Friday, April 2, 2021

Los Angeles Chargers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 8.0

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 (4/1)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers hit a home run with Justin Herbert, the 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. With Rashawn Slater already off the board, the Chargers get a three-year starter that had his best season as a junior and is especially dominant as a run blocker.

ESPN - McShay (4/1)

13. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Because he opted out in 2020, scouts are watching Sewell's game tape from 2019 -- when he was blocking for Justin Herbert at Oregon. Let's reunite them. It's a bit of a shock to see my third-ranked prospect fall this far, but nine of the top 12 picks were QBs or offensive playmakers, causing a mini-slide. The Chargers aren't complaining. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were solid signings in free agency, but this offensive line still needs work. And Sewell is the best lineman in the class.

Baltimore Sun - Doon (3/31)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Chargers upgraded their offensive line in free agency by adding center Corey Linsley and guard/tackle Matt Feiler, but the left side could still use some reinforcements. Slater allowed just five pressures over 11 games in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus, and should be a solid starter with his combination of strength and athleticism.

EDSFootball - Donahue (3/29)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers at least addressed the offensive line last week and made a big upgrade by signing Corey Linsley and Matt Fieler, but that didn't solve all their issues along the line. Darrisaw is widely considered one of, if not, the best pure blocker in this class as he consistently got better during his three years as a starter at Virginia Tech. Blocking for franchise QB Justin Herbert should be the Chargers' top priority.

San Diego Union Tribune (3/29)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley is a step in the right direction for a very bad offensive line. Slater opted out this season due to COVID, but handled the mighty Chase Young as a junior while playing left tackle and didn't allow a single sack his last season. He's versatile and talented enough to play all five offensive line positions. He did nothing during his pro day to hurt himself.

L.A. Times - Farmer (3/29)

13. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

This could be the best athlete in the draft. If the Chargers can get him as Hunter Henry‘s replacement, then pair him with Justin Herbert? Wow.

New York Post - Serby (3/27)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

How about a 6-foot-4, 313-pound, blind-side protector for Justin Herbert over the next decade? No disrespect intended to Trey Pipkins III.

The Ringer - Kelly (3/26)

13. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Chargers made a couple savvy moves to improve their offensive line over the past few weeks, signing interior linemen Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler to free-agent deals. They take things one step further here, drafting an athletic, physical tackle prospect. Darrisaw would give L.A. a long-term blindside protector for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

Newsday - Klopsis (3/26)

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Another year, another offseason in which the Chargers desperately need a left tackle -- and with all the flashes that Justin Herbert showed in his rookie season, GM Tom Telesco would be wise to protect him. Rashawn Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but he's an aggressive, physical blocker who moves very well and can play either tackle spot or inside at guard.

Previous update: Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup 7.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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