With The First Pick
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Chargers 2021 NFL Draft primer: Protecting Justin Herbert the priority

By Geoffrey Godfrey

Sep 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chargers target Jaylen Waddle. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] /

The Chargers have the lucky number 13 for the NFL Draft.

At the 13th overall pick, they will be in a position to draft a player to fill any need. With a top-4 player at any position of need on the board. If they choose to go safety first they will be able to pick their favorite as I don’t see another one going before them. Cornerback will be their highest-rated player after Patrick Surtain II, Alabama, and Jaycee Horn, South Carolina most likely. Offensive tackle will be an interesting spot for them as Peni Sewell, Oregon will be gone but both Rashawn Slater, Northwestern, and Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech could both be there.

So who should they look at with their pick?

Target no. 1: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

To some people, the drop from the elite Sewell to Rashawn Slater is not large. Which would be fantastic for the Chargers to get him. While it might be a little bit of a stretch if one or two teams trade up for a quarterback or wide receiver he could fall right into their lap. This is their biggest need and could give them one of the better offensive lines in the league. Justin Herbert would be quite happy as well.

Target no. 2: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Waddle and Smith seem to be neck-and-neck on most boards. Smith’s weight is a concern, but his elite 2020 should put him over Waddle in the draft. While Waddle never really had an elite season, he is the most dynamic wide receiver in this draft. He could play any position and would be a fantastic security blanket for Mike Williams.

Matching him with Williams, Allen, and Guyton would make for a fantastic offense, and soften the blow of losing a solid tight end. He is also a weapon on special teams as well, which is where he could see the majority of his rookie year if everyone stays healthy.

Target no. 3: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

While this defense seems to always be injured and Caleb Farley just had back surgery, he’s a great player. He is violently fast and athletic at the cornerback position and would instantly start on that team, pending he is fully healthy. He has a lot of room to grow to be relatively new to the position, but shows great instincts and is a solid ball hawk.

His wild speed could be the answer they need for guys in their own division such as; Henry Ruggs and Tyreek Hill who currently do not have a good match up for on defense. While he is raw his current head coach just got done coaching Jalen Ramsey, who athletically is similar to Farley.

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