With just two weeks to go until the new year begins, the Chargers will look to add onto an already talented roster. Whether that be in free agency or the 2019 NFL draft remains to be seen, but there are positions on both sides of the ball that will need to be addressed.
Here, we are going to break that up into three different categories — wants, needs and musts.
“Wants” are positional groups that aren’t necessarily needed this offseason, but could benefit in the long run, which could serve as depth. “Needs” are positions that will likely be addressed, but won’t be as pressing. “Musts” are areas that the team has a glaring need at, and has to be taken care of with talent.
With that being said, let’s dive in.
WANT
Wide Receiver Depth
The Chargers are entering this offseason with wide receiver Tyrell Williams’ future up in the air. After proving his worth in 2016 when Keenan Allen went down, Williams has found himself to be consistent since then. Now that he’s an unrestricted free agent, Williams is likely seeking a big paycheck, but it’s uncertain whether or not Los Angeles wants to give it to him.
Along with Williams, L.A. could elect to move on from WR Travis Benjamin. The speedy Benjamin had minimal impact in 2018, totaling 12 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown, while carrying the ball seven times for 41 yards. Injuries hindered his production and because of that, cornerback Desmond King later emerged as the team’s return specialist.
With two of their wideouts possibly playing for a new team at the start of the 2019 season, they could seek out another player to join Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Artavis Scott and Dylan Cantrell.
Options in free agency include Ravens’ John Brown, while the draft will possess potential suitors on Day 3 like Buffalo’s Anthony Johnson, West Virginia’s Gary Jennings and UC Davis’ Keelan Doss.
Tight End Depth
It was an unexpected and unfortunate incident when tight end Hunter Henry saw his 2018 season come to an end before it had even started after tearing his ACL last May. The season-ending injury brought back a familiar player with TE Antonio Gates. Gates joined Virgil Green, who was signed last offseason.
The trio, which included Sean Culkin, held their own in the absence of Henry. Gates led the position with 28 catches, 333 yards and two touchdowns. Green was seen as more of a blocking tight end, but he still managed to reel in 19 passes for 210 yards and a score.
Henry did come back for the final game against the Patriots in limited action, but failed to produce. It’s promising to know that he will have the rest of the offseason to make sure he’s 100 percent.
Meanwhile, Gates is set to become an unrestricted free agent this March and Green will have two more years left on his contract. This all adds up to a potential addition to the group.
With Henry being the only proven pass-catcher, it wouldn’t hurt to add a versatile one real late in the draft. This class is one of the deepest in years, and this would be the time to snag one to stash for later as a No. 2.
NEED
Cornerback
The need for the cornerback position became more evident towards the second half of the season, as they diminished in coverage against some of their tougher opponents. Prior to the season, it didn’t help when CB Jason Verrett suffered yet another season-ending injury, making there out to be one less player.
After Trevor William’s phenomenal 2017 season, he entered 2018 with high expectations as the starter opposite to Casey Hayward, but struggled to stay on the field and eventually suffered a season-ending injury.
Michael Davis, who served as his replacement, didn’t have much success in his starting role. He did well underneath, but he wasn’t one that would be relied upon when the ball was thrown deep.
The team’s No. 1 cornerback, Hayward, excelled in coverage throughout the regular season. But it wasn’t up to the standards after showing to be a shut-down corner after he was signed by the Chargers in 2016.
In a pass-happy league, you need at least three or four good cornerbacks to thrive. At the moment, they have shown to only have two on their roster that they can rely on.
This all adds up to a possible mid-round draft selection. Because of that, we have been highlighting potential options that include Houston’s Isaiah Johnson and South Dakota State’s Jordan Brown.
It’s unlikely that they address the position early, but if they do, Georgia’s Deandre Baker fits defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme.
Free Safety
When the Chargers moved Jahleel Addae away from his natural position to man the middle-deep part of the field, he struggled immensely. From missing his assignment to missing tackles, Addae was not suited for the free safety position.
Los Angeles might look to give Rayshawn Jenkins a longer look at the role, as he did fine in the last two playoff games against the Ravens and Patriots when he got more of an expanded role. They did re-sign Jaylen Watkins, after he was expected to fight for the starting job in 2018 before tearing his ACL in Week 2 of the preseason.
One other thing that’d be ideal is giving one of their best defenders, Adrian Phillips an opportunity to play the role next season.
If the Chargers elect to bring in more competition, there are some mid-round options, like the cornerback position. Utah’s Marquise Blair and Colorado’s Evan Worthington are enticing suitors.
MUST
Defensive Tackle
The interior defensive line was one of the most improved units from 2017 to 2018, after struggling significantly as a whole. It sounds promising, but who returns in 2019 is the bigger question.
Four key members will hit free agency — Brandon Mebane, Damion Square, Darius Philon and Corey Liuget. Liuget was the latest to hit the market after being hit with unfortunate events, which included a suspension for the first four games followed by suffering an ankle injury that ended his season.
The Chargers will likely bring back Square and Philon after they showed a promising 2018 campaign. Mebane is 50-50, and may elect to bring him back for his veteran presence. Nonetheless, the depth is very slim as it currently stands.
Los Angeles could seek out free agency for some suitors, or they may look to using their first-round selection on options at No. 28 overall like Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery or Clemson’s Christian Wilkins.
Linebacker
The Chargers had a healthy year as a team, but they were hit hard with the losses of linebackers Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown and Kyzir White with their perspective season-ending injuries.
Because of that, Los Angeles elected to go with speed over size by sending out a seven-defensive back look in the AFC Wild Card game against the Ravens. It did work, but the Bolts won’t be able to go with that in the long run.
Looking forward, Perryman, Kyle Emanuel and Hayes Pullard are set to be unrestricted free agents, while the health status of Brown and White is worth monitoring. Like the defensive tackle position, the depth is quite slim as it stands at the moment.
There will be some polarizing options in free agency that could cost them a big portion of money, but would benefit. Meanwhile, the draft is definitely on a down year in terms of talent, although there are suitors like Michigan’s Devin Bush, North Carolina State’s Germaine Pratt or Hawaii’s Jahlani Tavai that fit the mold.
Offensive Line
For the three quarters of the season, quarterback Philip Rivers was playing some of his best football until the Chargers were hit with the pressure from stout defensive teams. That’s when it became obvious that the offensive line, particularly the right side, started to crumble, making it more difficult for Rivers.
Right tackle Sam Tevi and left guard Dan Feeney, were the two players up front that got the attention, but not in a good way. 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 bound to play on the team forever.
With that, Los Angeles will certainly look to find players with inside-out experience. The Bolts will have some enticing suitors that can be found starting in free agency, including one in their backyard with Rams’ Rodger Saffold.
If the Chargers sign one, they should continue to beef up the trenches in the 2019 NFL draft with players such as Washington State’s Andre Dillard, Washington’s Kaleb McGary, and Kansas State’s Dalton Risner.
