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LA Chargers: Projecting the 2020 offensive depth chart

By Alexander Insdorf

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Running Backs: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Jordan Howard, AJ Dillon

Melvin Gordon, of course, is the big domino to fall either way here. Should he re-sign, it would mostly be the same backfield the Chargers ran last year. However, despite Lynn saying he would love to have Gordon back, it doesn’t feel probable that he comes back.

Telesco made the $10 million per year offer to Gordon last offseason and Gordon wouldn’t take it. Unless Gordon decides he’s willing to take $10 million or less, Telesco stands firm.

Without Gordon, the Chargers use a first or second-round tender on Austin Ekeler to retain him for the 2020 season at a cap hit between two and four million. Justin Jackson returns in the final year of his rookie contract ready to produce.

One signing that has some appeal in terms of physicality and efficiency at the position would be free agent Jordan Howard. Coming off a solid year where he averaged 4.4 yards per carry with solid performances before his injury. Ekeler and Jackson might not be too adept when it comes to goal line and short-yardage runs, so bringing in some physicality can help.

Another offseason pick up that could have some sleeper appeal late as a sixth or seventh-round pick is Boston College’s AJ Dillon. At six-feet tall and 250 pounds, Dillon averaged 5.2 yards per carry in his college career but has great evasiveness as well. His athleticism has been underrated in most draft coverage so far.

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