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5 teams that really nailed the 2021 NFL Draft

By Rucker Haringey

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Rashawn Slater greets NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 13th by the Los Angeles Chargers during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Los Angeles Chargers

Drafting a tackle in Round 1 isn’t the sexiest possible transaction for an NFL team, but it was a terrific move for the Chargers. Nothing is more important for Los Angeles than keeping Justin Herbert upright more often in 2021.

Slater doesn’t have the ideal length to be a left tackle at the NFL level, but he’s got terrific quickness out on the edge. That helps him overcome any concerns about his lack of length.

Slater should slot in immediately as the Chargers’ starting left tackle as a rookie. Perhaps more importantly, he should be able to man that spot at a high level for Los Angeles for the next decade. Allowing him to grow alongside Herbert does wonders for the Chargers’ offensive corps.

The Chargers should probably feel fortunate that Slater fell to them at No. 13. Several teams with obvious needs at tackle went for other positions just in front of their draft position. The minute Slater fell to Los Angeles it was inevitable that he’d be the team’s selection.

Slater may never become an All-Pro, but he’s got the floor of being a quality starter for years to come. That allows him to represent great value for the Chargers in Round 1.

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