Saturday, April 17, 2021

Los Angeles Chargers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 9.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Los Angeles Chargers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Chargers:

EDSFootball - Hanson (4/15)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers hit a home run with Justin Herbert, reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the team's offensive line has been a perennial issue. In fact, no team ranked lower than the Chargers (32nd) in PFF's end-of-season offensive line rankings.

Signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi in free agency is a good start to address the problem. In a strong offensive tackle class, it wouldn't be a surprise if they used this pick (or their second-rounder) on a tackle. Darrisaw is a three-year starter that had his best season as a junior and is especially dominant as a run blocker.

Fox Sports - Rang (4/15)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Given the flashes of brilliance shown by Justin Herbert, the Chargers would be foolish not to take advantage of this year's stellar offensive line class, with Slater's versatility and character likely to earn high marks by the front office.

CBS Sports - Jones (4/14)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Chargers need an offensive tackle and Slater is by far the best option. It's coincidence he's available in this mock because I could have slotted him several spots higher a couple of times. His tape against Chase Young from 2019 is as good as it gets.

Washington Post - Clayton (4/14)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Drafting Darrisaw would complete the rebuilding of the Chargers' offensive line in front of second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. They added Matt Feiler at guard and Corey Linsley at center in free agency.

The Athletic - Brugler (4/14)

13. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

The Chargers don't need another wide receiver to be an explosive offense -- they already are with Justin Herbert at quarterback. But the idea of dropping Waddle's special athleticism into that scheme (with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams) would be tough to pass up.

Yahoo Sports! - Edholm (4/13)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers have upgraded the OL interior, but left tackle looms as a big void entering the draft. New head coach Brandon Staley seemed to suggest in a recent news conference that length and pass blocking are two big traits he likes in his left tackles, which leads us to Darrisaw.

He's a three-year starter at left tackle who has allowed a mere three sacks (zero in 2020) over more than 1,100 pass-blocking snaps. Oh, and he has 34-inch arms and great mass for the run game, too. Justin Herbert's protection gets better.

ESPN - Kiper (4/13)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Protecting Justin Herbert has been the theme of the Chargers' offseason, with general manager Tom Telesco spending in free agency on center Corey Linsley and tackle/guard Matt Feiler. So let's continue that theme with Slater, who played both tackle spots in college but could move to guard in the NFL. This could be a steal for L.A. Slater is likely to become Northwestern's first Round 1 pick since Luis Castillo, who also was drafted by the Chargers (No. 28 in 2005).

NFL.com - Schrager (4/8)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers made two big O-line signings in free agency -- C Corey Linsley and OG Matt Feiler -- but I don't think they're necessarily done there. The goal is to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Darrisaw is a fast-rising prospect who can play across the offensive front.

Previous update: Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup 8.0

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