Los Angeles Chargers: Five first-round 2021 NFL Draft targets

2. Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama

When looking at the cornerback position, Jaycee Horn and Caleb Farley have been who everyone has been talking about lately. Horn has been the late riser who may end up being the first corner off the board and a top 10 pick. Farley has been the late faller whose back surgery may cause him to fall from that top 10 pick to out of the first round. Meanwhile, Patrick Surtain II remains a very solid candidate for CB1.

Last season with the Los Angeles Rams, Brandon Staley had Jalen Ramsey at his disposal. While I am certainly not saying that Surtain is at the same level as a top NFL corner like Ramsey, he has some similar traits and could develop into a dominant, lockdown corner at the next level.

Surtain is excellent in press-man coverage. He is physical at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route. Even if the receiver is able to create some separation, Surtain is quick to close and is physical once again at the catch point.

Under Staley, Surtain could come in right away and fill that Ramsey role. Patrick Surtain II has what it takes to be a number one NFL cornerback right away. Playing alongside Chris Harris Jr. and Mike Davis, Surtain could round out a very talented nickel trio of corners that would be outstanding under the direction of new head coach Brandon Staley.

3. Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina

While Patrick Surtain II excels in press-man coverage and Caleb Farley is better in off-man and zone, Jaycee Horn may be the best of both worlds. He may not be quite as dominant in either aspect of coverage, but his tenacity and versatility make him a very valuable asset towards the top of the 2021 NFL Draft.

A fiery competitor, Horn is the first one to take on the challenge of the opposition’s best receiver. He thrives under pressure and rises to the occasion against the best that college football has to offer.

As physical as Surtain is, Horn is just as tenacious at the catch point and in run support. He loves to seek out contact and has a nose for the football. Whether sitting back in zone and making a break on the ball, staying attached to his receiver in man or lurking around the line of scrimmage in run support or as a blitzer, Horn is as effective as they come.

Whether it is Surtain II or Horn, both have NFL bloodlines and can step in and be impactful immediately in a new-look Los Angeles Chargers defense. Two of the best cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft, if one is still on the board at pick 13, Telesco and the Chargers would likely make a very quick call.