Why the LA Chargers could trade down with the Chicago Bears
By Jason Reed
3. This is the right move if the LA Chargers are low on Christian Darrisaw and the top two corners are taken
As previously mentioned, the first 12 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft are going to influence whether or not the LA Chargers will even be looking to trade down in the first round. There are several players that the Chargers may outright just take if they fall to them at 13.
It all depends on the team’s big board, but the corner duo of Patrick Surtain and Jaycee Horn as well as the offensive tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Penei Sewell are all likely ‘must picks’ if available. There is a slim chance Slater is there and almost no chance that Sewell is there.
If neither of the cornerbacks are available then the next most likely pick is offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. Some analysts are high on Darrisaw, some view him at 13 as a reach. Personally, I think Darrisaw is just fine for the 13th overall pick, but my opinion does not matter here.
The only thing that matters is the Chargers’ big board. If the Chargers do not view Darrisaw as highly and like someone such as Tevin Jenkins more then it makes sense to move down in the draft, even if it is seven spots.
If that is the case then there is no real difference between the 20th overall pick and the 13th overall pick. It would be shocking if one of Darrisaw or Jenkins was not on the board at 20 if the Chargers were to trade down and not take one at 13.
Next. Mock draft if the Chargers trade up for Penei Sewell
However, on the contrary, if the Chargers are very high on Darrisaw and do not like the other offensive tackle prospects then they might be stingy with the 13th overall pick. It all depends on how they evaluate these prospects.