The interior part of the offensive line needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers, considering Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney will be free agents and Trai Turner could be a cap casualty.
Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.
With that being said, here’s an interior offensive lineman from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:
Round 1 | Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Slater chose to opt out of the 2020 season, but the season before that he was credited with allowing zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and just five quarterback hurries, from 787 snaps, including an impressive outing against former Ohio State and current Redskins edge defender Chase Young in 2019.
Slater is a good athlete and light on his feet. In the pass game, he is technically sound with his upper body. In the run game, he moves upfield quickly, squares up defenders in space. He has very good competitive toughness and works hard in through all four quarters.
His knock is that he lacks the height and arms necessary to remain at tackle in the NFL, but Slater’s agility and athleticism will allow him to kick inside and be an impactful player at guard from Day 1, with All-Pro potential.
Honorable Mention: Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
Round 2 | Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Dickerson was named first-team All-SEC (league’s coaches) and first-team All-American (Associated Press) while earning the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy and being chosen as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.
While there durability concerns, Dickerson has great strength, hands, and awareness to flash dominance both in the run and pass game. While center is his natural position, he has played all five spots along the offensive line.
With his combination of power, length, high football IQ, versatility and leadership skills, Dickerson has enough traits to be an impactful contributor for a long time in this league.
Honorable Mention: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Round 3 | Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
Banks, the three-year starter at left guard was an anchor for the success of The Fighting Irish over that time span.
The first-team All-American allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks was the only Power Five guard who earned a pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 80.0.
At 338 pounds, Banks is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles. He uses his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control defenders.
In the NFL, Banks projects as a good starter at guard early on in his career.
Honorable Mention: Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Round 4 | Kendrick Green, Illinois
Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.
Green projects to be a strong contributor inside, either at center or guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.
Honorable Mention: David Moore, Grambling State
Round 5 | Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
Hainsey was a four-year starter and a two-time captain at Notre Dame, manning the right tackle position. During his performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl last month, 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 athleticism, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to backup multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but his consistency and versatility will go a long way.
Honorable Mention: Jaylon Moore, Western Michigan
Round 6 | Robert Jones, Middle Tennessee State
Jones, the former two star recruit, started off as a JUCO-player before transferring to Middle Tennessee State in 2019. In two seasons, Jones never missed a game and was named All-Honorable Mention Conference-USA twice. He played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he performed well.
Jones is a massive, powerful lineman with surprising quickness and athleticism, but will be making a leap from a lower level FBS school, where his easy dominance, sufficient hands and overall technique in pass protection will take time to translate, projecting as a reliable backup.
Honorable Mention: Larry Borom, Missouri
Round 7 | Royce Newman, Ole Miss
In 2019, Newman started all 12 games at guard, allowing only one sack on 416 pass-blocking snaps. This past season, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder kicked back outside to tackle, where he shined again. Following the season, he participated in the Senior Bowl.
Newman needs to continue and get stronger and develop physically, but he has the frame, athleticism, technique and football character that makes him an ideal developmental player who offers versatility to play either tackle or guard, but offers more upside inside.
Honorable Mention: Tristan Hoge, BYU
