LA Chargers: Ranking the defenses in the AFC West by position
Graded Ranking
Relative to how the offense compared to the rest of the AFC West, the LA Chargers’ defense ranks higher. The Chargers ranked 2.5 when averaging all of the individual position rankings on offense.
When averaging the defense, they rank 1.8, which means they have great talent with solid upside. The Chargers were the second or third-best offense in the rankings, but they’re between the first and second-best defense in the division.
The three huge positional positives are defensive end, cornerback, and safety. Having elite talent like Bosa, Hayward, and James in these three areas really elevates the defense. There are some reasonable question marks.
Davis is inconsistent at times and the free safety position next to James is wide open currently. The top-end talent the Chargers have here will overcome some of the kinks that need to be worked out.
Linebacker and defensive tackle aren’t bad in my opinion, but I’ll wait and see how both positions turn out. When it comes to defensive tackle, there might be an immediate improvement if Tillery can step up as a pass rusher. The interior is so crucial because if there’s even just some small enhancements, they can really unleash Bosa and Ingram on the ends.
Next. Rankings the Offenses in the AFC West
The quality of linebacker play will really depend on the rotation. With the Chargers using a first-round pick on Murray, he’s going to get a lot of snaps. Behind him, there are some questions that need to be answered. Will Perryman begin to be phased out in his last contract year? Is Kyzir White going to be a more consistent part of the rotation? I like where the Chargers are headed at linebacker, but need to see more.