2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
13. player. 13. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. AFC West. . Los Angeles Chargers
1 (13): Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Some teams had Slater rated as the top offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft, and while the Chargers got him 13th overall, it feels like they may have lucked into a steal here.
Slater is as athletic as you will find at the tackle position and he’ll be tasked with blocking the blindside of one of the NFL’s bright young stars in Justin Herbert.
2 (47): Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
The Chargers got a big-time steal out of Florida State a couple of years back in Derwin James. Now, another Seminole defensive back lands with the Bolts way later than he should with Asante Samuel Jr. coming to play in Brandon Staley’s defense.
He is a perfect fit for Staley’s scheme whether he gets his initial shot inside or outside.
3 (77): Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
This pick was a bit of a surprise to everyone watching the draft. Palmer lacks the size or twitch of a top-100 NFL Draft pick but he has strong hands and borderline running back size.
3 (97): Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia
After losing Hunter Henry in free agency, the Chargers signed veteran Jared Cook who figures to lead the way in 2021 at the position. Tre’ McKitty was an intriguing pickup for them as an heir apparent, however, and offers TE2 upside right away as a blocker.
4 (118): Chris Rumph, EDGE, Duke
Rumph was a tremendous pass rusher for Duke the past couple of seasons and I expect nothing less from him at the next level.
Brandon Staley has proven he can maximize EDGE talent and Rumph is an intriguing fit here because of that.
5 (159): Brendan Jaimes, OT, Nebraska
Continuing to fortify the offensive line, I think the Chargers got Jaimes at least a round later than he should have gone in this draft class.
He’s rock solid on tape and has the look of a future starter at tackle, perhaps taking over if/when the Chargers move on from Bryan Bulaga.
6 (185): Nick Niemann, LB, Iowa
Niemann turned a lot of heads at the Iowa pro day and although his tape doesn’t exactly scream “coverage linebacker”, the upside is there. I think he will make an impact on special teams early on and could be a starter on the inside by 2022.
6 (198): Larry Rountree III, RB, Missouri
Rountree has a nice explosive gear to him despite being one of the thicker backs in this draft class. I like his upside as a rotational back for the Chargers and a player who could exceed his draft status rather quickly.
7 (241): Mark Webb, S, Georgia
A converted wide receiver, Webb is a work in progress but he has intriguing traits and upside.