a lock for the sixth or seventh round now. His performance at the combine was OK, but generally didn’t move the needle one way or the other.

When it comes to Taylor’s fit with the LA Chargers, the short-yardage situations are really what appeal to me, similarly to Perine on the goal line. But Taylor may be more physically imposing than Perine is. He’s two inches taller at the same weight, but he has a more even frame than the Florida running back.

Also, Taylor was already the starting running back for Memphis in his sophomore year. 5.4 yards per carry on 208 carries in 2018 was the peak of his dominance before his nagging injuries in 2019.

His running style is awkward. As a downhill runner, that’s not really a problem. But when he does have to cut, move side to side, or bounce off a tackler, it does seem to show up as a negative in his play. His linear running speed and power aren’t quite the same as when he’s going downhill.

Still, the third downs he’s able to convert with one or two yards left to go make him appealing. He may not be the fastest, but a big back is something the Chargers need on the goal line. Having him as the third or fourth running back on the depth chart isn’t a bad idea. I wouldn’t expect his foot injury to be anything major over time either.

Patrick Taylor IS BACK, and he's in the end zone. (Part Two). 2 TDs on the day so far for Big Pat. #GoTigersGo @The_BarnBurner pic.twitter.com/H7OwieyZFI

— Mason (@BarnBurnerSlim) November 23, 2019