Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Needs: Run Defense Tops The List

Run Defense

For the Staley defense to work for the Los Angeles Chargers, there must be a big commitment to defending the run this offseason. Obviously, a large part of Staley’s defense revolves around defensive backs getting into alleys in order to offer support for the front seven. However, the interior defensive line has to be better freeing up defenders at the second and third levels, and the linebackers need to improve as a unit with processing. We’re grouping the entire front seven into this.

This can be fixed in multiple ways. Mock drafts have often penned in Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis as the selection at 17, but don’t be surprised if that isn’t the case. There are several free agents the Chargers could consider at defensive tackle, from Akiem Hicks to Brandon Williams and even B.J. Hill if he doesn’t re-sign with the Bengals. The 2022 NFL Draft presents early down run stuffers in players like Travis Jones and Neil Farrell Jr. without the increased draft capital.

Linebacker is often a position that isn’t very fruitful in free agency. One player to watch would be Rashaan Evans, who always thrived as a downhill thumper for the Titans. Otherwise, look to the draft at the position. Nakobe Dean is well worth the first round pick. Despite the size, everything else is there to be a high-impact player early on. Wyoming’s Chad Muma would be another to look at on the first two days.

Don’t forget about the edge. There isn’t much opposite Bosa right now, and finding that long-term answer makes sense in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he’s still available (yes, his stock is soaring), Jermaine Johnson II would be an excellent addition. He’s a dominant run defender who sets the edge with authority and is taking massive leaps as a pass rusher.