Los Angeles Chargers: Early top positions of need for 2021 NFL Draft
By Ian Higgins
The curse of close-losses still tails the Charger’s organization, so what can Los Angeles do to make the most of their franchise quarterback?
Justin Herbert has only ascended since inheriting the starting role in Los Angeles. Complementing weapons Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, and Austin Ekeler have welcomed the rookie into the spotlight of the NFL and provided every opportunity to succeed.
Even though the Chargers have their offensive success, there is still a failure to translate this growth on the stat sheet into growth in the win column. Over the course of Herbert’s seven NFL starts, he has had four 300+ yard games as well as four games with 3+ touchdowns. Only one of these games resulted in a Charger’s win.
Over this seven-game stretch, the Charger’s defense has averaged 29 points allowed, placing them 24th in scoring defense. Even when a rookie quarterback comes out as electric as Herbert, a strong defensive unit that can play complementary football is key to initial success.
Not all blame can be placed on the talent of the Chargers’ defense though, as injuries have run through the squad hampering integral pieces such as safety Derwin James and free-agent cornerback Chris Harris.
If the Los Angeles Chargers are to keep their defense intact though, there are a handful of players who will be hitting the open market in 2021 (the number listed is the player’s 2020 AAV):
- Melvin Ingram, EDGE ($16M)
- Hunter Henry, TE ($10.6M)
- Mike Pouncey, C ($9M)
- Denzel Perryman, LB ($6M)
- Michael Badgley, K
Melvin Ingram has been the power-complement to Joey Bosa during his time in Los Angeles, but at 32 years old and likely commanding upwards of $9M AAV over multiple years, Los Angeles has a chance to move in a younger direction.
Hunter Henry has been a staple offensive safety-valve for the big-armed rookie and has managed to emerge when unhampered by injury. After being unable to agree to a major contract extension for 2020, both sides will hopefully be eager to make a deal nearing the $15 million AAV figures of All-Pro tight ends Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
Finally, starting center Mike Pouncey will be 32 years old at the start of the 2021 campaign, coming off of a $9 million contract in 2020. Interior offensive lineman has become easier to find in the middle rounds of the NFL draft and in a period of accumulating cap-space, such players cannot be afforded.
The current situation of the 2021 NFL salary cap is impending and doomful. A salary floor of $175 million has already been agreed to, but teams are preparing for a sudden drop from the current $198.2 million. Of the three previous names, Henry will be the most likely to return due to his positional value and age.
As of week 11 of the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers currently hold the fifth slot in the first round. With a falling salary cap and key upcoming decisions regarding the retainment of previously essential pieces, the 2021 NFL Draft is going to be a crucial point for the Los Angeles Chargers in ensuring the future success of their franchise cornerstone.