5 predictions for Chargers in 2021 NFL draft

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez takes a crack at guessing what general manager Tom Telesco will do in this year’s draft.

We are just a day away from finding out how general manager Tom Telesco and company will continue the construction of the Chargers roster for the 2021 season.

The mock drafts have been endless and the rumors have been maddening, but they’re all finally put to bed in a little over 24 hours from now.

Since there’s still time before Los Angeles is on the clock, I wanted to lay out my final predictions on what I see the team doing throughout the three days of the draft.

Let’s dive in!

An offensive tackle will be taken in Round 1

The selection of quarterback Justin Herbert last year was very rewarding as he went on to shatter multiple records and win Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, if the team wishes to get the most out of him for years to come, they must protect him at all costs.

There’s been plenty of scenarios of the Chargers taking a cornerback, wide receiver or an edge defender in the first-round, but at the end of the day ensuring Herbert’s longevity takes priority.

Los Angeles has done a fine job revamping the offensive line with the signings of Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi. But the most vital piece of the line is still at large, with that being the left tackle position.

Sitting with the No. 13 pick, L.A. could be aggressive to get their guy by trading up for Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater. Or they can sit still and take Christian Darrisaw, which I think is the likely scenario.

The bottom line is that I expect the starting offensive line to be solidified by the end of the night on Thursday.

Defense dominates Day 2

After gifting Herbert with a left tackle, the Chargers allow head coach Brandon Staley to get the pieces that fit his defensive scheme.

While Staley has a knack for elevating all players alike on the defensive side of the ball, there are still holes that need to be addressed, particularly at the edge defender, safety and cornerback position.

The order that Staley will go about the bunch remain to be seen and it’ll likely depend on how the board falls, but corner seems to be position that should be prioritized.

Corners like Asante Samuel Jr., Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Paulson Adebo, Robert Rochell and Ambry Thomas would all make sense.

For safety, Staley could take someone like Jevon Holland, Richie Grant, Ar’Darius Washington, Andre Cisco, Damar Hamlin, Trill Williams, among a few others.

As for edge defender, a player like Joe Tryon, Payton Turner, Joseph Ossai, Elerson Smith, Charles Snowden, Malcolm Koonce and Janarius Robinson all fit the mold that Staley covets of players at the position.

Annual Notre Dame player will be Robert Hainsey

Telesco has drafted a player from Notre Dame in three of the last four drafts. With a handful of representatives representing The Fighting Irish, I don’t see how he doesn’t take one, and what better way to do so by upgrading the depth along the offensive line.

Hainsey was a three-year starter and a two-time captain at Notre Dame, manning the right tackle position. During his performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January, Hainsey raised some eyebrows with his ability to play guard and center.

On the field, Hainsey shows a solid anchor at the point of attack. His handwork is precise to fend off counters and he is always on alert to recognize additional blitzers. In the run game, he seals well and runs his feet at contact, creating movement and widening run lanes.

Due to his lack of length and foot quickness, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to play multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not win the starting job in his rookie season, but his consistency, versatility and leadership skills will go a long way.

A wide receiver is drafted, who will then start Day 1 as a return specialist

From the prospect meeting tracker, you could make the assumption that the Chargers are in the market for another pass-catching target for Herbert.

While that may be the case, the majority of the wide receivers the team have met with all have the ability to return kicks or punts.

For Los Angeles, finding a consistent return specialist is just as important as upgrading the coverage units.

Marquez Stevenson, Anthony Schwartz, Jaelon Darden, Dazz Newsome are a few players likely to be drafted on Day 3 that are capable of manning the role as a reliable return man and provide value on offense.

CB Bryce Thompson will be one of the picks

After finding two secondary pieces on Day 2, I expect the Chargers to pick up one more because like Staley would say, “You can never have too many DBs in this league.”

The player-coach ties is what makes Thompson an intriguing target as new defensive backs coach Derrick Ainsley served as his defensive coordinator the last two seasons at Tennessee.

Thompson is an excellent player who provides the athletic ability, ball skills, length, play speed and versatility to thrive at different positions in the secondary, as well as the toughness and tackling skills to be a special teams ace at the next level.