The greatest defensive player in the history of the LA Chargers was drafted in the first round out of USC. Junior Seau dominated opposing offenses for years and is one of the greatest linebackers to ever play in the NFL.
At the time, USC was not considered “hometown” for the then-San Diego Chargers as it is now that the Chargers are in LA. Seau was a hometown kid, growing up in Oceanside, and became one of the biggest fan favorites in team history as a result.
LA Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has selected hometown players quite frequently in his time with the Chargers and it very well could happen again in 2021. In 2020 he drafted Joshua Kelley from UCLA, 2018 was Uchenna Nwosu from USC and Scott Quessenberry from UCLA, and 2016 he drafted Max Tuerk from USC.
There are some interesting prospects that the LA Chargers could draft from USC this year.
The most interesting prospect is Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is a bonafide first-round offensive lineman. While Vera-Tucker is an extremely interesting prospect, his size is going to limit him to the inside at the NFL level and the Chargers are looking for a tackle, not a guard.
Could the Chargers select AVT and give him a chance at playing left tackle? Sure, but the team values size on the edges and Telesco already should’ve learned from D.J. Fluker, who was good, but not great.
The second-best USC prospect in this draft is wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is likely going to be taken in the second round. The last thing the Chargers need to do is draft a wide receiver before addressing both the offensive line and secondary, so check that off your list as well.