Offseason outlook for the Chargers moving forward: Part 1

The Los Angeles Chargers have not been entirely quiet in free agency, with savvy transactions that have made their offseason a sneaky good one to this point. Here’s what they might do moving forward…

The Los Angeles Chargers have passed on spending big money on free agents; now what? I wanted to dive in and talk about what the team has done thus far, how it helped or hurt their roster needs, and what other moves they could make in the draft.

Heading into the offseason, Tom Telesco and his staff looked like they had a firm plan going into free agency. After a few roster moves, the Chargers have limited cap room to spend. They made a lot of smart moves that did not hinder the future of the organization by offering many (though not all) low-risk, high-reward type deals. As such, deals made by the organization like signing Thomas Davis and the resigning of Denzel Perryman could really benefit in the short-term, especially if the Chargers can make a run in the wide open AFC as the Chiefs, Steelers, and Ravens have all lost considerable talent this offseason.  There were a few notable departures from the team, with Tyrell Williams joining the Oakland Raiders and Darius Philon heading to the Arizona Cardinals. The team still has needs at defensive tackle, linebacker, offensive tackle, and free safety.

With almost less than a month to go, it will be draft night in music city, and there are plenty of options for the Chargers to choose that can help them going forward. Here are three prospects that are realistic options for the Bolts:

Dexter Lawrence: Defensive Tackle, Clemson

In Lawrence I trust, Lawrence is the player I would like most in the spot where the Chargers are currently picking. The former University of Clemson product had a productive three-year period at the university. He comes into the NFL with a size and speed that will translate into an effective early player in his career. The Chargers are currently thin along the defensive interior even with the resigning of Brandon Mebane to a two-year deal. Being 34, Mebane is not getting any younger, and losing Darius Philon does not help depth when it comes to the nose tackle and defensive tackle spot. Dexter could offer the long-term stability  for the Chargers going forward.

Mack Wilson: Linebacker, Alabama

A possible day two or late first day pick for the chargers as Mack Wilson in my mind would be a great fit for the chargers as needing a linebacker and with Wilson he has large skill array. Watching Wilson this year as Alabama marched to the College National Championship Game, he showed he is a three-down player that could give a much-needed punch in the form of a thumping linebacker who has great ball skills, can give a pass rush when needed, and can stop the run. I can see him as being the long-term answer after Denzel Perryman.

Greg Little: Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Well, Philip Rivers has to stay upright. Russell Okung had a good season and was worth the investment over the past two years. The right tackle spot, on the other hand, was a bit of a revolving door finishing with Sam Tevi at the position, constantly looking overwhelmed. There could be a chance he develops as he is still young at 24 years old. Greg Little, though not as heavy as most left tackles, has a chance to  have a smooth transition to the right side for the time being and provide a stable presence on the line, where the Chargers have never truly found a steady presence.

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