How does Chargers' draft impact Justin Herbert?

How does Chargers' draft impact Justin Herbert? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The big emphasis for me entering the NFL Draft for the Los Angeles Chargers was to bolster the offensive line for Justin Herbert.

We've heard Jim Harbaugh speak at the owners' meeting a few weeks ago, stating that Mike McDaniel's scheme will help protect Herbert, but he needs the players to do that.

In the draft, the Chargers took center Jake Slaughter in the second round, tackle Travis Burke in the fourth round, and guards Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey in the sixth round.

Is that enough? At least it is depth, with Slaughter, according to draft experts, set to potentially start in 2026. So, make of that what you will.

But have the Chargers done enough to protect Herbert? Time will tell.

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Can Herbert lead Chargers to playoff success?

He can, and you could argue the Chargers' best "signing" of the offseason was McDaniel.

For the first time in his career, Herbert has an offensive wizard as his coordinator, so it is easy to think we should see an uptick in his performance... but only if he is protected.

Do the Chargers still need to use free agency to find a veteran to plug into that offensive line? Or are the additions of Tyler Biadasz, Slaughter, and a couple of sixth-round picks enough?

Yes, Rashawn Slater and are set to return, but how healthy will they be? Can L.A. count on them to play 17 games plus a potential playoff outing? Who knows.