Los Angeles Chargers Draft Grades
How did the Chargers do in the 2021 NFL Draft? We give the Los Angeles Chargers draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No. 13 Overall) OT, Rashawn Slater
This was a home run pick for the Chargers. I had mocked them trading up to add a tackle, but I didn’t expect them to get the second best one at pick 13. They secured their quarterback last year, and do exactly what they need to do to protect him here. Maybe the Bengals should be taking some notes. Slater will protect Herbert for years to come, and we should see Herbert take a step forward with some real protection. Grade A+
Round 2 (No.47 Overall) CB, Asante Samuel
With their second pick they add depth to the secondary. Samuel brings an edge and legitimate starter caliber play early on. I prefer him inside as he is slightly undersized, but I don’t know if that will be a problem for him. He plays tough and aggressive, and will fit Staley’s system well. Yet again they waited and got a high quality player that fits their needs and scheme without trading up. Grade A
Round 3 (No.77 Overall) WR, Josh Palmer
Apparently the Chargers front office knows something we don’t. I had a few wide outs ahead of Palmer, so I wouldn’t have gone with him here. However, Staley seems to think he has the ability to get good separation. The Tennessee quarterback situation did not help him much, but is he really better than Dyami Brown who was still on the board? Grade C-
Round 3 (No.97 Overall) TE, Tre’ McKitty
They continued to add weapons for Herbert. I thought a tight end was a good addition after losing Hunter Henry to the New England Patriots. McKitty is a bit of a project, as he never really produced in college. However he has the size, athleticism, and route running to succeed in the NFL. If the coaches can get him to put it all together, he may be a steal. Grade B-
Round 4 (No.118 Overall) EDGE, Chris Rumph
This pick leaves me scratching my head a bit. Not because he isn’t talented or worthy of the draft pick, but because I wonder how he fits. He is an undersized edge rusher, and I see him as an undersized Bruce Irvin. I don’t see him stepping into a true hand down edge presence. Grade C+
Round 5 (No.159 Overall) OL, Brenden Jaimes
You can never have too many lineman, especially when you have a history of injuries along the line and a new cornerstone at QB. Jaimes played both left and right tackle for the Cornhuskers, but projects as a guard in the NFL. His versatility will come in handy as a depth piece, and I bet Herbert feels loved even more now. Grade A-
Round 6 (No.185 Overall) LB, Nick Niemann
They added a depth piece here. After testing incredibly well at his pro day, he must of caught the attention of Staley and company. He brings athleticism but leaves you wanting more in his coverage skills. At this point in the draft you can take a shot or two, and I’m okay with this one. Grade B
Round 6 (No.198 Overall) RB, Larry Rountree III
I love Larry Rountree, and think he is a more than capable back in the NFL. I didn’t see RB as a big need, but once again to get a quality player in the sixth round is always a good pick. Rountree runs hard and has good vision. He will be a quality addition to a deep RB room. Grade A-
Round 7 (No.241 Overall) DB, Mark Webb
A former wide receiver turned safety. He brings ball skills and instincts to a secondary lacking safety depth. Webb is still learning the position, but plays with an aggressive downhill approach. He may make the team as a security piece in case of injuries. Grade C+
Analyst-Ken Noble
Overall Grade A-
