Second-round cornerback target for the LA Chargers: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
If Brandon Staley and the LA Chargers are looking for size and length with the second-round pick then the selection to make is Syracuse’s Ifeatu Melifonwu. Melifonwu stands in at six-foot-two with extremely long arms.
Melinfonwu is not going to be as consistent as Samuel in man coverage and he does project to be better in zone coverage coming out of college. However, because of his size and length, the Chargers can absolutely mask any man coverage deficiencies by putting him in the proper position to succeed.
It is hard to see Melinfonwu getting any snaps in the slot but that is perfectly fine. Whoever the Chargers draft in the second round does not have to be an asset in the slot as the team could still get that later in the draft and have Harris. It is just an added plus of being versatile.
Melinfonwu has versatility in his game as well. The Chargers are likely going to play more split zone coverage next season and Melinfonwu is someone who could drop back and play free safety if needed. Obviously, the team has a need at outside corner, but that versatility is there.
At worst, Melinfonwu will become a cornerback that the Chargers have to scheme to succeed, which is certainly possible. At best, because of his size, length and physicality, Melinfonwu could become a truly special corner that is CB1-worthy.