Chargers: Defensive players from the Senior Bowl National Team to watch

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 24: Cornerback Rodarius Williams #8 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys jumps to catch a pass before a game against the Iowa State Cylcones at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU won 24-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 24: Cornerback Rodarius Williams #8 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys jumps to catch a pass before a game against the Iowa State Cylcones at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU won 24-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

2. Rodarius Williams, CB

There is definitely the possibility that the LA Chargers are deciding between Ambry Thomas and Rodarius Williams in the mid-rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. A lot is going to go into the decision, including who plays better in the Senior Bowl on Saturday.

Williams is projected to go right around where Thomas is going to go in the draft. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranks Thomas as the 105th prospect on their big board while Williams ranks just eight spots lower at 113.

Thomas is longer and quicker than Williams but Williams does appear to be more polished in his coverage techniques than Thomas and also has more mass on his frame. Williams actually played this season for Oklahoma State as well, whereas Thomas did not (which is why the Senior Bowl is so important for him).

Williams had a solid senior season with Oklahoma State that undoubtedly raised his draft stock. PFF gave Williams an 80.1 defensive grade, which was the 15th best among all corners in the NCAA. It was a big jump from his 65.4 grade a year prior.

If Thomas has a really good showing and Williams is just okay (or worse) then I would not be shocked if the Chargers fall in love with the potential of Thomas. However, there is also the chance that Williams proves that he is a much more polished prospect and thus is worth taking in the mid-rounds.

I drafted Williams with the 97th overall pick in my latest LA Chargers mock draft.