LA Chargers: Players to watch at the 2021 Senior Bowl
By Devon Auriemma
Players the LA Chargers must watch: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida
Kadarius Toney is one of the most fun players to watch in this draft class. While he may not get the hype that DeVonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle get, Toney could wind up being a first-round selection as well.
His athleticism can make him a game-changer at the next level and he was one of Kyle Trask’s favorite targets, along with tight end Kyle Pitts. He shows tremendous speed and quickness and is one of the top receivers in the class after the catch.
He might not be the most skilled route runner, but he is a dynamic weapon that could benefit any offense. He is currently a borderline first-round player that could be grabbed by a team like the Packers late in the first round.
If he is available in the second round, and the Chargers have already addressed the offensive line in the first round, then the Chargers could look to give Justin Herbert another playmaker.
The Senior Bowl is loaded with talent, so be sure to pay attention to all news coming out of Mobile, Alabama. Quincy Roche, Carlos Basham Jr. and Chazz Surratt are some defensive players who I will be watching.
On offense, I will mainly be looking at offensive linemen like Trey Smith, Deonte Brown, Creed Humphrey and Landon Dickerson along with the ones mentioned before. The Chargers likely will not spend a high draft pick on a running back, but some players to watch here are Najee Harris, Trey Sermon, Khalil Herbert and Michael Carter.
Wide receiver could be a need for the Chargers with Mike Williams’ future with the team being uncertain, so I will keep my eyes on them as well. A lot of players will start rising up draft boards following this game and some could find their way onto the Chargers roster.
Last year, the Chargers ended up drafting four players who participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl. Justin Herbert, Alohi Gilman, Joshua Kelley and K.J. Hill all attended the Senior Bowl last year.
Last year’s Senior Bowl had plenty of big-name players like Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Chase Claypool, Michael Pittman Jr., Antonio Gibson, Brandon Aiyuk, Jermey Chinn, Michael Ojemudia and Javon Kinlaw.
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It’s hard to say how much playing time each of these players will get, but the game is not the only part of the Senior Bowl. There are countless drills, interviews and so much more that go into the Senior Bowl. Even if some things are left out due to COVID-19, there will be a lot of news and information coming out of Mobile.