LA Chargers: 4 mistakes that must be avoided this offseason
By Jason Reed
2. Not drafting offensive linemen early in the 2021 NFL Draft
The LA Chargers have drafted just one offensive lineman in the first round since Tom Telesco took over as the general manager in 2013 — D.J. Fluker, who was an okay prospect but was not fantastic and was drafted all the way back in 2013.
Heck, Telesco has only drafted one second-round offensive lineman as well — Forrest Lamp, who was one of the best tackle prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft and was moved to the interior because of his arm size. Fun.
The Chargers have to protect Justin Herbert. Herbert was under significant pressure in 2020 and while he was statistically better under pressure, that is not something that is sustainable in the long-term.
It is time for the Chargers to draft a first-round offensive lineman. There is no other huge need that is worth taking over the offensive line, so no, let’s please not flirt with the idea of drafting a wide receiver or edge rusher.
At 13, the Chargers are in a prime position to draft either tackles Rashawn Slater or Samuel Cosmi or they could take the best interior offensive lineman in the draft, Wyatt Davis.
Personally, with four picks in the first three rounds, I think the bare minimum for the Chargers is two offensive linemen in the first three rounds.