Why the LA Chargers should not draft a wide receiver in the first round
By Jason Reed
There is some hype around the LA Chargers drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The LA Chargers currently have the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 practically removed any chance of getting into the top three and selecting Penei Sewell.
Thus, there has been chatter about what the team could do with their first-round pick, wherever it lands. The Chargers currently have the fifth overall pick in the draft but only one game separates them from the 10th overall pick.
The Chargers finish the season against the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders still have playoff hopes and the Chiefs will likely have to win in Week 17 to guarantee that they get a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Thus, I think the Chargers are likely going to go 1-2, at the best, to end the season. This makes a top-10 pick the most likely outcome for the Bolts.
Will it be an edge rusher? A cornerback? An offensive lineman? There has been some hype building around the team selecting LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who is the best wide receiver in the draft class and is a consensus top-10 prospect.
Chase is a very talented wide receiver and it is not hard to see why so many Charger fans are in love with the idea of the team drafting him. However, drafting him, or just a wide receiver in general, in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft would be roster malpractice.
If you are on the Chase hype train then perhaps I can convince you otherwise. Here are three reasons why the team should not do it.