The Chargers added some talented players with each one of their selections in the 2019 NFL draft, followed with 19 undrafted free agents. Even though they don’t have glaring holes on the roster, Los Angeles could look to add more depth players for the upcoming season.
Beginning May 7, unrestricted free agents no longer count toward the compensatory pick formula. This means that general manager Tom Telesco and company aren’t risking losing a potential draft pick, making it more enticing to look to the free agency pool.
With that, here are three names Los Angeles could bring in before training camp begins.
DT Danny Shelton
The Chargers drafted Jerry Tillery and Cortez Broughton, which solidified the three-techniques on the team along with Justin Jones. Brandon Mebane is not getting any younger, and T.Y. McGill hasn’t had much of an opportunity to prove himself.
Los Angeles could be seeking out a big run-stuffing nose tackle to play behind Mebane and there isn’t a better option than Danny Shelton, who stands out with his 6-foot-2 and 345 pound frame.
In his only season with the Patriots, Shelton played in 13 games and earned one start, totaling 21 tackles, a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hit. Prior to his stint with New England, Shelton was a key member of the Browns’ defensive line, where he amassed 128 tackles, 1.5 sacks, eleven tackles for a loss and seven quarterback hits.
OT Jeremy Parnell
The Chargers seem to be comfortable with Sam Tevi as the team’s starting right tackle entering the 2019 season based on the lack of moves outside of third-round selection Trey Pipkins. But Los Angeles shouldn’t be content, and should look to the free agency pool to bring in a player for the short-term to compete with Tevi.
Parnell started 13 games at right tackle for the Jaguars the past two seasons. He earned a 65.3 Pro Football Focus grade in 2018, which is considered above average. He did allow 4.5 sacks last season and allowed only one the year before.
Parnell would enter camp as the expected right tackle with Tevi battling for the job, as he’s undoubtably more superior than him. He would also be pretty cheap, since Jacksonville didn’t want to pay his $6 million salary for 2019.
OT Jared Veldheer
Veldheer, 31, was stout with the Broncos last season, allowing just one sack.
The nine-year veteran started 12 games in 2018. He graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 58 tackle during his one-year stint with Denver. Veldheer has more experience playing left tackle, but he has the ability to play right tackle.
Veldheer has 113 NFL starts under his belt, and he’s one of the more proven players left on the market. His massive 6-foot-8 presence would provide some much-needed depth for the Chargers.
