The LA Chargers have moved even further down the 2021 NFL Draft order.
Three weeks ago the LA Chargers got destroyed by the New England Patriots to move to 3-9 on the season and it seemed like a foregone conclusion that they would pick in the top-five. Since then, the Chargers have won three consecutive games and now own the 12th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
There will be more movement in Week 17, especially if the Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs — who could be resting their starters as this game means nothing for them. As of now, though, the Chargers are set at 12 as even if the New England Patriots lose on Monday night they will still pick after the Chargers.
We have done mock drafts at four, at nine, and now, at 12. All of which we used The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine. But first, a trade.
The Chargers trade down seven picks as in this mock draft Trey Lance is still available and the Washington Football team needs a quarterback. In return, the Bolts get the 49ers’ third-round pick that Washington has as well as swapping Washington’s fifth-round pick for the sixth-round pick that LA got in the Desmond King trade.
With the 19th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Rashawn Slater has been picking up some buzz recently and is an offensive tackle prospect that absolutely would start for the Bolts right away. Slater has experience on both sides of the offensive line and could start at left tackle over Sam Tevi in 2021, moving Tevi to be the team’s swing tackle, which is not a terrible outlook.
That is assuming that Bryan Bulaga, who has not been able to stay healthy this season, will be playing.
The Chargers can afford to move down in the draft and still get a solid offensive line prospect. Christian Darrishaw was available at 12 and then picked at 18, but I much rather would have Slater at 19 than Darrishaw at 18. Heck, I would probably pick Slater at 12 over Darrishaw, anyway.
It makes the most sense for the team, especially if a new coach comes in and wants to load up on draft capital.