The next head coach of the Chargers is going to want to build around rookie sensation quarterback Justin Herbert, which is why the offensive side of the ball could be heavily addressed both in free agency and the NFL draft.
With that being said, let’s dive into some potential offensive targets for Los Angeles with pick No. 13.
OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
When L.A. was projected to have a top-5 selection just a couple of months ago, former Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell was commonly being mocked to them. Even though Sewell is likely out of the Bolts’ range, there are still a few tackles worth considering when the Chargers are on the clock, starting with Slater.
Slater, the 6-foot-3 and 305 pounder, started his collegiate career as the Wildcats’ right tackle before making the transition to the left side, where he had 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 very 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, but his agility and athleticism will allow him to kick inside and be an effective player at either guard or center, where Los Angeles could use help, given the future uncertainty of Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney.
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
• Second level climbs/accuracy (+)
• Highly efficient backside angles
• Initial punch/strike violence (+)
• Clean/depth on pass sets
• RT/LT versatility (++)
• Zone scheme fit pic.twitter.com/ZiNIND40uX— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 21, 2020
OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Darrisaw, the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounder, was a three-year starter with 34 starts in college, all of which came at left tackle. Allowing only six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection, he has good length, demonstrates good timing and quickness with his punches, and has very good grip strength.
In the run game is where Darrisaw is at his best, flashing good quickness moving forward, has shown solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits to be very effective in the Chargers’ zone scheme. He has spectacular ability to get to the second level and finish, as seen here.
Christian Darrisaw (77) lmaoooo pic.twitter.com/qsfwqyJtUE
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) November 8, 2020
Darrisaw projects as a solid starter as a blindside blocker in the NFL. He has the length and athleticism to thrive at left tackle, but like Slater, Darrisaw offers versatility to play inside, given his physicality and mobility. The Bolts could utilize that, if need be.
OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
There hasn’t been a Texas player selected in the first-round of the draft since 2015 (Malcolm Brown) and no offensive lineman has been selected on the first day since 2001 (Leonard Davis). That will likely change come April, with Cosmi likely to hear his name.
Standing at a good-looking 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Cosmi is an excellent pass protector. His combination of length and athleticism makes him a very difficult matchup for pass rushers. His movement skills show up in the run game, where he is able to transition fluidly laterally and to the second level.
Cosmi projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle. He is solid in most areas but his excellent ability in pass protection and overall length give him a high ceiling. He has competed and won against elite talent, and as continues he continues to develop physically, his complete dominance will be unveiled.
Came away with a Taylor Decker comp. for #Texas OT Samuel Cosmi.
Another example of an athletic OT that needs some seasoning. Has some aggressiveness in him, but needs to gain strength and refine some things in his lower half.pic.twitter.com/tZML85lT1L
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 23, 2020
OL Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
Like I mentioned, the interior part of the offensive line could be viewed as more of a pressing need than the tackle position, given the fact that both Lamp and Feeney are both set to hit free agency. Therefore, a dominant interior offensive lineman like Davis could be sought-after.
After serving as a backup his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, Davis quickly made himself known as the top offensive lineman on the team and arguably the top interior offensive lineman in the entire nation after starting at right guard the following two seasons..
Davis, the 6-foot-2 and 313 pound guard is an impressive athlete for his size, with a stout anchor, very sound footwork and hip positioning. He flashes a nasty streak, finishing opponents to the ground and extending blocks through the whistle in the run game.
Don't worry about the touchdown. Just watch Wyatt Davis finish the play. 😍 pic.twitter.com/R1DNMr0LCH
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) July 12, 2020
TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
The future of TE Hunter Henry remains to be seen, as he is slated to hit the free agency market. Even though Henry played his way into a contract extension, having both him and Pitts on the field at the same time would be a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare.
You may see this and think that a tight end is not worth a top-15 pick, but his play is more than deserving of going as high as No. 13 overall. Finishing the 2020 season (eight games) with 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, Pitts was arguably one of the nation’s best pass-catchers.
Pitts, who has drawn comparisons to Raiders’ Darren Waller, poses a serious mismatch threat at any level due to his combination of size, athleticism, and hands. Pitts prefers to play in space, but he works hard on his blocking and finishes runs with pure effort.
Given the fact that there’s a strong possibility of the next head coach having an offensive mindset, they would be able to utilize him in creative ways to maximize Pitts’ skillset, making the options for Herbert in the passing game limitless.
Kyle Pitts is a cheat code. pic.twitter.com/vY7AxoEtp8
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) January 2, 2021
WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Just when I thought the Chargers had something with Jalen Guyton as their deep threat, he struggled with a few drops, including a big one in the season finale against the Chiefs. Even if the team likes what they have in Guyton, a player like Waddle would go a long way at Herbert’s disposal.
Waddle, who is nicknamed ‘The Lightning’, possesses game-breaking speed and quickness. He is a deadly weapon with his ability to create separation before and after the catch. When the ball is in his hands, he has fluid moves and creativity to make defenders miss in the open field.
That skillset carries over to his return ability, where Waddle averaged 19.4 yards per punt return and 23.8 yard per kick return in addition to three total special teams touchdowns through his college career. Los Angeles has struggled to establish a consistent return specialist, which is something that he could assert himself as, as well.
The 5-foot-10 and 182-pound wideout might not have NFL size, but he isn’t afraid to go up and compete for contested passes. Throw him the ball and he’s likely to come down with it, having dropped just seven passes in three seasons.
In just four games in 2020, Waddle totaled 25 catches for 557 yards (22.3 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. An ankle injury that he sustained in October may draw some concern, but there have been reports that Waddle could potentially return for the national championship game against Ohio State.
Jaylen Waddle is an electric supercar. Just immediate torgue. 0-60 is unreal. pic.twitter.com/VACKCroKNe
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) January 1, 2021
