Positions to Target in Draft for Chargers
So far in the offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers have not made any real big splashes at any positions. The Chargers entered free agency with around thirty unrestricted free agents. Although they were able to re-sign some players at key positions, they also lost some big rotational pieces. Externally, general manager Joe Hortiz made sure to sign players that would at least provide depth or solid snaps when asked to. As the focus now shifts to the NFL Draft, the Chargers have 10 picks, with four in the sixth round. There are many positions that fans will be eyeing the team to answer.
When looking at last season, the Chargers in Hortiz’s first draft were able to find many rookie starters. Joe Alt, Ladd McConkey, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart were all great immediate contributors in helping the Chargers make their big jump from 2023 to 2024. Looking at big pieces that left from the defensive side of the ball, Poona Ford signed with the Los Angeles Rams, and Morgan Fox went to the Atlanta Falcons. These were big pieces of the defensive line. Kristian Fulton joined the Kansas City Chiefs, and Asante Samuel Jr. is still a free agent, but it does not seem likely that he will be coming back to the Bolts. The Chargers made low-profile signings to help mitigate these losses. Naquan Jones and Da’Shawn Hand both signed one-year deals with the Chargers to help the defensive line. At cornerback, the Bolts signed Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. On offense, the Chargers released Gus Edwards and have not signed J.K. Dobbins back. Instead, Najee Harris was brought in, and Tyler Conklin was signed to be a pass-catching tight end.
As the draft approaches, the Chargers can still go defensive linemen early, even with the moves they made at the position. The draft class is rich at the position and is a need. Also, a long-term answer at tight end is crucial and can be targeted within the first four rounds. Currently, the roster does not have a clear running back two. The position is also deep in the draft, and the Chargers could benefit from getting one. Sneakily, in a considered weak wide receiver draft class if the Chargers find one of the better receivers to fall into their lap, that can be a position they decide to roll with.
These are four positions that the Chargers need answers for when looking at their roster. Expect Hortiz to address them early in the NFL Draft before looking at other positions. Hortiz loves to draft the best player available, and luckily for him, the best players that could be available for the Chargers may address their needs. The NFL Draft is set for April 24th.
