Chargers Draft 2018: Senior Bowl Prospects To Keep An Eye On

Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama

6’3 234 lbs.

Evans is arguably the second best linebacker in this draft class, just behind Butkus Award Winner, Roquan Smith (Georgia). A long, rangy defender, Evans exhibits the play speed and tenacity that would be a welcomed sight in the Charger’s linebacking corps. After posting 66 total tackles on the season (second on the team), 17.5 tackles for loss (led the team), and six sacks (second), Evans possesses a plethora of skills, including a very effective spin move, which he used to stand out on the #1 defense that is already chalk-full of NFL talent.

Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

6’2 282 lbs.

A consensus All-American, Hurst is an undersized defensive tackle prospect that possesses a motor which more than makes up for what he is lacking in overall mass. Hurst utilizes very active hands with a lower body that never stops churning to knife through consistent double-teams and make splash plays in the backfield. Able to line up anywhere from a 0 to a 5-technique, Hurst is a nice chess piece to be used anywhere up front.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hurst was named to their First-Team All American team where he was given the highest grade among any player at any position (96.9 out of 100).

Dimitri Flowers, FB/TE, Oklahoma

6’3 248 lbs.

It’s understandable if you asked yourself “Dimitri Who?” when you got to this part of the article. Flowers is not the most well-known player in the country. He’s also a guy who doesn’t have a solidified position. He is one of a few players in the country considered a true H-Back prospect (mixture of RB/FB/TE/Slot).

If you spent anytime watching Heisman Winner Baker Mayfield’s tape, you’ll notice Flowers always appears at the right time, usually when Oklahoma needs to convert a third-down or another clutch situation. Flowers doesn’t have crazy overall production, but he’s a versatile player who can run it and catch it when it matters most. The idea of a player with his skill-set is intriguing.

Think Mike Tolbert and how he was used when he still donned the Bolt.

Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

6’5 320 lbs.

Crosby is a brute who happens to have some feet reminiscent of a tap dancer. He is quick off the line and is able to use his strength to body defenders, whipping them out of the running backs way if he’s unable to get in between the two from the start.

Crosby was named the Pac-12 Most Outstanding Lineman which is an award voted on by all of the defensive linemen within the conference. If there is anything that speaks volumes about his play and the respect he garners from his opponents, this is one of those things.

With Okung having the left tackle position locked up, Charger fans should consider a new bookend that could hold down the left side of the line, especially when some of the best EDGE rushers will be coming from that side (i.e. Von Miller).

These players are just a small taste of the immense talent that will reside in Mobile later this month. Defensive line and Offensive Tackles are two of the most stacked position groups at the Senior Bowl. With those two positions being plausible team needs, I would not be surprised see one or more players from the all-star game in a Bolts jersey next year.