Los Angeles Chargers seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft
Round 2, 37th Overall
Scouting Report. Alabama. player. 829. Pick Analysis. OL. Alex Leatherwood. 2
The offensive line stands out as an obvious position of need for the Los Angeles Chargers, with improvements needed at both tackle and on the interior. Alex Leatherwood is a bit of a tricky prospect, but I do think he is a fringe first-round talent who is worthy of being taken in this range.
Leatherwood has had success at both right guard and left tackle at Alabama. He is quick off of the ball and powerful at the point of attack on a consistent basis. Leatherwood does a great job of remaining active at all times and shows dominant ability as a run blocker.
He is a bit inconsistent and shows sloppy technique in pass protection and that may force a move inside to guard at least early in his NFL career. That is not a major issue for the Chargers who have obvious needs at the guard position that must be addressed over the offseason. Leatherwood is not a perfect prospect, but there is a lot to like about his game and he would undoubtedly provide an immediate upgrade for the Los Angeles Chargers up front.
Round 3, 69th Overall
Scouting Report. Jaelan Phillips. 834. player. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Miami (FL). 3
Melvin Ingram has missed a large chunk of the 2020 season and will hit the open market as a free agent over the offseason. It seems unlikely that the 31-year-old Ingram will be back in LA, opening up edge rusher as a major potential need for this team. Edge rusher could end up being a first-round target for the Chargers, but in this mock draft, they wait and find value with the selection of Jaelan Phillips early in the third.
Phillips is a former top recruit whose college career has not exactly gone according to plan. However, Phillips has gotten back on track at Miami this season and it is easy to see why he was once such a sought-after recruit.
Phillips is explosive out of his stance and does a great job of getting upfield quickly. His physical traits consistently stand out on the field, as he shows fantastic length quickness and strength on the edge. Phillips can win with speed and flexibility around the edge but also does a great job of converting his speed to power when necessary. He has a ton of upside as both a pass rusher and run defender and would make a fantastic running-mate for Joey Bosa in LA.