5 players Chargers should draft in the first round

1. Rashawn Slater

Slater divides opinion among scouts over just what his ideal position will be at the next level. He played left tackle at Northwestern and put some really good reps on film against elite prospects. Critics of his game point out that his lack of length makes him better suited to play guard or even center in the NFL.

The Chargers are one team that doesn’t need to be overly concerned with the question of where Slater will end up. They have legitimate needs at every position along their offensive line. Adding a player like Slater who projects as a high-level starter wherever he ends up would be a shrewd acquisition for Los Angeles.

Any team that spends a first rounder on Slater should at least give him a chance to start his career at tackle. That is, after all, the most valuable offensive line position in a vacuum. If he fails on the perimeter he can easily be converted to a guard. Many executives believe he has All-Pro potential there based on his combination of power and technique.

Slater may not be an elite tackle prospect, but he’s got a high enough ceiling to merit strong consideration from the Chargers at No. 13. Selecting him won’t electrify the team’s fan base, but it would be an example of solid roster construction by Los Angeles’ front office.