Saturday, former Texas Tech wide receiver Dylan Cantrell was taken in the 6th round of the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Texas Tech tradition of placing wide receivers in the NFL continued Saturday when Dylan Cantrell was taken in the 6th round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
A Red Raider selecting another Red Raider. @dylancantrell14 heads to the @Chargers and head coach Anthony Lynn! #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/7cefMrGd53
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 28, 2018
Cantrell was the second Texas Tech receiver taken Saturday after inside receiver Keke Coutee went to Houston in round 4. In Los Angeles, Cantrell will play for former Texas Tech running back Anthony Lynn who will be in his second season as head coach of the Chargers this fall.
The Whitehouse, Texas product turned heads at the NFL Combine in February, leading to his selection at pick No. 191 overall. The 6-foot-3, 222-pounder ran an impressive 4.59 40-yard dash, did 18 reps on the bench press and displayed a 38.5 inch vertical jump.
However, many scouts felt that Cantrell played slower in game footage than his combine results would have suggested. He was not adept at creating much separation from college defenders making NFL teams wonder if he will be able to get open on Sundays.
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But ultimately, his ability to make physical catches in traffic by using his large frame and fantastic hands, along with his ability to block downfield earned him an opportunity with the Chargers.
Los Angeles was led in 2017 by wide receiver Keenan Allen who had 103 receptions for 1,393 yards and 8 touchdowns in a breakout season. But no other receiver on the roster had more than Tyrell Williams’ 43 catches.
Williams signed a one-year contract this offseason and could be a candidate to bolt (pun intended) for other opportunities next offseason should he have a rebound season in 2018. But for this year, it looks like Cantrell will have an uphill battle to earn a roster spot in LA.
"According to FoxSports.com, “The Chargers are stacked at receiver with Pro Bowl selection Keenan Allen leading Williams, Travis Benjamin and seventh overall pick Mike Williams, who struggled with injuries as a rookie.”"
Cantrell finished his career in Lubbock with 158 catches for 1.873 yards and 18 touchdowns. Not the focal point of the offense, Cantrell became a reliable second or third option capable of overpowering opposing defensive backs.
Never was his strength more on display than in 2016 in Manhattan, Kansas when he was flagged for an offensive pass interference penalty against Kansas State. The referee who threw the flag explained to the Texas Tech coaches that the flag was not really thrown as a result of textbook interference but because Cantrell was being too physical when he blocked.
Next: Keke Coutee to Houston in NFL Draft
Dylan Cantrell is renowned for his work ethic off the field which will endear him to any NFL team. He looks to be a long shot to make the Chargers’ roster but no one will work harder to earn a place on the team than Dylan Cantrell.