Connect with us

•••

Chargers Offseason Outlook

Image: Orange County Register

Going into the 2024 season, many dismissed the Chargers from being a playoff contender. Between an inexperienced corner group, a young offensive line, a lack of threats at WR, and a number of injury-prone players on “prove-it” deals, things weren’t looking the brightest. Nevertheless, Jim Harbaugh and company persevered to an 11-6 (W-L) record, becoming the top seed in the AFC Wildcard. 

Unfortunately, after a promising start to their Wildcard matchup versus the Houston Texans, LA eventually went on to lose in a way that highlighted the holes in their roster. The defense, overall, played well against Houston and the offense had its moments. But sure as ever, work still needs to be done. 

 

Setting New Heights: Why Keenan Allen is Playing His Best Football Ever

Image: Chargers

1. Wide Receiver

If there’s one thing that everyone knew going into the season, it was that Herbert didn’t have enough help outside. But while Ladd McConkey had a colossal rookie campaign, and Quentin Johnston did display moments of progress, it wasn’t nearly enough. At times throughout the season, especially on plays versus Houston, drops and a lack of ability to get open stalled the Charger offense. 

Draft: One of the options is obviously to draft a wideout. Even though the Chargers won’t be able to bring in a local kid in Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III are also viable options. Other top prospects at the position include Xavier Restrepo, Tre Harris, Elic Ayomanor, and Tez Johnson. In the later rounds, other names include Jayden Higgins, Nick Nash, Jalen Royals, and Bru McCoy.

Free Agency: Like the draft, this FA class is relatively deep, boasting names such as Stefon Diggs, Tee Higgins, and Amari Cooper. But while I expect the Chargers to offer Higgins, I find it more realistic for them to land Chris Godwin. Even bringing Keenan Allen back is possible since he’s already expressed a desire to return to LA. Besides these names, other possibilities are Rondale Moore and Elijah Moore, both young and athletic playmakers who haven’t yet reached their potential. I also expect the Chargers to bring Joshua Palmer back to keep some familiarity in the locker room. 

 

Chargers news: Bradley Bozeman responds to Nathan Shepherd's dirty hit

Image: Chargers Wire – USA Today

2. Center

The Chargers offensive line is just about one of the best units in the NFL. While play could be better from both guard positions, the team needs to upgrade from Bozeman. Unfortunately for the Bolts, the FA class isn’t promising, so we are limiting them to the draft. 

Draft: Whereas the OTs and OGs of this year’s class have some depth to them, the center position doesn’t. However, there are a select number of prospects that could complete the Charger’s front five. Some of the bigger-name prospects at center include Seth McLaughlin and Jared Wilson. Meanwhile, Jonah Monheim is one of the more experienced linemen this draft and Garrett Dellinger provides the most versatility. Still, other names are Logan Jones, Jake Majors, Jake Slaughter, and Cooper Mays.

 

Chargers' Poona Ford just dropped more proof he needs to be free agent priority

Image: KTLA

3. Defensive Line

Notice here how I say “Defensive Line” and not a specific position on the line. While the Chargers significantly improved their DLine play compared to recent memory, they could potentially lose their best players in Poona Ford and Khalil Mack. Thankfully for them, they should have a fair amount of options between the draft and free agency. 

Draft: In all likelihood, the most prominent names to keep an eye on are Tyleik Williams, Walter Nolen, and Derrick Harmon. Kenneth Grant could be in play, given his Michigan ties to Harbaugh, but these guys I mentioned are all first-round talents who should be available toward the end of round one. Besides this, Deone Walker, Alfred Collins, and TJ Sanders are all big bodies who can plug up the interior line of scrimmage. 

At edge, Nic Scourton and James Pearce Jr. are the biggest first-round names that could slide to the Bolts. Meanwhile, Mike Green could be a trade up candidate. Additionally, Jack Sawyer, Landon Jackson, and Ashton Gillote are names to watch as the draft progresses.

Free Agency: With how well he played this season, one of the biggest priorities should be bringing back Poona Ford. Next, should be combining youth with veteran leadership. In free agency, the biggest name will likely be BJ Hill. While he’s an option, there are also a number of other names that can be acquired more cost-effectively. These names include Austin Johnson, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Javon Kinlaw, and Leki Fotu. Some young players that could be seeing a fair pay increase are Tedarrell Slaton and Levi Onwuzurike. Additionally, the Bolts could opt to bring back Teair Tart. 

On the outside, I wouldn’t expect the Bolts to spend big on any FA Edges given Tuipulotu’s impact. Instead, I’d expect Morgan Fox to be brought back and for players like Clelin Ferrell, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Solomon Thomas to be extended offers. Zack Baun could also be in play should the Bolts be willing to give him a payraise. 

 

When will J.K. Dobbins return? Latest updates for Chargers RB

Image: USA Today

4. Running Back

Greg Roman’s offense doesn’t go without two things: (1) good offensive line play and (2) a good RB. While I believe the Chargers should be able to bring back Dobbins on a friendly multi-year deal, there’s always the possibility of him signing elsewhere. 

Draft: Thankfully, the draft is full of playmakers for the Bolts to select and create competition for Kimani Vidal. I don’t foresee LA going after the bigger names of Omarion Hampton and Ashton Jeanty. But, Kaleb Johnson, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Brashard Smith, Kyle Monagai, and Dylan Sampson are all names to keep watch for. 

Free Agency: Should JK Dobbins depart during free agency, there’s still a solid blend of veterans and younger guys that will be available. While bringing in someone with Aaron Jones’ age wouldn’t be the most ideal, he proved this year with Minnesota that he can still be an effective RB1 in the NFL. Moreso, players such as Javonte Williams and Elijah Mitchell, who’ve dealt with injuries and are looking for “prove-it” deals, could prove to be valuable pickups. Khalil Herbert is another name to watch, as he had a decent first few seasons before moving on from Chicago.

 

Chargers place cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in concussion protocol - Los Angeles Times

Image: Los Angeles Times

5. Cornerback

Los Angeles appears to have struck gold last draft in selecting Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. However, they’re currently set to lose some key players in Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, and Asante Samuel. Despite this, Ja’Sir Taylor’s and Deane Leonard’s promise as depth pieces is why this is a “low need” need.

Draft: Given who’s available by their selection in April, I could see the Bolts taking the best player available regardless of position. If they do indeed select a corner in the first, it would likely be one of these names: Jahdae Barron, Benjamin Morrison, Shavon Revel Jr., or Azareye’h Thomas. Each of these guys is a premier talent at either slot corner, on the outside, or both. In later rounds, Myles Purchase, Darien Porter, Tommi Hill, Upton Stout, Ricardo Hallman, and Domani Jackson are names to watch. 

Free Agency: If there’s one position I would expect the Chargers to give “prove-it” deals to more than another it’s the CB positon. To be honest I don’t have the best reasoning for why I expect this, more so a hunch. But, if my hunch here is correct and the Chargers do go down this route for their secondary, Jeff Okudah, Donte Jackson, Tre’Davious White, Eric Stokes, and Noah Igbinoghene could all be in play. If I’m wrong, and Horitz decides to give some FAs a payraise, Paulson Adebo and Benjamin St-Juste should be watched. 

However, I still expect the Bolts to extend offers to bring back Fulton and Molden.

 

For more NFL content, click here.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured Articles

Featured Writers

More in •••