Shut losses have been one of many important the explanation why the Chargers ended the Philip Rivers period after the 2019 season. After dropping 10 one-possession video games, the Chargers’ brass hoped {that a} new quarterback would assist the workforce win a few of the video games it was unable to complete the earlier season. 

Whereas Rivers is a Chargers legend, it is secure to say that the franchise was pleased with its choice. Rivers is now fortunately retired, and Los Angeles has his long-term substitute in Justin Herbert, who loved a terrific rookie season that included profitable Offensive Rookie of the Yr. Herbert ended his rookie marketing campaign by main the Chargers to 4 consecutive wins that included three wins over AFC West division foes. 

Los Angeles’ late run, nonetheless, couldn’t masks the truth that the Chargers misplaced seven one-possession video games in 2020. In an effort to additional right the difficulty, the Chargers got down to add depth to a number of key positions through the 2021 draft. This is what the Chargers have been capable of do throughout the draft, together with one choice that has left some scratching their heads. 

2021 Chargers draft picks 

• Spherical 1 (No. 13 total): Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
• Spherical 2 (No. 47): Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
• Spherical 3 (No. 77): Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
• Spherical 3 (No. 97): Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia 
• Spherical 4 (No. 118): Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke 
• Spherical 5 (No. 159): Brenden Jaimes, OT, Nebraska 
• Spherical 6 (No. 185): Nick Niemann, LB, Iowa 
• Spherical 6 (No. 198): Larry Rountree III, RB, Missouri 
• Spherical 7 (No. 241): Mark Webb, DB, Georgia 

Thunder and Lightning 

Earlier than the draft, we beneficial that the Chargers choose the best-available offensive lineman/cornerback with the thirteenth and forty seventh picks. The Chargers did precisely that, taking Slater (CBS Sports activities’ second-ranked lineman within the draft behind Penei Sewell) within the first spherical and Samuel (the third-ranked cornerback) within the second spherical. One in every of faculty soccer‘s finest linemen over the previous a number of years, Slater has the flexibility to play both sort out (his pure place) or guard on the subsequent stage. Samuel, regardless of being a tad undersized, excelled in man protection throughout his time at Florida State. Throughout his remaining two years with the Seminoles, Samuel picked off 4 passes (together with three throughout the 2020 season) to go along with 20 passes defensed. 

With two of their largest wants solidified, the Chargers gave Herbert two new weapons in Palmer and McKitty. And whereas the Chargers drafted the suitable positions, there was combined response to the collection of Palmer, who was a tough participant to judge main as much as the draft because of the Vols’ suspect QB play. If Palmer struggles, then the Chargers will seemingly remorse not taking Dyami Brown or Amari Rodgers, who have been chosen after Palmer. But when Palmer proves his doubters incorrect, this might go down as one of many Chargers’ higher picks. 

Extra defensive depth 

Los Angeles did a superb job including depth to a protection that completed twenty third within the league in factors allowed in 2020. Particularly, CBS Sports activities NFL draft analyst Ryan Wilson lauded the Chargers’ choice of Webb, a nook/security hybrid who fell to the seventh spherical. Los Angeles additionally chosen edge rusher Chris Rumph II out of Duke, whose versatility was not too long ago praised by Los Angeles co-defensive coordinator Ben Albert. 

“I believe it is an awesome match. He is a Swiss military knife, so to talk,” Albert mentioned of Rumph, through Chargers.com. “He can do a number of various things. He has the flexibility to hurry the passer. He is athletic sufficient to drop into protection. He can do a number of various things. He is very sensible, he is extremely aggressive. He is very passionate in regards to the sport of soccer and he brings nice power. He will make the folks round him higher, and when you’ve got that form of an individual on the soccer area or part of your soccer workforce, it is a number of enjoyable to be round.”

What’s lacking? 

As said above, the event of Palmer will play a big position in how the Chargers’ draft will likely be seen a number of years from now. And whereas sixth-round picks are sometimes missed, the Chargers are certainly hoping that Rountree can compete for enjoying time behind Austin Ekeler. With Ekeler coming off an injury-marred season, the Chargers want a dependable backup who may also help maintain the stress off of Herbert. That participant might find yourself being Rountree, who scored 40 touchdowns in 4 years at Missouri. But when both Palmer and/or Rountree fall quick, this draft will likely be seen as missing at these talent positions.