5 players Los Angeles Chargers should draft in the first round

5 players Chargers should draft in the first round

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 07: Shareef Miller #48 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes against Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 7, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State defeated Northwestern 31-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw #77 of the Virginia Tech Hokies blocks linebacker Phil Campbell III #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

4. Christian Darrisaw

Trey Pipkins really struggled to protect Herbert’s blindside in 2020. It’s easy to see why the Chargers might prioritize landing a new starting left tackle in Round 1 of April’s draft.

Darrisaw may not have the strength required to dominate opposing blockers at the line of scrimmage, but he’s got really quick feet for a tackle. That gives him a unique ability to neutralize speed rushers who try to crash down from the edge.

The good news is that Darrisaw’s frame looks like it can add more weight as he grows into his body. That gives him a chance to (literally) grow into a top-notch starter in a few year’s time.

Darrisaw might be considered a reach at No. 13, but if he turns into a quality starter at left tackle it’s a selection that will age well for the Chargers. More importantly, it would be a pick that helps keep Herbert upright more often. The odds favor slightly better tackle prospects being available when Los Angeles goes on the clock, but landing Darrisaw shouldn’t be viewed as any sort of failure.

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