Tag: Chargers pick

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.”

Final mock draft round-up: Who do analysts have Chargers taking in Round 1?

The mock drafts finally come to an end today.

The day has finally come. We are hours away from the 2021 NFL draft, which means that mock drafts are finally being put to bed.

I put out my final seven-round projections yesterday, but who are the other analysts and writers predicting the Chargers to do when they’re on the clock with the No. 13 overall selection?

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah — WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

“I could see the Chargers trading back and drafting an edge rusher. If they stay put at No. 13, Waddle would be the perfect complement to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler — Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

“The Chargers will likely explore a trade up for Sewell, but there is also a possibility that Slater falls to them. The Northwestern left tackle would give Los Angeles an upgrade blocking Justin Herbert’s blindside.”

Underdogs Fantasy’s Josh Norris — Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

“Again, the Chargers could move up if the Lions drop their asking price. If not, Darrisaw makes sense as the next option to protect the left side.”

ESPN’s Todd McShay — OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

“With both of the top tackles off the board, I have the Chargers pivoting to the interior here. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were both good signings in free agency, but L.A. can’t be done. It has to make protecting quarterback Justin Herbert the top priority. Vera-Tucker is the top guard in the class and an excellent pass protector. Plus, he played tackle this past season and offers versatility.”

USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz — CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

“Much as they might like to finish off their offensive line reclamation project, the Chargers could also be drawn to rebuilding their secondary with one of the top cornerbacks on the board. While it might be a stretch to liken Horn to Jalen Ramsey, new coach Brandon Staley no doubt would relish another well-built cornerback with explosive athleticism and fierce competitiveness after he worked with Ramsey last year as the Rams’ defensive coordinator.”

Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline — OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

“The offensive tackle-needy Chargers take the next best tackle available in Christian Darrisaw. They could move up a few spots for Slater or Sewell if either starts to drop.”

Pro Football Focus’ Cris Collinsworth — OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

“Darrisaw is a physical mauler, a legitimate tough guy, and should create real opportunities in the running game, as well. Darrisaw has an athletic kick step and a death grip when he gets his hands on rushers. He comes off the ball low and powerfully in the run game and has plenty of athleticism in space. My concern is how he’ll fare against speed off the edge; he has such great energy in the running game, but I would just like to see him use that same energy finishing in protection. But make no mistake, he is a bad man.”

Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn — OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

“Darrisaw has prototypical size with very good power and solid athletic ability, plus he has demonstrated the necessary toughness to stick as a pro. Adding him here would give the team tremendous upside while ensuring Herbert’s blind side is protected by a player that could grow alongside their franchise signal-caller. Darrisaw has some questions about his focus and concentration on a snap-to-snap basis, but he has all the tools and traits needed to develop into a high-end starter if he can dial it in consistently.”