The Los Angeles Chargers did what they had not managed since 2018: They made the playoffs. Unfortunately, their shot at the postseason didn’t go how they would have hoped, which means it’s time to re-evaluate the roster and make some changes. The projected starters going into the draft are a solid group with plenty of veterans, but taking a closer look reveals some key spots that could use an influx of talent.
Quarterback: Justin Herbert
This is the one position where there is no question regarding the starter or his capability. Although he has yet to experience postseason success, Herbert’s first three seasons in the NFL have been pretty successful and certainly laden with statistical achievements. Chargers fans can rest easy knowing who their signal caller is.
Offensive Line: Rashawn Slater, Jamaree Salyer, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III
After an outstanding rookie season from Slater, almost the entire second season was lost to injury. On the bright side, there is little doubt that he will be able to return to the All-Pro level player he was in year one. Aside from him, there are questions abound; Salyer surprised as a late-round rookie in emergency duty at LT, but can he be an even better guard? Can the veteran Linsley stay healthy? Can Johnson develop in his second year?
Pipkins signed an extension with the team this March, so he is one of the projected starters. However, it’s a light contract without significant guarantees, so if the Chargers believe the draft offers an upgrade at tackle nothing is stopping them from pulling the trigger there.
Wide Receiver: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer
While the receiver group has production in spades at the top, it’s not the deepest of units. There is also a speed element that is lacking, and considering the wild arm talent that Herbert possesses, it seems a shame not to take advantage of taht with a high-quality speedster.
Allen and Williams have combined for seven total 1,000-yard receiving seasons, so there is no doubt they can get the job done. The issue is that despite Williams’ ability with the 50/50 ball, there is no one on the roster that forces opposing defenses to respect every part of the field. Drafting a receiver with some serious acceleration seems like a no-brainer for the Chargers.
Running Back: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley
While Ekeler has been an excellent back, particularly as a receiver, he has been very vocal about seeking a contract extension. The Chargers have been unusually spendy on high-priced players, so it’s very possible that they feel unable to meet his financial requests. If Ekeler were to be traded, the question is whether the projected starters will become Kelley and Isaiah Spiller, or if the Chargers would look to add another body at the top of the depth chart.
Fullback: Zander Horvath
Chargers FB Zander Horvath (45) – Ashley Landis/AP
As a seventh round pick, Horvath proved to be a solid lead blocker. Not every team relies on a fullback, but it helps when you have a smaller player like Ekeler as a three down back.
Tight End: Gerald Everett
The Chargers have been missing a force at tight end since Hunter Henry left for New England a couple of years ago. Everett was a viable option amassing 555 yards in 2022, but the bll security, drops and run blocking have been issues keeping him from being a top tier player. Tre’ McKitty hasn’t taken the starting job and run with it yet, and his third year may be no different.
Defensive Line: Morgan Fox, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson
The team poured some resources intot the interior of the defensive line last offseason, when they signed Joseph-Day and Johnson for a combined $15 million per year. With Johnson missing the second half of the season and a coverage unit that struggled mightily at times, these additions didn’t have the overall impact that the team had originally hoped. The Chargers are looking for a better season from those on the roster, but likely wouldn’t be opposed to adding players to the group either.
Outside Linebacker: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack
The names Bosa and Mack speak for themselves, and certainly keep opposing linemen on thier toes during game week. Unfortunately, Bosa’s availability has been an issue in the past and 2022 saw him only play in only five games in the regular season. The Chargers’ issue here is not a need to improve the starters, it’s a need to improve the depth for those times when the starters are unable to play.
Inside Linebacker: Kenneth Murray Jr., Eric Kendricks
The addition of Kendricks should be a major help to LA even if he is not the top tier player he once was. Kendricks brings a savvy and a veteran leadership to the middle of the defense that could serve to keep overall run fits tighter and coverage on point. Murray has not been the player they had hoped for when they traded up for him in the first round, but there has been development and the Chargers can be optimistic that he won’t be a weakness on the defense with Kendricks at his side.
Cornerback: Asante Samuel Jr., Michael Davis, Ja’Sir Taylor
Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. (26) – Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
It’s wild to suggest that a player who is currently under contract for $16.5 million per year is not one of the projected starters this season, but JC Jackson seems to fall into that category. He missed almost the entire season to injury, but even when he played he looked out of place, and wasn’t a great fit. It’s possible that this could be a major comeback story in 2023, but there is also every chance that he is released after the season after having played very little and costing the team $40 million for the stint.
Samuel on the other hand has been excellent, recording his best-ever game in the playoffs this past year. If the Chargers could find a great scheme fit to play across from him, they would be set at the position. Davis is a fine player but best suited to a reserve role with the team.
Safety: Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman
James is one of the flashiest safeties in the league but also plays around the line of scrimmage much more than many safeties. Availability has also been a question for James at times in his career. The Chargers could really use some players who are better in coverage for their two-high shell looks, which is a key component of the defense, and allow James to roam underneath and make tackles for loss consistently.
The Chargers have some good players and even some stars, but the roster isn’t as deep as you would hope, nor as well-rounded at the top. A great draft would go a long way toward infusing at least one new player into their projected starters, and necessary depth for the long season ahead. At least the Chargers can always rely on the comfort of knowing that #10 is behind center, and now they just need to make his job easier.
For more AFC West Projected Starters: Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs
