LA Chargers: Top five positions of need after free agency

3. Defensive Tackle

The Chargers did make a statement in free agency by signing Joseph. He’s going to bring a lot of strength to the line. Had they not signed him, defensive tackle would be higher on this list.

While the Joseph signing is great, there are still questions for me when looking at the rest of the tackles on the interior line. Justin Jones is decent enough and did take strides in 2019. Jerry Tillery really is the one who needs to take the next step in 2020 after a disappointing rookie year, and there’s already some obstacles to that.

Can Tillery develop in a world where there very well may not be a training camp or much of an offseason program due to the COVID-19 outbreak? This goes for a lot of second and third-year players on the Chargers roster, but it’s especially a question for Tillery, who will need to play a bigger role relative to his position.

Damon Harrison and Mike Daniels are probably the most high-profile remaining free agents at defensive tackle. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers decide to bring back Damion Square, who is also a free agent. His snaps were pretty good last year, decide a lackluster interior overall.

When it comes to value, there are some great picks later in the draft who could fit the team. Between the third and fifth rounds, tackles like Jordan Elliott and Leki Fotu really appeal to me. They’re ready to play right now and both have high motors.

Ultimately, how much help the Chargers need at defensive tackle will come down to the development of Tillery. Given the uncertain state of the offseason though, it’s not a bad idea to pick up a tackle with high upside in the third or fourth round.