4-round Chargers mock draft: Bringing balance to the roster

With the 2021 NFL draft just under three weeks away, predictions are spreading like wildfires.

The Chargers have made it clear the positions that they need to address to fill out the roster based on the acquisitions made via free agency.

With that being said, here are my last predictions before completing my annual final seven-round projections the day before the draft.

Round 1, CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

I’ve made it clear that the Chargers would be wise to take one of the top offensive tackles with their first-round pick, but given the fact that secondary play is vital in Brandon Staley’s system and the pressing need for a boundary corner, Horn is too good to pass up on here.

Horn has been in contact with the Chargers a couple of times, according to Chargers Brawl Podcast. He said that he has a connection with defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley and shares the same agency (Athletes First) as safety Derwin James.

Capable of playing both coverages at a high level, Horn is the type of playmaker who would do wonders in the secondary due to his combination of size, athleticism, competitiveness, football IQ, smoothness and ball skills, projecting as an All-Pro corner.

Round 2, OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

The Chargers gets their left tackle of the future after fulfilling the cornerback spot here in the second-round.

Leatherwood elected to return for his senior season, and was arguably the nation’s best left tackle. A consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 2020 Outland Trophy, Leatherwood made 48 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018.

Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses great size and length paired with good strength, anchor ability, instincts, and an aggressive disposition. If he can fix the slight issues with his hands, he could be a solid long term left tackle for Los Angeles.

Round 3, OL Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

The Chargers signed Oday Aboushi to a one-year deal with many expectating that he would be the Day 1 starter at right guard. But based on Staley’s comments from his press conference on Thursday, it appears that he will be competing for the job this summer.

Banks, the three-year starter at left guard was an anchor for the success of The Fighting Irish over that time span.

The first-team All-American allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks was the only Power Five guard who earned a pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 80.0.

At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Banks is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles due to his frame, strength and physical attitude, projecting as a probable starter.

Round 3, EDGE Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa

The Chargers will be looking to upgrade their depth at “EDGE”.

In 2018, Smith finished second on the team with 7.5 sacks. He turned things up a notch the following season, recording 14 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 21.5 total tackles for loss. The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19 but he shined at the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Smith, the 6-foot-6 and 252 pounder, has all the traits that Staley covets with his players at the position; length, explosive ability and athleticism. Smith could benefit from adding more mass, but overall, he has the skillset to be a reliable rotational defender with starting upside for L.A.

Round 4, WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston

Keenan Allen is locked up long-term in the slot, but Mike Williams is only under contract for this season. Tyron Johnson is ascending, as is Jalen Guyton, but he dealt with his fair share of drops in 2020. Therefore, the Chargers could look to give quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon.