Category: Chargers 2021 NFL draft

Big takeaways from the Chargers 2021 NFL draft class

We have our takeaways from the 2021 NFL draft class for the Los Angeles Chargers and what it means for the team moving forward.

The 2021 NFL draft is officially a thing of the past for the Chargers.

General manager Tom Telesco brought in talent on both sides of the ball.

With that being said, I wanted to share my takeaways from Los Angeles’ haul.

 

Watch: Highlights of Chargers’ new linebacker, Nick Niemann

Get familiar with the newest member of the Los Angeles Chargers, Nick Niemann.

The Chargers needed to add depth to the linebacker position and establish special teams competency.

Los Angeles selected former Iowa LB Nick Niemann with the No. 185 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

To get familiar with the newest member of the Bolts, check out the compilation video of him doing work against the run and pass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeeGyjUJZAg

Chargers sign 10 undrafted free agents after 2021 NFL draft

After drafting nine players, the Los Angeles Chargers signed 10 who went undrafted.

The Chargers wasted little time in filling out their roster after their haul in the 2021 NFL draft, signing 10 undrafted free agents.

Below are the members that Los Angeles signed Saturday night.

DB Ben DeLuca – Charlotte

DL Jared Goldwire – Louisville

T Darius Harper – Cincinnati

TE Hunter Kampmoyer – Oregon

K Alex Kessman – Pittsburgh

LS Ryan Langan – Georgia Southern

DL Forrest Merrill – Arkansas State

LB Amen Ogbongbemiga – Oklahoma State

T Kyle Spalding – San Diego State

WR Elijah Stove – Auburn

Tracking the Chargers’ 2021 undrafted free agent signings

Find out which undrafted free agents the Los Angeles Chargers are bringing in.

The 2021 NFL draft has wrapped up and teams will now begin filling their 90-man offseason rosters. After selecting nine players in the draft, the Chargers will now turn their attention to signing undrafted free agents.

While there’s no guarantee that any of this year’s UDFAs will turn into big contributors, Los Angeles has had a great track record of finding hidden gems throughout years.

We’re going to be tracking all of the team’s college free agent signings here. Refresh this page because the list of players will be updated every time we learn of a new signing.

Here is a list of the UDFA’s they have signed thus far:

Why Chargers fans should be excited about WR Josh Palmer

Newest Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer’s best playing days are still ahead of him.

After getting a dynamic defender in Asante Samuel Jr., the Chargers turned their attention back to the offensive side of the ball where they felt like it was only right to get a piece for quarterback Justin Herbert.

Los Angeles picked former Tennessee wide receiver Josh Palmer with the No. 77 overall selection.

When you look at his stat sheet from college, it’s easy to be swayed away from the pick as he failed to surpass 34 targets and 500 yards. But the reality is that the numbers don’t do the justice to reflect the type of player Palmer really is and can be at the next level.

Palmer, the Canada native, never produced eye-popping production at Tennessee due to playing alongside Marquez Callaway (Saints) and Jauan Jennings (49ers) for two seasons and the team’s ongoing quarterback problems.

Palmer, the 6-foot-1 and 210 pounder, ran mostly vertical routes in the Vol’s offense and rarely got targeted because of it.

But when he was targeted, he made the most of his opportunities, showing up against some elite cornerback prospects, including Patrick Surtain II and Tyson Campbell.

With adequate play at the quarterback position, Palmer opened some eyes at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He defeated defenders with violent route-running and the speed to create separation as well as the sticky hands to catch everything thrown his way.

His 81% win rate was the highest of any outside receiver at the Senior Bowl one-on-ones, according to Pro Football Focus.

His performance in Mobile, AL helped boost his draft stock, and the Bolts saw a physical pass-catcher who possessed the long speed, route-running chops, play strength and ball skills, profiling as a high-upside wideout with big-play capabilities.

Now on a team with a competent quarterback, Palmer should easily be more productive in the NFL than he was in college.

Watch: Highlights of Chargers’ new tight end, Tre’ McKitty

Get familiar with the player who will join Jared Cook, Donald Parham and Stephen Anderson.

After the selection of wide receiver Josh Palmer, the Chargers added another skill player with their No. 97 pick, drafting former Georgia tight end Tre’ McKitty.

Los Angeles had a need for another tight end to complete the position group, and they felt like McKitty was the right guy to bring in.

At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, McKitty is athletic, he has the size to play at the line of scrimmage as a pass protector and run blocker, and for how big he is, he can create separation and is good after the catch.

To get familiar with the newest member of the Bolts, check out the compilation video of him throughout his collegiate career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAMXv_iWftQ

Analysts grade Chargers’ first round selection of Rashawn Slater

The pick of Rashawn Slater was a home run for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers made a splash on Thursday night, selecting offensive tackle Rashawn Slater with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft.

How did national writers and analysts feel about the Bolts’ first pick of the draft?

A look at the experts’ ratings of Los Angeles’ choice in the first-round:

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar: A

“The Chargers knew they needed to get more and better protection for Justin Herbert, so they signed Corey Linsley, the NFL’s best center, in free agency. Then, to get Slater at 13 without having to make a move? That’s outstanding value. You may remember Slater as the guy who beat the daylights out of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young in 2019, and he’ll continue kicking butt on Herbert’s blind side.”

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: B

“He will be an immediate starter at left tackle, which fills a major need. Justin Herbert will be happy.”

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter: A

“Slater is not the tallest or longest tackle prospect in the draft, but he has the best tape. After all, he neutralized stud pass rusher Chase Young back in 2019. Slater plays with a nasty attitude and put up a highly impressive pro day, yet he could not convince teams he was worthy of a top-12 pick. Their loss is the Chargers’ gain, as Slater will protect Justin Herbert’s blindside for the foreseeable future.”

Fox Sports’ Rob Rang: B

“Pegged as a clear fit for the Chargers for months, Slater’s light feet, balance and technically-refined, heavy hands make him an exciting blindside pass protector for young star quarterback Justin Herbert. Slater’s lack of ideal length had some questioning whether he’ll be able to handle the speed he’ll face in the NFL – a concern given the edge rushers in Denver and Kansas City especially.”

Yahoo Sports’ Eric Edholm: A-

“The Chargers absolutely needed to add to their bulwark in front of Justin Herbert, and they get a super-athletic tackle (or is he a guard?) to help that effort. Slater opted out last season but had three seasons of starting experience for the Chargers to view — at both OT spots. They also had good intel on Slater from Cody Cejda, who joined the staff from Northwestern. A really nice pick here.”

The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia: A

“The board fell the Chargers’ way. Slater started 37 games in three seasons — 26 at right tackle and 11 at left tackle. His stock rose when Slater held his own against Chase Young in 2019. He didn’t allow a sack that entire season before opting out for 2020. Slater (6-foot-4, 304) is considered a quick processor, and he tested well athletically.

Given the Chargers’ gaping hole at left tackle, that’s almost definitely where Slater will begin his career. But he has the versatility to play right tackle or guard as well. The Chargers signed center Corey Linsley and guard Matt Feiler in free agency. They’ve completely re-made their offensive line, which was the right strategy, given what they have in Justin Herbert.”

2021 NFL draft: Chargers Day 2 predictions

What might the Los Angeles Chargers do on Day 2? Let’s take a crack at predicting the picks.

The Chargers hit a home run in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, selecting offensive tackle Rashawn Slater. Now with Day 1 in the rearview, the attention has shifted to Rounds 2 and 3.

What might Los Angeles do with their Day 2 picks? Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, I took a crack at how general manager Tom Telesco could continue his haul.

Round 2, No. 47, S Jevon Holland, Oregon

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the Chargers need a starting cornerback, but the safety position needs just as much attention considering Derwin James has only played five games in the past two seasons, Nasir Adderley is coming off of a sophomore slump and Alohi Gilman isn’t a scheme fit.

As Staley said: “I don’t think you can have enough DBs just in the current NFL.”

Lining up in the box, the slot and from a two-high safety spot, Holland served as a key piece in the pass and run defense.

Holland’s speed, instincts and strength should bode well in coverages against opposing receivers. Also, he is high effort player who is not afraid to stick his nose in to make a tackle. In addition, he can serve as a punt returner and contributor on coverage units.

Ball skills, you ask? Holland produced 19 passes defensed and nine interceptions for the Ducks in two seasons.

Holland would be an instant contributor for the Bolts where he offers the positional versatility with his ability to play safety or nickel corner at a high level, something that would give the team a lot to work with in the back end of the defense.

Round 3, No. 77, CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford

The Chargers still manage to find a corner who’s capable of starting from Day 1 in the third-round.

