In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Chargers taking former Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes with their first two picks in the 2021 NFL draft.
Protecting quarterback Justin Herbert should be priority No. 1 for Los Angeles, and after signing three offensive linemen in free agency, the team finds his blindside blocker.
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).
Many believe that Slater should play guard or center due to his lack of height and length, but he has the agility, athleticism and technique to thrive on the outside, as seen laying down some impressive film against Chase Young.
The selection of Slater allows him an opportunity to fill the glaring need at left tackle and if it doesn’t pan out, he could simply kick inside and be a staple up front for the next decade.
After getting their tackle, the Bolts find their other boundary corner with the selection of Stokes.
I’m not quite as high on Stokes as ESPN front-office insider Mike Tannenbaum, who put him at No. 22 in his mock draft, but he’s a good player. He’s blazing fast, and he competes. Stokes had four picks last season. Cornerback is one of the Chargers’ biggest questions heading into the 2021 season.
Stokes has the prototypical length for the position with play speed, physicality and plus coverage ability to match up against opponent’s best wideouts. His ability to play both man and zone coverage at a high level are necessary traits for head coach Brandon Staley’s defense.
In two seasons, Stokes posted 56 tackles, 19 passes defensed, six interceptions and one sack.