2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Penei Sewell, 2021 NFL mock draft (Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports) /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Chargers trade up to No. 7

7. Los Angeles Chargers (via DET): Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

With Penei Sewell slipping past the Dolphins at No. 6 and with Carolina in need of an offensive tackle at the eighth-overall pick, the Los Angeles Chargers are in range to make an aggressive trade to move up six spots and take Penei Sewell out of Oregon, the consensus best offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

To make the deal, the Chargers send the Lions the No. 13 and 77 picks in this year’s draft while also giving up a second-round pick in the 2022 draft. Detroit is more than happy to oblige at a bit of a discount as they have entered an extensive rebuild and would love all the top-100 picks they can get now and moving forward.

Offensive line has been a long-standing need for the Chargers and, with the rookie performance of Justin Herbert, that’s even more prescient. They need to get a stalwart tackle that can protect their quarterback for the long haul. And it just so happens he played at Oregon with the best prospect in the class at the position.

Despite their record last season, Los Angeles could be in line for a big upswing if Herbert can build off what he did in his first season. Adding Sewell, even if they have to give up draft capital to do so, would help ensure that.

Who I Would Pick: N/A

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