2021 NFL Mock Draft, pre-free agency: Bears trade for Russell Wilson, Bengals move up for Penei Sewell

All signs pointed to the Los Angeles Chargers looking to make upgrades along the offensive line this offseason before anything started happening. Now with the release of Trai Turner one year after the organization traded for him, that’s even more so the case. So with Rashawn Slater still on the board for them, that’s a no-brainer pick to put in front of Justin Herbert.

Slater thrived as the left tackle for Northwestern, showcasing great athleticism and poise against some top-tier edge rushers prior to opting-out in 2020. He held his own against Chase Young, which says a lot in its own right. Moreover, there are some that propose Slater moving to guard. The Chargers need help at both left tackle and either guard spot, so the Northwestern standout would be an ideal fit to help Herbert keep clean as his career moves forward.

You’ve undoubtedly seen a ton of mock drafts to this point that have the Vikings taking an edge rusher off the board at No. 14 and that would make sense for Minnesota. What was once a strength for this franchise has taken a large step back. But at the same time, this is a team that has somewhat become more offense-reliant and making the offensive line better should be important as well.

Subsequently, the Vikings nab Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC with this selection. While he played left tackle this past year for the Trojans, the standout projects more as a guard at the NFL level — even if he could move outside. He’s a great athlete who moves well for his size and is above average in either passing or running situations. Vera-Tucker would be an upgrade at guard that could help the Vikings in a big way.