2021 NFL Mock Draft, 3 Rounds: Chiefs bolster O-line after Super Bowl loss

Justin Herbert was phenomenal in 2020, throwing 31 touchdowns to break the record by rookies. And he did so despite not having a great team around him. Going forward, the Los Angeles Chargers need to fix that, and they should start by improving the offensive line.

With their first pick, they land Rashawn Slater from Northwestern, a player known for his incredible fundamentals. He’s also held his own against players such as Chase Young, which was pointed out by Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network.

"“Slater, who opted out of the 2020 college season and has not played since the end of the 2019 campaign, is well regarded for his fundamentals and functional athleticism along the front. Slater manned the left tackle position for the Wildcats. For teams that don’t prioritize certain measurable thresholds, he appears to be a viable candidate to do the same in the NFL—based specifically on his work against 2020 No. 2 overall pick Chase Young in pass protection.” — Crabbs, The Draft Network"

L.A. isn’t that far from contending and improving the offensive line will do a lot to make the players they do have better. But most importantly, it will help Herbert since he won’t have to make as many throws on the run as he escapes pressure.