LA Chargers pick Justin Herbert in final 2020 mock draft
With the 112th pick, the Chargers select…
. Wide Receiver. Van Jefferson. 112. 840
One of my other predictions in the same position predictions article was that the Chargers take a wide receiver towards the beginning of day three. Van Jefferson out of Florida could fit that profile.
Jefferson has been recognized as one of the best route runners in this class. He has quick feet with smooth intangibles. If he gets the ball in the open field, it’s a wrap with his speed. NFL executives probably weren’t thrilled to see him not run the 40-yard dash due to injury, but his tape demonstrates great body control, awareness, and agility.
While Jefferson isn’t a natural slot receiver, it wouldn’t surprise me if the team that drafts him ends up converting him there. He’s got great in-game speed for the role. Letting Jefferson be the third receiver would take a lot of the pressure off of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Jefferson in the slot would be the best third option the team has had since Tyrell Williams.
He may not have elite levels of college production, but with the receiver position, it’s more important for me to look at how they’re running routes, catch radius, speed, and how they could be used in a pro scheme. For the time being, Andre Patton, Jason Moore, and other practice squad-level receivers aren’t quite ready yet. Bring in a third receiver who can make an immediate impact and let them develop at their own pace.