The Chargers feature some of the NFL’s best players at their position. Their No. 16 ranked player heading into 2019: Rookie sensation Michael Badgley
The Chargers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, featuring multiple former or current Pro-Bowl and All-Pro players who represent some of the best of their respective positions. Though almost the entire roster is talented, who is the best heading into 2019?
Here is the list so far:
18 and 17 featured two players from the 2018 draft class, but the next player ranked higher than both wasn’t taken in any round at all: Kicker Michael Badgley.
2018 Stats:
- 15-16 on field goals (93.8 percent)
- 27-28 on extra points (96.4 percent)
- Long: 59 yards
Why he makes the list:
After some combination of Nick Novak, Caleb Sturgis, Roberto Aguayo, Nick Rose, and Travis Coons, fans were sick and tired of field goal kickers who couldn’t do their jobs. Anything better than terrible would have been just fine for Chargers fans; much to their luck, they got the wonderful Michael Badgley.
All he did in his rookie season was have the highest kick conversion percentage in the league, set a franchise record for longest field goal, make a game-winner on Sunday Night Football, and set the franchise record for postseason field goals made. It’s a travesty he can’t be ranked higher…for now.
Why he isn’t higher
If this were an entire season of similar statistics and the same achievements, it vaults Badgley into the top 10. However, since he only appeared in 10 regular season games, it does knock him a little bit. That, combined with the fact that 2018 was his only season in the NFL, gives him a smaller career game log. Fortunately for Badgley (because he cares) this list will change as the season progresses, so there is a chance he creeps towards one of the top spots as he plays in more games.