The Chargers are sitting in a comfortable position heading into the 2019 NFL draft, as they don’t possess that many pressing needs compared to other teams. There are holes that will need attention, but the team shouldn’t be in a panic.
If Los Angeles does want to make a deeper run in the postseason, they will have to be make sure to shore up an already talented roster, nonetheless. But they can afford best player available depending on who’s on the board.
With that being said, here are the Bolts’ six biggest needs heading into the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Offensive Line
The Chargers didn’t address the offensive line in free agency, which came as a bit of a surprise considering general manager Tom Telesco’s track record of finding gems via free agency.
Right tackle Sam Tevi and left guard Dan Feeney faced a sophomore slump, leaving many concerns for the 2019 season. Both players allowed eight sacks in 2018, which was tied for the team high.
The status with offensive guard Forrest Lamp is still unknown, as the former second-round selection hardly saw the field after being one of the most highly anticipated players in the 2017 NFL draft. On top of that, left tackle Russell Okung isn’t getting any younger.
Expect Los Angeles to look to grab a player within the first couple rounds. Keep an eye on Kansas State’s Dalton Risner, Washington’s Kaleb McGary, Alabama State’s Tytus Howard and possibly Oklahoma’s Cody Ford, if he slips.
Free Safety
Who would’ve thought that the Chargers could possibly be picking a safety for the second year in a row in the first round? Not many, but after the release of Jahleel Addae, the free safety position needs a makeover.
At the moment, Rayshawn Jenkins and Jaylen Watkins are the only two that form the depth at the position. But neither of the two are made out to be the long-term answer.
Instead, if Los Angeles sees an option like Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Virginia’s Juan Thornhill, Delaware’s Nasir Adderley or Maryland’s Darnell Savage within the first couple rounds, it may be hard to pass up on them.
Defensive Tackle
The defensive tackle position for the Chargers currently is thin as there are only three players on the active roster. They will need an instant starter and depth. Likely going into the draft aggressive to solidify those gaps, the team will certainly have options to choose from.
Los Angeles could elect to go with options like Jerry Tillery in the first round or wait until Day 2 with the likes of Dre’Mont Jones, Renell Wren, Khalen Saunders or Trysten Hill.
Cornerback
The cornerback position is one that we’ve addressed as an early sneaky selection. Even though Trevor Williams signed his tender, guaranteeing that he’ll be back in 2019, the coaching staff may not have trust that he could return to his phenomenal 2017-self going forward. Also, Michael Davis is nothing but a liability in the starter role, as well.
The Chargers could surprise many with one in as early as the first round. Names like Greedy Williams, Deandre Baker, Byron Murphy and Rock Ya-Sin are options. If they elect to go rounds two or three, Sean Bunting, Joejuan Williams and Lonnie Johnson are names to remember.
