Chargers' Staley: Team needs to address 'hole' at left tackle

New Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley knows that one of his primary jobs is to build an offensive line that protects franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert thrived during his rookie campaign. The 2020 sixth overall pick was thrust into the starting role in Week 2 and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Staley said one of the team's biggest needs entering Herbert's second season is at left tackle.

"Yeah, there certainly (is) a hole there right now," Staley said Thursday, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com. "We feel like we have some tackle prospects on the roster that can certainly play there. But it's gonna be certainly a position that we need to address you know, before July.”

Former starting left tackle Sam Tevi signed with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason after starting 44 games for the Chargers through four campaigns.

"As you know, there's a lot different ways to address it within the draft, free agency, trade," Staley added. "So there's a lot of different ways that you can do that."

The 2021 draft features Herbert's former Oregon teammate, Penei Sewell. The offensive tackle expressed his desire to reunite with his college quarterback, saying it "would be a dream come true."

However, the Chargers' first pick in the upcoming draft is at No. 13, and Sewell is expected to be selected in the top 10.

Though the draft represents Los Angeles' best chance to shore up its offensive line, the Chargers have already used free agency to address some of their needs, signing center Corey Linsley and guard Matt Feiler.