Adebo had a phenomenal sophomore year with the Cardinals. He seemed destined to be a first-round pick, but his junior tape was inconsistent, so Adebo wanted to solidify his name as a top corner and returned to school for 2020. However, COVID-19 put things to a halt, forcing him to opt out.

Built with a long and rangy physique, Adebo shows the looseness and fluidity, rarely allows any separation on vertical routes. He shows receiver-like ball tracking abilities when the ball is in flight. He can control the rep and dictate where the receiver goes in press and is always aware in zone.

Like Holland, Adebo is always around the ball. In two seasons, he posted 34 passes defensed and eight interceptions.

Adebo is also very good in run support, diagnosing things develop in the snap of a finger and shooting downhill to make stops in the open field or near the line of scrimmage with textbook technique.

Overall, Adebo’s fluidity, reactive athleticism and his playmaking abilities against the pass and run make him a plug-and-play cornerback for Staley. His effort and play speed would allow him to serve as a gunner on the punt team unit, as well.

Round 3, No. 97, TE Hunter Long, Boston College

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Chargers drafted a tight end with one of their first two selections on Day 2 considering Jared Cook is only a one-year deal, but here we are after taking two impactful players on the defensive side of the ball.

Productive throughout three seasons, Long finished his stint with the Eagles with 89 catches for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns.

At 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, Long is a smart, willing blocker who shows athleticism in his routes, has very good speed, and a big catch radius, projecting as a capable tight end in this league with good receiving potential who can fill an inline and slot role.

2021 NFL draft: Top 10 Chargers targets in first round

Who will be the newest member of the Los Angeles Chargers by the end of the night?

The Chargers will be on the clock in about four hours from now.

Who might be the newest member of the team by the end?

Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ 10 targets in the first-round based on positions of need and top players likely to be available.

1. OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

This would require a trade-up, but it would be worth it. Arguably the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft, Sewell is a big-bodied athlete who is light on his feet coupled with impressive play strength in the running game to overwhelm his opponents and a high football IQ. Being only 20 years old, he will need to continue to develop parts of his game, but he projects as a starting left tackle with All-Pro upside.

2. OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

While many believe he should get kicked inside at the next level, Slater is technically sound and has the athleticism and smarts to overcome any measurement concerns, projecting as a top-notch blindside blocker with the ability to play any position along the offensive line.

3. CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

Horn is the type of matchup eraser who can be used inside or outside and against any receiver or tight end, similar to the way Jalen Ramsey was used. Due to his combination of size, athleticism, competitiveness, football IQ, smoothness, ball skills and versatility, Horn has All-Pro upside.

4. CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama

While Surtain isn’t going to run as fast as some of the other corners in this year’s class, he can pattern match from press coverage and find the football downfield at a high and consistent level. He’s big and long enough to handle even the most physical of receivers, projecting as a starting corner with inside-out versatility.

5. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Vera-Tucker put together a solid season as the Trojans’ left tackle this past season and he has plenty of experience at guard, where many project him to play in the NFL due to his lack of arm length. In my opinion, Vera-Tucker comes with the functional athleticism, movement skills and impressive strength to match and stymie pass rushers, and I believe he can be a fine blindside blocker in this league.

6. OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

While he needs to develop his true strength & power and more attitude in his game, Darrisaw has the size at 6-foot-4 and 322 pounds, athletic ability, body control, run-blocking prowess and most importantly, the experience (35 starts at LT), projecting as a player with the tools and traits to become a Day 1 starter.

7. WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Waddle would give quarterback Justin Herbert a dynamic weapon who can win with speed, quickness and route running ability to consistently separate and win with the ball in his hands, as well as a player who can return kicks and punts at a high level.

8. EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

Paye is an explosive pass rusher who’s powerful with his hands and plays with good leverage, loose lower body movements and a motor that never cools down when getting after the quarterback and the anchorage ability to control at the point of attack against the run, projecting as a versatile chess piece up front.

9. EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

A natural athlete at 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, Ojulari possesses the physical traits, balance, flexibility, short area quickness, explosiveness needed to disrupt the quarterback, solid ability against the run and experience in coverage. At only 20 years old, Ojulari is still developing into his frame. However, the upside is there to generate pressure and contribute against the run on a consistent basis.

10. LB/S Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

Staley is a big advocate of position versatility and he could be enticed by the idea of getting another playmaker next to Derwin James to be able to impact all levels of the defense. Owusu-Koramoah is a player with high-end speed, coverage ability and sharpness as a blitzer who can be used as a linebacker, safety or nickel.

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.