The Las Vegas Raiders will first take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 on the road, and here are three new faces to worry about.
The Los Angeles Chargers hit the jackpot with their haul in the 2020 NFL Draft, bringing in a legitimate franchise quarterback, as well as a player at linebacker who has the potential to be an All-Pro one day. Justin Herbert stepped on the scene after a medical mixup with starter Tyrod Taylor and proceeded to go on to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honor.
Linebacker Kenneth Murray was a great selection for the Chargers in the first round in 2020 as well, as they took the All-American linebacker from Oklahoma. Heading into that draft, Murray was viewed as arguably the best linebacker in the class, and he certainly played like it in Year 1, giving the Chargers a young star on that side of the ball.
For as well as the Chargers did in the draft, they still struggled to play consistent football, and that led to head coach Anthony Lynn getting fired. They have a new head coach at the helm in Brandon Staley and have done a nice job stacking talent this offseason, making them one of the media favorites to take a big step forward in 2021.
To do so, new faces will have to emerge once again, and in 2021, these are the three new players to be worried about.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 new Los Angeles Chargers to worry about in 2021
Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle
With their first-round pick in 2021, the Chargers decided to go with an offensive tackle, selecting Rashawn Slater from Northwestern. Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft season, Slater was seen as one of the best offensive tackles in the class, and after landing Herbert in 2020, why not get a player who will protect his blindside for the foreseeable future.
The Chargers have long had issues upfront along the offensive line, specifically at the left tackle spot. They have tried to fix the issue with free agents throughout the years, but in Slater, they get a guy who is not only incredibly talented against the run but has the agility to be a tremendous pass blocker for the Chargers.
Los Angeles made it a point to get better in front of Herbert, as he is the kind of quarterback that could eventually make them a playoff contender yearly. Slater was a no-brainer for this team in the first round, and the Chargers having a legitimate answer at left tackle for years to come is worrisome not only in 2021 but beyond.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 new Los Angeles Chargers to worry about in 2021
Corey Linsley, Center
Staying with the offensive line, the Chargers filled a major void at the center position this offseason as well, bringing in a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Corey Linsley. The anchor for the Green Bay Packers, protecting Aaron Rodgers over the past seven seasons, Linsley is coming off his best season as a pro, as he was named an All-Pro in 2020.
A fifth-round pick out of Ohio State way back in 2014, Linsley has started nearly 100 games at the NFL level and brings stability and leadership to this Chargers offensive line. There are a lot of young faces upfront for the Chargers, and in Linsley, they get a guy who will not only have a major effect on the field but also in the locker room.
The fact that the Chargers paid so much attention to the offensive line is worrisome in itself, but when you add an elite talent like Linsley, it makes them very formidable up front. Keeping Herbert upright was obviously the priority, and by adding both Linsley and Slater, they will attempt to make sure that their franchise guy stays healthy for the full 17-game slate.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 new Los Angeles Chargers to worry about in 2021
Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback
Turning our attention to the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers used their second-round pick on Asante Samuel Jr., who was considered one of the top players at his position group in this draft class. The son of a former NFL star, Samuel will be inserted right into the starting lineup as a rookie, joining a very young and talented secondary in Los Angeles.
Going into the draft, many felt that Samuel was a first-round talent, so to get him in the second round was definitely a win for the Chargers front office. Samuel does not have ideal size, but he plays above his stature, has an incredible football IQ, and is a player who could play either inside or outside at the next level.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 position groups that could be an issue in 2021
Even with the many additions made in the offseason, there are still weak points on the Las Vegas Raiders roster, both offensively and defensively.
The Chargers franchise has had two winning seasons since the 2014 campaign, going 9-7 in 2017, and then 12-4 in 2018. However, now that they have Herbert at quarterback, and a solid young roster, things could be headed in the right direction, making the two games against the Bolts as important as ever in 2021.