Los Angeles Chargers 2021 NFL Draft needs: Protecting Herbert a priority

2. Offensive Guard

Sticking with the offensive line theme here, the Los Angeles Chargers really need to add at least one impactful guard this offseason. They already added Linsley at center and Oday Aboushi and Matt Feiler in free agency from the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers, but bringing in another young guard in the 2021 NFL Draft is a must.

Just like at the tackle position, the Chargers did not get much out of their guards in 2020. After trading Russell Okung for Trai Turner last offseason, the five-time Pro Bowler started just nine games for the Los Angeles Chargers a year ago and was promptly released as a cap casualty this offseason.

With other players like Forrest Lamp, Dan Feeney, Ryan Groy and Scott Quessenberry seeing snaps at guard, the Los Angeles Chargers did not have a guard ranked in the top 70, according to PFF.

Sticking with the PFF rankings, the two guards that the Chargers acquired this offseason both ranked in the top 32, but neither broke the top 20. Corey Linsley was PFF’s number one ranked center, which should prove to be a huge addition, but Aboushi and Feiler are far from sure things aside him.

I look at the second round as being a sweet spot for high-quality guard prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. While they may not be a top-ten pick type of guy like Quenton Nelson was in 2018, there are quite a few names that should be there at pick 47 that could come in and contribute sooner, rather than later.