LA Chargers NFL Draft: 3 biggest takeaways from 2021 rookie class
By Peter Panacy
Rashawn Slater (Northwestern) selected by the LA Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Most analysts feel as if the LA Chargers hit massive home runs in the 2021 NFL Draft, yet these three takeaways stand out the most.
The LA Chargers were already a team on the rise heading into 2021 NFL Draft season.
This, thanks to some young and promising offensive playmakers, especially quarterback Justin Herbert, and some elite-level players on defense. And considering the Bolts need to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs twice a year, getting to a spot where Los Angeles’ stock value is on the rise was an absolute must for general manager Tom Telesco and Co.
By nearly every account, Telesco did all that and more.
To recap, here are the rookie prospects the LA Chargers walked away with during the draft:
- OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern (No. 13 overall)
- CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State (No. 47 overall)
- WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee (No. 77 overall)
- TE Tre’ McKitty, Georgia (No. 97 overall)
- EDGE Chris Rumph II, Duke (No. 118 overall)
- OL Brenden Jaimes, Nebraska (No. 159 overall)
- LB Nick Niemann, Iowa (No. 185 overall)
- RB Larry Rountree III, Missouri (No. 198 overall)
- DB Mark Webb, Georgia (No. 248 overall)
Granted, there may have been some questionable moves. Palmer didn’t exactly fit an area of immediate need, especially with other pressing issues like the secondary and the pass rush still in flux.
But Palmer is a playmaker, while McKitty could be another serviceable weapon for Herbert over the long run.
Aside from depth, special teams and some potential day-three draft gems, which are always nice, the biggest takeaways stand out and help make the Bolts’ 2021 class a promising and exciting one.
Here are the three biggest notes of interest from this year’s rookie additions.