LA Chargers: 4 rookies who have biggest impact in 2021

No. 1: LA Chargers OT Rashawn Slater

While Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell was mostly viewed as the NFL Draft’s best lineman this year, many felt Rashawn Slater actually deserved that accolade. And either way, the LA Chargers getting Slater at No. 13 was both a wise and great-value move.

Los Angeles desperately needed to improve its offensive line during the offseason after finishing as Pro Football Focus’ worst-ranked unit at the conclusion of 2020. And considering Justin Herbert was pressured a whopping 217 times last season, which ESPN Stats & Information said was the most for a rookie quarterback since 2009, one shouldn’t need to be reminded just how big a priority this was.

Slater can come in and anchor the left tackle spot right away. And when paired with other offseason additions like Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi, the LA Chargers O-line should be notably better than it was a year ago.

If for no other reason than it surely can’t be any worse.

Yet Slater is a massive difference-maker here, and his presence should free Herbert up to use his own talents, while also helping ensure the Bolts’ ground game gets back on track.

Those two elements should be noticeably apparent throughout the upcoming season, as fans won’t have to wonder any longer just how big a liability this unit can be.

With Slater present, LA’s offense can finally start coming into form.