2021 NFL Draft: AFC West mistakes that benefit Las Vegas Raiders in Round 1
By Brad Weiss
2021 NFL Draft: AFC West mistakes that benefit Las Vegas Raiders in Round 1
Los Angeles Chargers: Pass on an offensive tackle
As we said earlier, the Los Angeles Chargers hit an absolute home run with their first of two first-round picks last year, bringing in Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. All Herbert did as a rookie was win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, showing the ability to get the job done with both his arm and his legs.
Los Angeles holds the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft, and nearly every mock draft out there has them bringing in an offensive tackle with the selection. While a player like Oregon’s Penei Sewell, Herbert’s former teammate, will be off the board, there is a lot of talent left over, including the likes of Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw.
The best mistake the Chargers can make for the Raiders is to actually pass on an offensive tackle, instead deciding to go another route, and in the process, leaving a hole along the offensive line in front of Herbert. That would mean a season of Herbert running from his life, and while he is solid on the run, giving him more time in the pocket could prove deadly in this matchup twice a season.