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Chargers bold predictions: June edition

By Travis Wakeman

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Wide receiver Artavis Scott #3 of the Clemson Tigers runs with the ball during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Wide receiver Artavis Scott #3 of the Clemson Tigers runs with the ball during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball on a 33 yard run down to the Washington Redskins four yard line on the final play of the first half on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball on a 33 yard run down to the Washington Redskins four yard line on the final play of the first half on December 10, 2017 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Austin Ekeler posts over 1,000 all-purpose yards

Recently, I wondered which running back would be the primary backup to Melvin Gordon this season. While Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson should both get the opportunity to contribute, I see Ekeler expanding on his impressive rookie season, in which he had 624 all-purpose yards.

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This year, I predict he’ll nearly double that figure.

Ekeler is a talented player but his desire to make plays and his work ethic will make it too difficult for the Chargers not to use him as often as possible. I feel he is more dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield than he is a ball carrier, and that’s where I see him racking up a good chunk of yardage, though he’ll also show an improvement carrying the ball as well, where he’ll hopefully have fixed his fumbling issue.

2018 projected stats: 450+ yards receiving, 400+ yards rushing, 150+ yards returning kicks.

Though Jackson will also make some plays, Ekeler will state his case as a player the team will want to invest in for the foreseeable  future.

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