Chargers hold No. 6 pick in 2021 NFL Draft

Now that we’re halfway through the season, the predictions for whom will pick in the upper echelon of draft picks is becoming clearer by the week. Most publications are putting out a weekly piece to show fans how their respective team would be drafting in April were the season to end at that exact moment.

NFL.com’s Dan Parr recently posted his own version, which also includes what he believes to be each team’s biggest needs. According to Parr, the biggest needs for the Chargers are an interior offensive lineman, tight end, and cornerback. Those definitely aren’t my top three, but I understand the thought process behind them.

Here’s what Parr had to say about the Chargers picking at #6:

“Cornerback replaces receiver on the needs list this week. While Mike Williams is under contract for one more year, the Chargers’ best corner this season, Michael Davis, is a pending free agent and his departure could make the position a more pressing priority in 2021. Plus, Chris Harris Jr. and Casey Hayward have only one year left on their respective deals.”

I think Michael Davis is actually one of the top priorities for the Bolts when it comes to re-signing the host of pending free agents this offseason. As Parr said above, Harris and Hayward each have a lone year left and both are over that 30-year old threshold. Youth — good youth — is needed. That’s why I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team potentially go cornerback in the first round.

It’s beyond me that anyone would think the Bolts don’t need another offensive tackle after watching the first eight games of this season. Through a season and a half, the returns on Pipkins are not what the team likely expected and free agent acquisition Bryan Bulaga has played in roughly half the team’s game in his first year out west. I believe the team has more depth along the interior than they do on the outside, so tackle gets the nod for me over any guard or center.

As for tight end being a need, I believe Parr included that position due to Hunter Henry still not being signed to a new contract. He’s playing on the tag, but I don’t see how the team moves on from one of the most-complete players at the position.

Lastly, I think EDGE will be a position the team looks into with one of their first three picks. I don’t think Ingram returns in 2021 and a good pass rush needs to have at least three guys who can get after the quarterback. In the end, I think the team goes after someone who can play either LEO or base defensive end. My preference is Kwity Paye from the University of Michigan, but he’s closer to a LEO than a DE. If you haven’t checked him out, go ahead and give him a Google. He’s the real deal.

Anyways, another top-10 pick should never be the goal, but since this season seems to be going that way, continuing to build a contender around Herbert may have to be a priority this offseason.