LA Chargers: The 4 most likely first-round picks after free agency

4. Rashawn Slater

Rashawn Slater was the first draft prospect that LA Chargers fans were getting excited about and it felt like a foregone conclusion two months ago that this would be who the Chargers were going to draft. However, as more time has gone on and more focus has turned to watching film on these prospects, the less likely it has become.

That is because Slater is the consensus second tackle available in this draft (first to some) and it has become increasingly likely that he will be taken before the Chargers are on the board at 13. There are several teams ahead of the Chargers that could use a versatile, dynamic offensive lineman like Slater.

Slater is probably the best-case scenario for the Bolts as well. He would be an instant boost to the offensive line and would fill the one hole remaining while also adding the versatility that is present in both Feiler and Aboushi.

While it is a slim chance, I would not completely rule out Slater falling to the Bolts, hence why he is still included on the list. There are four quarterbacks that will be taken in picks 1-12 plus Penei Sewell, Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase, Micah Parsons, DeVonta Smith and Caleb Farley. Those 10 feel like a guarantee to go before 13.

The Chargers just need two more players to go before 13. Perhaps it could be Jaylen Waddle and Patrick Surtain, who seemed like a lock to go in the top-12 but has injury concerns.

The draft is always unpredictable, and there is bound to be one or two teams that reach for a prospect, giving the Chargers a slim chance of getting Slater.