Chargers Daily Links: Alabama OT is the perfect draft fit for the Bolts

It’s never too early to look ahead to the NFL draft when it comes to the Bolts. At least, that’s how I feel. Tom Telesco has done an excellent job of finding talent in the middle rounds while also avoiding huge busts with their first and second-round picks. The draft is fun and the suspense behind who the Chargers will ultimately pull the trigger on is one of the better highs of the offseason.

Looking ahead, it’s easy to pair the Bolts with a certain position for the 2021 draft. That position has got to be offensive tackle as, like every year, it’s been their weakest area of the roster for the past five years.

According to Kristopher Knox, one of Bleacher Report’s NFL analysts, the perfect prospect fit for the Chargers in the upcoming draft class is none other than Alabama left tackle Alex Leatherwood.

“Coming into Week 7, Herbert had been pressured on an alarming 31 percent of his dropbacks. While he’s done a better job of avoiding sacks than Burrow—he’s been dropped 10 times in five games—his pass protection is still an issue.”

“That’s where Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood enters the equation. The anchor of one of college football’s most prolific offenses, Leatherwood has played both guard and tackle—for left- and right-handed quarterbacks—and could provide Los Angeles with options along the line.”

“More importantly, Leatherwood could be the blindside protector that the Chargers gave up when they traded Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason.”

All you need to consider is Leatherwood is a top player in this draft class while also being on of the more position-versatile prospects at his position. There’s isn’t a better recipe for a Telesco pick than that. If he gets an invite to the Senior Bowl, forget about it. It’s a wrap. Put him in powder blue right now.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Chargers-Broncos game preview (Chargers.com)

Storm Norton’s wife, Breanna, joins the Better Half Podcast (Chargers.com)

Gavino Borquez highlights where the Chargers sit in the hunt for a wildcard spot (Chargers Wire)

Jason Reed discusses three players that Chargers fans overrate (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

The Ravens signed WR Dez Bryant to their practice squad (Bleacher Report)

Jeremy Fowler ranks the NFL’s best cornerback duos (ESPN+)

Washington might bring in free agent safety Eric Reid to replace Landon Collins (CBS Sports)

The Bengals told Carlos Dunlap to stay home from work as they try to trade him before the deadline (NFL.com)

The Cowboys are moving on from Dontari Poe and Daryl Worley (Pro Football Talk)

Matt Rhule is hopeful that RB Christian McCaffrey can return as soon as Thursday (Pro Football Talk)