Los Angeles Chargers top five 2021 NFL Draft needs

Los Angeles Chargers top five needs for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers have found a quarterback to build around for the future. Justin Herbert has been a stud in the early goings of his NFL career, throwing 25 touchdown passes in his first 12 NFL starts.

Herbert’s rapid ascent as a rookie has given the Chargers reason to be in a hurry to surround him with a cast that can actually compete in the AFC West. At the very least, the Chargers have a quarterback they know can win them a shootout against the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

How will the Chargers build around Herbert in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Let’s take a look at their top five needs.

1. Offensive Tackle

The Chargers need to make sure that Justin Herbert is well-protected going forward. He’s taken 26 sacks in 12 starts, not an overly ridiculous number but when you combine that with hits and pressures, it’s way too much for a franchise quarterback to be getting hit.

Not every sack can be blamed on the offensive line, but there is no question the Chargers need to upgrade this area of the team where the top three guys are Bryan Bulaga (RT), Sam Tevi, and Trey Pipkins.

Unfortunately for the Chargers, this need may not properly align with the prospects they are presented with, even if they finish with only four or five wins this season. Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell will almost assuredly be the pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, who have two games on the Chargers with three to play for that third overall spot.

The Chargers could be looking at a situation here where maybe they trade down to a QB-needy team and take someone like Christian Darrisaw or Rashawn Slater later on in the first round.