LA Chargers: Final prediction of the first 12 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
Penei Sewell gets taken well before the LA Chargers at 13
7. Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Detroit Lions could trade down at this spot to a team that is desperate for a quarterback or even a team like the Chargers who may want to move up for Sewell. At the end of the day, though, Detroit sees a bonafide franchise left tackle fall and they do not let him pass them by.
The Lions are entering a multi-year rebuild and this Sewell pick helps protect Jared Goff for the immediate future while also providing someone who will be polished by the time the team brings in a new quarterback.
If the LA Chargers were to move up here it would likely cost the 2022 first-round pick.
MUST-READ: The logic behind potentially trading up for Penei Sewell
8. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
The Carolina Panthers have a new quarterback and have decent weapons for him. I believe they would take Sewell here if he were to fall, but between Patrick Surtain and Rashawn Slater, the choice is Surtain.
The Panthers’ defense was poor last season and they are hoping that the change of QB, a healthy Christian McCaffrey and the mind of Joe Brady will help establish a good offensive side of the football. Address the defense to go with it by taking Surtain.