Alabama Football: Mac rises in 2021 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
By Dakota Cox
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers were one pick away from landing Alabama football’s DeVonta Smith, but they can still draft a solid player at a key need with this pick. They figured out the hardest piece of a football team by drafting Justin Herbert. Now that they have a franchise quarterback, they need to work on protecting him.
We’ve seen what happens when NFL teams don’t protect franchise quarterbacks. It’s why Joe Burrow had a season-ending injury last year. It’s why Russell Wilson wants out of Seattle. It even kept the Chiefs from winning the Super Bowl. The Chargers need to learn from these mistakes and add a pivotal tackle who can start on his first day in the NFL.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Alijah Vera-Tucker is a swing lineman, and this might be a little early to draft a player like him. However, I see that as an opportunity. He is one of the most versatile players in the draft. If you start him at guard, he will be one of the best in the NFL. However, he still has plenty of potential at tackle. It just depends on who drafts him and what they want to do with him.
Minnesota might want to go defense here, but bolstering the offensive line to help protect an immobile Kirk Cousins is never a bad idea.