LA Chargers: “Steal a Player” series – NFC North edition
What could the LA Chargers’ roster look like with some of the NFC North’s top players?
In a new NFL of the future, the LA Chargers get to steal one player from each franchise in the NFL. Which players should be taken from the NFC North teams?
A few days ago, I took a look at which NFC East players from each team could benefit the Chargers the most. Today, we’ll take a look at which NFC North players could really mesh well with the LA Chargers as currently constructed.
Addressing team needs, the potential fit of the player, as well as contracts, came into account when looking at which players to select from each roster.
From the Green Bay Packers, the LA Chargers steal…
LT David Bakhtiari
Left tackle is one of the more troubling positions when it comes to projecting the Chargers in 2020. It’s going to be either Sam Tevi or Trey Pipkins starting at the beginning of the season unless the Chargers decide to sign Jason Peters.
It was a little surprising when the Chargers didn’t take a tackle in the draft. Pipkins might be the guy one day, but he’s not quite ready now, despite some improvement towards the end of the season. Tevi improved as a pass blocker throughout the year, but he’s still not really starter quality.
The Chargers could use someone who’s been a starter at tackle for a long time in the league, preferably at left tackle. That’s why David Bakhtiari is a pretty obvious choice when it comes to stealing from the Packers. They signed Bryan Bulaga to firm up the right side, so why not take his former linemate as well?
Other than the chemistry he has with Bulaga already, Bakhtiari is just a really solid tackle on his own. He’s achieved a 78+ blocking grade in each of the last four seasons, approximately 15-20 points higher than anyone the Chargers are currently considering for left tackle on the roster. He’s very dependable as well-Bakhtiari has only missed a total of six games in his seven NFL seasons.
He’s also on a fairly team-friendly contract as well. $12 million may sound like a lot, but he’s in the last year of his deal in 2020, so it’s a fairly efficient contract to take on. For a one time All-Pro and two time Pro Bowler, it’s very much worth it considering the Chargers’ need at left tackle.