No one knows running backs better than Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.
LT was once again on the field Friday reporting for NFL Network during this year's RB workout.
The position is considered one of the deepest in this year's draft, and LT can't dispute that assessment.
"I thought it was a really solid group," he said while paying a special visit to the Chargers' scouting suite on Saturday. "There are about seven or eight guys who I think can really be excellent pros in the league. It's been a really good Combine for these guys, and I think the ones who are really talented are showing it."
Naturally, number 21 couldn't help but think which prospects would be an ideal fit for his former team to complement their current one-two punch of Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler.
Two players immediately came to mind, including one who is a popular pick among pundits to potentially join the Bolts.
"When you think about one of those guys who can complement who we currently have, I really like Rashaad Penny out of San Diego State. I think he adds a dimension to the special teams game, too. He's known to return kicks, and do it well. That's one guy that can obviously help you."
The other player LT named is another local product.
"Another guy I think can help is someone who didn't get a chance to finish his workout, and that's Ronald Jones from USC. I really like him, as well. I think he'll be a great change of pace guy. A guy who can catch the ball out of the backfield, and also possibly add a dimension to the return game. To me, he would be a great addition for us."
Meanwhile, when it comes to the running back position, it's impossible to talk about the group without mentioning Saquon Barkley, who many believe can be a generational talent. Tomlinson believes in the hype surrounding the Penn State product while also singing the virtues of LSU's Derrius Guice.
"What I saw from Saquon Barkley was as advertised," he said. "He really just checked all the boxes and really helped himself. And Guice, he's a guy who did as expected, too. He's a guy who is around 5-11, 215-pounds and ran well. I wanted to see how fast he was, and he ran a 4.49. So that's a great time for a guy his size. He caught the ball well. I think he helped his stock a little bit."
Of course, LT also can't help but keep his eye on players from is alma mater, mentioning TCU's Kyle Hicks as a late round flier for the Bolts.
"He didn't run well, but I think he was solid in the drills," Tomlinson said. "He caught the ball well, and really showed his lateral quickness (and) those kinds of things. He could be a late round guy for the Chargers."
Take a look inside the Chargers' suite as the team scouts top prospects at the Combine.
