2026 PML Draft: Chargers Scouting Reviewed: HB Edition

Scouting Hindsight: Analyzing the Halfback Class in PML

Scouting is an art form in PML, a delicate balance of prediction, data analysis, and gut instinct. With the hindsight of their actual overalls and scouting results now in hand, let’s evaluate how accurate (or off) the Los Angeles Chargers scouts were when analyzing the halfbacks in this year’s draft class. Each prospect was graded based on their perceived round value during scouting and color-coded accordingly: green for first-round talents, yellow for second- to third-round talents, and orange for later-round players (rounds 4-7). These were all of the halfbacks on the Chargers board ranked in order and listed by round grade.

This will be the first article of a "Scouting In Hindsight" series reviewing my scouting versus how the players came in on draft day, and where I was right or wrong on a player's value by round which is how I scout. The other positions coming are wide receiver, free and strong safeties, edge prospects varying defensive ends and outside linebackers, offensive linemen varying all five positions although this center class was the dookiest of dookies unless you moved a different position there after the draft like I did. Finally, will be a short list of the FB prospects I had lined up for a late round pick.

Round 1 Talents (Green)

Gavin Sawchuck (73 OVR, Scouting Grade: A) Gavin Sawchuck lived up to his billing as a first-round talent. With a 73 overall rating, he emerged as the highest-rated halfback in the class and the fastest with 96 speed. The scouting team hit the nail on the head, awarding him an A grade for his potential and on-field production. The New York Giants were fortunate enough to draft Sawchuck after trading up to pick 4 to get him, landing a cornerstone player in the backfield reminiscent of the Saquon Barkley days.

Justice Haynes (64 OVR, Scouting Grade: F) Justice Haynes, however, was a scouting misfire, and the player the Chargers actually ended up with at pick 23. Despite being touted as a first-round talent in Los Angeles thanks to his age, college, and 40 yard dash, he’s turned out to be one of the biggest busts in the class with a 64 overall rating. This was a case of overestimating potential with similar his speed being low for his 40 time and his juke move and agility not reflecting his spin move and change of direction. It underscores the need to refine the evaluation process for future classes, maybe running backs don't have to be young, although Los Angeles was looking for speed with Damien Martinez already their power back.

Round 2-3 Talents (Yellow)

Demond Claiborn (71 OVR, Scouting Grade: B) Demond Claiborn’s scouting as a second- to third-round talent was accurate. His 71 overall rating makes him a solid contributor for any team, and his B scouting grade reflects his value relative to draft position, he has the 95 speed on the high end for his 40 but still comes in as a 24 year old.

CJ Baxter (72 OVR, Scouting Grade: B) Another success story for the scouts, CJ Baxter, came close to Sawchuck in terms of overall rating. A 72 overall with a second- to third-round tag makes him one of the steals of the class. Baxter’s B grade indicates there’s little to regret about this scouting evaluation.

Abu Sama III (69 OVR, Scouting Grade: D) Abu Sama III’s scouting grade turned out to be overly optimistic. While a 69 overall isn’t terrible, it falls below expectations for a second- to third-round projection, earning him a D in hindsight. The scouting team's age bias was too large especially due to Sama's lack of impressive physicals.

Rounds 4-7 Talents (Orange)

TJ Harden (68 OVR, Scouting Grade: A) Despite being scouted as a late-round pick, TJ Harden has proven to be a hidden gem with a 68 overall. Awarding him an A grade post-draft highlights the excellent value he brings relative to his draft position especially with his size and speed. He was in his own tier fo the 4th round.

LeQuint Allen (68 OVR, Scouting Grade: C) LeQuint Allen’s 68 overall rating aligns with expectations for a late-round pick, earning him an average C grade. While he’s not a star, he’s capable of being a reliable depth player like the 5th round grade he was given.

Noah Whittington (69 OVR, Scouting Grade: C) Another steady 5th-round option, Noah Whittington’s 69 overall justifies the C grade he received. He’s not a standout but has the tools to carve out a role on a roster.

Jam Miller (68 OVR, Scouting Grade: C) Jam Miller fits the mold of a serviceable 5th-round pick. His scouting and overall align well, making his C grade appropriate.

Makhi Hughes (64 OVR, Scouting Grade: F) Makhi Hughes is another absolute failure by the scouts. A 64 overall leaves him as one of the more disappointing 6th-round prospects, earning an F for being scouted at all.

Rashod Dubinion (69 OVR, Scouting Grade: D) Rashod Dubinion rounds out the orange tier with a 69 overall. He has been amazing for the Steelers and has youth and speed that Los Angeles was valuing. His D grade reflects his great impact being packaged as a 6th round talent.

Jordan Nubin (67 OVR, Scouting Grade: B) Jordan Nubin is another win for the scouting department. With a respectable 67 overall rating, he met expectations for a 7th-round pick and earned a B grade making it to UDFA.

AJ Green (72 OVR, Scouting Grade: D) AJ Green is an outlier in the 7th round tier. His 72 overall rating is impressive for a late-round prospect, but his scouting grade of D reflects the missed opportunity to rank him higher during evaluations, although he is 24.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (64 OVR, Scouting Grade: C) Jacory Croskey-Merritt managed to secure a C grade for the scouts despite his lower 64 overall rating. He’s not anything, but his scouting suggested a late 7th rounder so this isn't bad.

Nathan Carter (64 OVR, Scouting Grade: C) Similar to Croskey-Merritt, Nathan Carter’s 64 overall belies the optimism of his C scouting grade for accurately ranking them at the bottom.

Conclusion

Scouting in Madden is scary and more difficult than ever, and this halfback class highlighted the highs and lows of the process. Gavin Sawchuck was a clear scouting success but was far out of reach going 4th in the draft, while Justice Haynes serves as a cautionary tale of overvaluing perceived talent, although his speed and age means he should have on-field success, this article is just evaluating the scouts. Late-round surprises like TJ Harden and AJ Green underscore the potential to find hidden gems in the later rounds, though the GM passed taking their word on Haynes early and not going back to the HB well. As always, refinement in scouting techniques and balancing data with instinct will be key for success in future drafts. As for the HB scouting team... they were let go and replaced with new scouts for the 2026-2027 season that are more specialized in defensive positions.

Below is a screenshot of my rankings by color and round for the halfbacks in this class with their initial overall and a grade for my scouting performance on that player. I took into account physicals and age and dev but didn't include all of that in the spreadsheet, putting that into the analysis where necessary.