Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater and Alijah Vera-Tucker are viewed as the players that are most likely to be the Chargers’ pick in the first-round of this year’s draft, given their glaring need at left tackle.
However, like I mentioned before, general manager Tom Telesco is known for throwing curveballs come draft day. Therefore, there’s no guarantee that one of these players will end up in the blue and gold.
Let’s say Los Angeles addresses the cornerback position with someone like Jaycee Horn or they go elect to go best player available with wide receiver DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle.
L.A. will then be in a situation where they will have to address the left tackle spot at some point. The beauty of this year’s crop of tackles is that it’s loaded with talent, which includes former Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg.
After serving as the backup to Mike McGlinchey, Eichenberg went on to start 38 games over the next three seasons at left tackle. In 2020, he was named second-team AP All-America and first-team All-ACC, was an Outland Trophy finalist, and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner.
Battled tested against some of the nation’s top pass-rushers, Eichenberg didn’t allow a single sack the past two seasons.
In pass pro, Eichenberg’s light on his feet and is able to get to his spot quickly. He has powerful hands, winning initial contact, especially effective against speed rushers. Against power, he shows good anchor ability with a strong lower half. He also shows good awareness against stunts.
Loved this whole rep from ND LT Liam Eichenberg pic.twitter.com/E0GgfzdFWJ
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) December 22, 2020
In the run game, Eichenberg consistently wins with proper leverage, drive and good angles. He is efficient at reach blocking and walling off defenders up to the second level. He has some nasty to him, as he isn’t afraid to throw his body around.
#NotreDame OT Liam Eichenberg (LT #74) with the key second level block that helps spring the 65-yard TD run. pic.twitter.com/jgnVDma4S7
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 8, 2020
Eichenberg is knocked for lack of athleticism compared to other tackles in this class, but that is overblown. He isn’t an elite athlete by any means, but Eichenberg has the combination of foot quickness, change of direction and footwork needed to thrive on the edge in the NFL.
Overall, with a big, NFL-caliber build at 6-foot-6 and 302 pounds, agility in pass protection and anchor strength he projects well as a starting blindside blocker at the next level.
Eichenberg currently sits as my sixth-best tackle in this year’s class, projecting as a first- second-round selection. The chances of him being available at No. 47 are slim, given the high demand for tackles in this league.
Therefore, general manager Tom Telesco could be a position where he might have to pop back into the back end of Round 1 to take him. As we know, Telesco isn’t afraid to make that type of move, as seen last year when he moved up to draft linebacker Kenneth Murray.