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The Chargers hit a home run with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, who won the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the offensive line has remained a perennial need for the franchise. Slater may not have the ideal length that teams covet in tackles, but the way he held his own against Chase Young (Ohio State) in 2019 suggests that he can more than hold up at tackle at the next level. Even if he kicks inside, his selection would be a step towards improving an offensive line that ranked 32nd (last) in PFF's 2020 final offensive line rankings.

Justin Herbert took 32 sacks last year, which wasn't a lot relative to most of the NFL's starting quarterbacks. But he did see pressure on a high percentage of his dropbacks (33.5%), and that's not a good thing when you've invested in a franchise QB. Free agency is approaching either this year or in the near future for most of the Chargers' offensive linemen, so adding someone like Slater makes a lot of sense. He has versatility, shows good body control in pass protection and displays a feel for angles as a run-blocker.

Shelley Smith on his fit with the Chargers: The Chargers are desperate on the line, and Slater -- who sat out 2020 -- can play all five positions. He would start immediately wherever the team needs him most, potentially at tackle opposite right tackle Bryan Bulaga.

Slater steps in as the left tackle for Justin Herbert. Huge responsibility, but Slater is up to the challenge.

The Chargers desperately need more offensive line talent to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and improve what was one of the worst rushing attacks in football last year. Vera-Tucker would slide in immediately as the starter at left guard. He also played left tackle last year for the Trojans after starting at guard as a redshirt sophomore, and that versatility is a bonus. The Chargers need to bolster all five positions up front, especially considering three of their starters -- Sam Tevi, Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney -- are set to hit free agency. -- Daniel Popper

That Justin Herbert was able to have such an incredible rookie campaign with such a broken offensive line speaks volumes about his athletic potential, but the Chargers should be looking to fix that problem with a quickness. Last season, that offensive line allowed 201 total pressures, tied with the Eagles behind only the Jets as the league's worst.

Slater, who opted out of the 2020 season, had quite the 2019 campaign. Not only did he allow no sacks and just five total pressures on 355 pass-blocking snaps, he held up better than just about any other collegiate offensive tackle when facing Ohio State's Chase Young. The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year was limited to no sacks, no quarterback hits, and two quarterback hurries with Slater as his primary opponent.

Slater has an ideal combination of technique and nastiness, and because of his 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame, there are those who believe he'd be better suited to guard at the next level. I can see that. but I also think he'd be just fine outside. Regardless, if Slater is available with this pick, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco should turn his name in as quickly as he possibly can.

The Chargers must rebuild the offensive line to protect Justin Herbert.

The Chargers already did the hard part and found their quarterback. But Justin Herbert needs more protection, and a functional running game could be nice too.

Pitts could prove to hard to pass on if he's available, especially if resigning Hunter Henry proves too difficult. The Mackey Award winner is a matchup nightmare. He's definitely more receiver than complete tight end, but he's a valuable chess piece either way -- his 17.9 yards per reception and 12 touchdowns in only eight games are indicative of that.