San Diego Chargers: Top Offensive Linemen Prospects
Laken Tomlinson
The San Diego Chargers have already been blessed with the talents of one L. Tomlinson already (see LaDainian Tomlinson). Perhaps there could be room for another great Tomlinson among the Chargers ranks.
Originating out of Chicago, Illinois, Tomlinson was a two-sport star in High School, excelling at track and field and football. Along with being a first place discuss and shot put thrower, Tomlinson helped Lane Technical High School to a 2008 Chicago Public League football championship. By the end of his high school career, Tomlinson was among the best offensive guards out of Illinois. And although he wasn’t ranked as highly as some of these other guards, he was able to prove his potential while at Duke University.
In his freshman season, Tomlinson was a First team Freshman All-America pick by Sporting News and ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week selection.
Tomlinson’s sophomore season saw him receive the Sonny Falcone Iron Duke Award, a team honor presented annually to one offensive player in the developmental program for their year-round commitment to strength training and conditioning. As well, Tomlinson’s efforts helped Duke to have a school single-season record and NCAA-best three players with 65-plus pass receptions.
As a junior, Tomlinson named to the “First team All-ACC choice by the league’s head coaches, second team All-ACC pick by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and both the ACC and national All-Bowl Teams by ESPN after helping the Blue Devils compile 661 total yards and 48 points” (Duke Bio). Thanks to Tomlinson’s blocking, Blue Devil running backs combined for 1,905 yards with each averaging 5.0-plus yards per attempt.
It was in his senior season though in which Tomlinson received national attention for his play. Prior to the season he was named to the preseason Watch List for the Outland Trophy and was a candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award.
What is also important to note is Tomlinson’s four-time All ACC Academic selection. It’s always good to know that you have an academically smart lineman playing for your football team.
Regardless of his academics though, Tomlinson has a 6’3″, 323-pound frame that is similar to NFL guards. The great thing about Tomlinson is his “Stout frame, not an easy player to put on his heels and rarely caught moving in reverse. Adequate set up quickness with aggressive hands off the snap,” according to NFL Draft Scout. The reason Tomlinson gives me pause is because of his immobility and inability to lead blocks out past the line of scrimmage. But, due to his pass-blocking abilities and “anchor” technique, Tomlinson has some upside.
I can definitely see Tomlinson playing on the Bolts offensive line in 2015 because of his ability to adapt to new situations on and off the football field. Being from Kingston, Jamaica, Tomlinson moved to the United States just before his high school career took off.
I believe that this has made Tomlinson a very determined player and can definitely make a difference protecting Philip Rivers.
As the number two guard in the draft, expect Tomlinson to go during the second round. Hopefully he’ll stay around long enough for the Chargers to pick him up, but he’s not worth it enough to select in the first round unless he shows something great on his pro day.
Next: Number 2: A.J. Cann