2021 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock

The Chargers nabbed a franchise quarterback in last year’s draft, but what will Los Angeles do to help Justin Herbert in this year’s event?

Justin Herbert’s emergence as a potential superstar quarterback wasn’t enough to keep Anthony Lynn employed, but it did make Los Angeles an intriguing landing spot for new coach Brandon Staley. This offseason will all be about surrounding Herbert with the type of talent required to push the Chargers back into the playoffs.

Apri’s draft will be crucial for both the short and long-term future of the franchise. They need to fortify their roster with young talent that can join Herbert to become the team’s young corps. There’s a lot of high-end talent on Los Angeles’ roster, but quality depth is lacking.

Free agency will complicate matters for the Chargers. They stand to lose some serious talent on the open market. Melvin Ingram, Hunter Henry, and Mike Pouncey all have a chance to leave for nothing. It’s safe to assume that Los Angeles will protect itself against those potential exits by spending valuable draft capital on potential replacements.

Add it all up and it’s clear the Chargers have a lot to do in this year’s draft. Look for them to strengthen their secondary with the No. 13 overall pick.

This pick is all about future-proofing the Chargers’ secondary. Both Chris Harris and Casey Hayward are going to start the 2021 campaign on the wrong side of 30. Adding a young, potential No. 1 corner like Surtain makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles.

Some scouts prefer the raw athletic gifts of Caleb Farley to be the top corner in this class, but that ignores the value of Surtain’s skill and poise on the outside. He’s got everything you want in a corner who can shut down his side of the field at the next level. The Chargers would do well to grab him in Round 1.