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

4. Christian Darrisaw, Left Tackle, Virginia Tech

Christian Darrisaw is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, in my opinion. With his blend of size strength and athleticism, Darrisaw has the potential to be one of the best linemen in the NFL. But his tape is very hard to evaluate.

For a left tackle, you really like to see some isolated, one-on-one reps with some of the best edge rushers in football. You rarely see anything like that with Darrisaw. Virginia Tech operated a run-heavy offense that had some creative schemes when it came to pass protection. It involved a lot of movement, double-teams and down blocks… things that do not lend themselves to true one-on-one pass sets.

Nonetheless, Darrisaw still has the talent, and the buzz, to go as high as 13 in the 2021 NFL Draft. For a team like the Los Angeles Chargers that really need to find a blindside protector for their young quarterback, they might be willing to take that risk for the upside.

As a pass protector, Darrisaw has displayed some solid footwork in the few true pass sets that he has put on film. With his imposing frame and heavy hands, Darrisaw has the potential to lock up any edge defender.

Where Darrisaw really excels on film is as a run blocker, something that the Los Angeles Chargers could use as well. Darrisaw is a mauler and a great mover for his size. He gets to the next level and out in space in the run game, and can really manipulate and turn his opponents to open holes.

If Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater are off the board (and likely both top corners in Surtain II and Horn), the Los Angeles Chargers may take a chance on a player like Christian Darrisaw. A franchise tackle is hard to come by, and finding one if the 2021 NFL Draft may be a priority for the Chargers.