The Chargers’ 2018 team was one that saw a lot of success, including a 12-4 record and a playoff appearance for the first time since 2013.
A lot went in their direction, and some of it had to do with the moves that they made last offseason to help get them there. In order to repeat that and have a strong 2019 season, they will have to be wise with what they do in free agency and the NFL draft.
With that, here’s a look at some do’s for Los Angeles this offseason. We will follow up with what they shouldn’t do within the next few months tomorrow.
Chargers do need to address offensive line immensely
Entering the 2018 season, the Chargers offensive line looked the best that it has in quite sometime on paper. After acquiring center Mike Pouncey in free agency, Los Angeles thought they were set for the whole year. That took a quick turnaround halfway through the season.
Right tackle Sam Tevi and guard Dan Feeney failed to produce in their second season as pros, and because of that, quarterback Philip Rivers struggled to stay upright. It wasn’t until the Bolts got into their meat and potatoes of their schedule, but the league’s best pass rushers got the worst of them.
With that, L.A. will have to attack this offseason to bring in some fresh new talent at the tackle and guard position to make the most of Rivers’ last couple years under center. Fortunately for them, there will be some enticing options in free agency and the 2019 NFL draft is deep with options which will include first rounders like Washington State’s Andre Dillard and West Virginia’s Yodny Cajuste.
Chargers do need to release Jahleel Addae
After the selection of safety Derwin James, the Chargers moved Addae to an unnatural role at free safety. Playing in the second year of his new deal, Addae struggled significantly, whether it was covering ground, taking bad angles or missing tackles.
The sight was not new to most supporters of the team, as he has looked nothing more than a liability the past few seasons. But the coaching staff and front office seemed to be pleased enough to let him lead the defense in snaps nearly every game.
Cutting Addae would be a wise move because it would allow them to find a reliable solution at the free safety position, as well as the save the team $5 million. The money made from the releasing of him could be used as his potential replacement.
Chargers do need to add fresh bodies on defense
The Chargers took a hit on the defensive side of the ball with injuries in 2018. It was led by linebackers Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown and Kyzir White, who were all gone by the end of the season.
Their absences effected the front seven so tremendously that they were forced to send out seven defensive backs in the AFC Wild Card matchup against the Ravens. It was fine for the time being, but it won’t with a fresh new slate next season.
With that, they will have some decisions to make with the 14 free agents in March, including the addition of defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. Regardless, the Chargers can’t keep repeating the same episode of injuries hindering their season. Instead, they need to address the LB, DT, free safety and cornerback position to ensure that they have young, productive and most importantly healthy players for years to come.
Chargers do need to figure out Forrest Lamp’s role
Like mentioned earlier, the Chargers will need to revamp their offensive line this offseason. That includes unmasking the questions that everyone has surrounding guard Forrest Lamp and his absence with the team after failing to crack a starting job, let alone any playing time in 2018.
This time last year, Lamp was still recovering from the knee injury that he sustained in 2017. But now, he’ll have a full offseason to prepare for the 2019 season instead of rehabbing during the team’s offseason program.
Los Angeles expects him to have every shot at cracking the starting offensive line next season, whether at right or left guard. At his year-end press conference, general Tom Telesco said Lamp will “be right in the mix.” Now we wait to see if they trust the third-year guard enough to help bolster the horrid unit, or if they come up with another reason to hold him out.
