The Chargers are currently projected to hold the No. 5 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft after dropping to the Bills on Sunday.
Sitting at 3-8, all attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason and what Los Angeles could do to bolster an already talented roster.
With that being said, let’s take a look at who draft experts are pairing with L.A. in the first-round along with the reasoning for it.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler — CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama
“The Chargers would be wise to invest in the offensive line to protect their quarterback, but it might not be an option this early in the draft if Sewell is off the board. Instead, their focus moves to defense, where cornerback has been a consistent issue for them this season. Surtain isn’t going to run a blazing 40-yard dash time, but he can pattern match from press and find the football downfield.”
Pro Football Network’s Matt Valdovino — CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama
“Surtain lacks an elite physical profile, but he plays with patience and understands the game that allows him to cover the best. He is aggressive when the ball’s in the air and plays calm and collected, which keeps him from getting burnt. He’s big and long enough to handle even the most physical of receivers, and he provides some youth to the cornerback room.”
The Draft Network’s Brent Weissman — CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
“While the Chargers desperately need help along their offensive line, no offensive line prospect is worth a top-five selection outside of Sewell. I considered going Ja’Marr Chase here and giving Justin Herbert another weapon on the outside, but I instead went with Virginia Tech’s cover man Caleb Farley. Farley has the length and athletic ability that teams covet in their corners and can step in right away and improve a defense that has struggled in 2020.”
NJ Advance Media’s Mike Kaye — CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
“A cornerback run! Gus Bradley loves defensive backs with size, and Farley fits the bill at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds.”
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso — OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
“Some are going to view Slater as a guard in the NFL. The Chargers need those. But most important is the left tackle, protecting Justin Herbert on throws down the middle and to his right. Slater can be a fine tackle in the NFL. His 2019 film was more than enough evidence, and technique and balance is more important than sheer size at that position.”
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards — EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami
“Melvin Ingram is scheduled to be a free agent after the season. In a year where the salary cap is expected to plummet, Los Angeles has the chance to add a young talent while creating some breathing room.”
