NFL Team Needs: Los Angeles Chargers Team Needs

The Los Angeles Chargers made a late season playoff charge but were unable to overcome their struggles earlier in the year. They hope filling a few team needs will get them over the hump.

Philip Rivers and company are only a few pieces away from becoming legitimate contenders. The hope is that they can use this upcoming offseason to fill those couple of team needs. They do have some assets to get the job done.

Los Angeles is projected to have around $33 million in cap space, all of their own draft picks and an extra 7th round selection.

One of the underlying needs for the Chargers is the need for a young developmental quarterback. They know that Rivers is on the back end of his career and have only Cardale Jones on the roster. It’s possible they see Jones as that developmental quarterback as he has the talent to succeed in the league.

Below is the Los Angeles Chargers top-3 team needs:

1. Safety

The Chargers defense is an emerging unit who has the talent to be an elite group. They have a strong pass rush, solid defensive backs and depth across the board. The one area they need a difference maker is at the safety position.

More from With the First Pick

• 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
• 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
• Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
• 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
• 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023

Luckily, they could have some excellent options when they are on the clock in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s possible that prospects like Florida State’s Derwin James and Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison are still available.

Both players would provide an immediate upgrade as well as give the Chargers another young building block.

2. Pass Rusher

The combination of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram had developed into a real force off the edge. However, Los Angeles could stand to add another pass rusher opposite Ingram. The addition of another edge rusher would provide Gus Bradley with more options.

Los Angeles might be best served to look for a bargain free agent this offseason. They could then use one of their later round picks on a developmental prospect with upside.

3. Defensive Line

Joey Bosa, Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget are a solid starting defensive line. The issue is that both Mebane and Liuget are past their prime while becoming more expensive. This unit also lacks depth and struggles to field a strong rotation.

Ideally, the Chargers can land a big-bodied defensive lineman who can help control the line of scrimmage. Washington’s Vita Vea could be available when the Chargers pick at No. 17 overall. He would represent a major addition.