LA Chargers: Ranking the 2020 impact of offseason additions

Sixth-highest 2020 impact acquisition: LB Nick Vigil

Nick Vigil, a free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals, is a high IQ linebacker with fairly good coverage skills. He uses that IQ to position himself well in pass coverage, and he manages to find the ball carrier on running plays more often than what you would expect, as he racked up 274 tackles in the last three seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Still, Vigil has limited size and athleticism. That makes him best suited for a role as a rotational linebacker and core special-teamer.

However, it is important to note the depth around him.

Denzel Perryman and Kyzir White have struggled to stay on the field throughout their career. Vigil has been the opposite, as he has been a reliable presence for the Bengals over the years. For this reason, Vigil should have a significant impact on the Chargers’ defense in 2020.

If you want more about how Vigil will fit into the Chargers defense, you can read a full article about his role with the Chargers here.

Fifth-highest 2020 impact acquisition: LB Kenneth Murray

By far, the rookie who should have the most significant impact on the Chargers’ success in 2020 should be Kenneth Murray.

At Oklahoma, Murray was a rangy and aggressive linebacker with nearly unlimited playmaking ability. He often shot into the gaps created by offensive lines to put the offense behind the sticks early.

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However, the con to this aggressiveness is that he can get burned by misdirection and play action.

While Kenneth Murray has the ability to become an excellent three-down linebacker, he will need a bit of time to learn the Chargers’ defense and develop a balance between patience and aggressiveness.

However, he is talented enough that the Chargers might just give him the chance to learn on the fly as an immediate starter. Murray will make a big impact on this defense this year either as a rotational player or as a starter.