Los Angeles Chargers 2021 NFL Draft needs: Protecting Herbert a priority
2020 first-round pick, quarterback Justin Herbert, exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations in his debut season. Despite winning Offensive Rookie of the Year at the helm, Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers struggled to finish off victories, leading to a new head coach and a top 13 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
With Herbert, general manager Tom Telesco and new head coach Brandon Staley, the Chargers organization hopes to take the next step. If they are able to finish off a few more games, the team should easily be over .500 and fighting for a playoff berth.
However, taking that next step is easier said than done.
It is likely going to take more than a head coaching change to get it done. There are quite a few spots on the roster that Telesco and the front office must address if they want to compete with the likes of their divisional rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.
In my opinion, it all starts with protecting Justin Herbert. Even with his impressive rookie campaign, Herbert can be even better with some better protection in front of him. Such a smart, cerebral guy, Herbert will thrive given a team to dissect and break down a defense snap after snap.
Herbert has solid weapons around him to produce at a high level on offense, he just needs the consistent time to find them and complete some bigger plays. With some better protection and a bit better and more consistent play from his defense, Herbert can lead his Chargers team to great highs.
Bringing in former Rams defensive coordinator to the other locker room at SoFi Stadium as the Chargers head coach should help the team immensely on that side of the ball. Surely adding some pieces throughout the 2021 NFL Draft, Staley will look to mold his pieces into a top-of-the-league unit, just like he did for LA’s other team.
Here, we take a look at the specific positions that the Los Angeles Chargers need to address through the 2021 NFL Draft in order to make that leap and that playoff push this season.