Post 2016 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The San Diego Chargers Depth Chart has a chance to make a playoff run if they are able to remain healthy.
Adding rookie Joey Bosa to the San Diego Chargers Depth Chart will have a major impact on how this defense performs. An improved defense might be just enough for this team to make some noise.
Quarterback
Starter: Philip Rivers
Backups: Zach Mettenberger and Kellen Clemens
Philip Rivers’ career is staring to wind down, but he still has several years of high production left in the tank. The Chargers are hoping the offensive line can stay healthy this year and limit the amount of hits Rivers takes.
Running Back
Starter: Melvin Gordon
3rd Down: Danny Woodhead
Backup: Branden Oliver
Melvin Gordon has the talent to succeed in the NFL, but needs to improve after a disappointing rookie season. Things aren’t going great so far this offseason as it was reported he’s recovering from micro-fracture surgery to his knee.
Woodhead remains in the mix as one of the more dangerous pass-catchers at the running back position.
Fullback
Starter: Derek Watt
Backup: Chris Swain
San Diego brought in two rookie fullbacks which signals they might feature the position more in their offensive attack. This would be something that helps Melvin Gordon as he ran behind a full back (Watt actually) during his college days at Wisconsin.
Wide Reciever
Starters: Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin
Slot: Stevie Johnson
Backups: Dontrelle Inman and Javontee Herndon
If healthy his is a dangerous group of receivers who can work all parts of the field. It’ll be interesting to see how big of an impact Travis Benjamin can have now that he has a top-level quarterback throwing him the football.
Tight End
Starter: Antonio Gates
Backups: Hunter Henry and Jeff Cumberland
Antonio Gates is back for another year as he continues to be Rivers’ favorite target. However, Hunter Henry has the athletic ability to make an immediate impact and eventually replace the aging Gates.
Left Tackle
Starter: King Dunlap
Backups: Chris Hairston and Joe Barksdale
Dunlap’s injury history is concerning and made more of an issue due to the lack of depth at the position. Even when healthy, Dunlap is inconsistent in his pass protection.
Left Guard
Starter: Orlando Franklin
Backups: Chris Watt and Max Tuerk
Franklin is a road-grader who can open holes in the running game. He as another offensive lineman who dealt with injuries last season. The combination of Watt and Tuerk are good backups to have in case injury strikes again.
Center
Starter: Matt Slauson
Backups: Max Tuerk and Chris Watt
Adding Slauson to the mix helped improve the center position and add depth at the other interior line positions. Slauson is a hard-nosed player who also provides leadership in the locker room.
Right Guard
Starter: DJ Fluker
Backups: Chris Watt and Max Tuerk
After having major issues at right tackle, DJ Fluker is starting to settle into the starting job at right guard. His size and natural strength make him a good fit for the position.
Right Tackle
Starter: Joe Barksdale
Backups: Chris Hairston, DJ Fluker and Tyler Johnstone
Joe Barksdale was the Chargers best offensive lineman last year and it wasn’t even close.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Corey Liuget and Joey Bosa
Backups: Darius Philon, Damion Square and Ben Gardner
The combination of Liuget and Bosa has a chance to be extremely disruptive. Both are well-rounded players who can set the edge against the run and generate pressure on the quarterback.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Brandon Mebane
Backup: Sean Lissemore
Brandon Mebane is a major upgrade from what the Chargers had last year at the nose tackle position.
3-4 Outside Linebacker
Starters: Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu
Backups: Tourek Williams, Jatavis Brown and Kyle Emanuel
Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu are underrated pass rushers who should continue to improve. These two might be the key to the defense as they’ll need to generate pressure in order to help out a suspect secondary.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: Denzel Perryman and Manti Te’o
Backups: Josh Perry and Jatavis Brown
Perryman established himself as the team’s top inside linebacker last year. He’s an aggressive defender who makes plays from sideline to sideline. Manti Te’o’s roster spot is on shaky ground with the Chargers drafting both Josh Perry and Jatavis Brown.
Cornerback
Starters: Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers
Nickelback: Casey Hayward
Backups: Steve Williams and Craig Mager
Size is the main concern here with the Chargers cornerbacks. However, Verrett is an elite cover man who needs to be more durable in order to be considered among the top players at the position.
Safety
Starters: Dwight Lowery and Jahleel Addae
Backups: Darrell Stuckey and Adrian McDonald
Depth and overall talent is a concern at safety. It appears that San Diego is going to pay the price for mistreating Eric Weddle.