The LA Chargers have had one consistent problem for an entire decade now: a poor offensive line. The team has not truly had a great offensive line since the LaDainian Tomlinson days and it took a toll on Philip Rivers and is now taking a toll on Justin Herbert.
Luckily, Herbert was the best quarterback under pressure in the NFL last season. However, the Chargers not only need to protect their franchise quarterback but need to build a better offensive line to help the run game as well.
It is the biggest roster need that the team has and it is not even close.
The expectation is that the Chargers will at least double-down on picking offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft. While that would definitely help the issue, there is a better three-step plan that would instantly rejuvenate the team’s O-line.
1. An LA Chargers-Baltimore Ravens swap for Orlando Brown and Mike Williams
Baltimore Ravens tackle Orlando Brown is likely going to be traded this offseason. Brown has made it very clear that he wants to play left tackle, something that is not possible in Baltimore when All-Pro Ronnie Staley is healthy.
This does not seem to be about money or any sort of grievances with the Ravens. Brown wants to be an NFL left tackle so he can fulfill the dream that his dad had for him. He is a dang good left tackle and would absolutely start in Los Angeles.
So what could a trade look like?
The Ravens get receiving help in Mike Williams as well as a second-round pick from the Chargers. Lamar Jackson needs a vertical threat like Williams who is great at making contested catches.
The Chargers should be willing to trade Williams as they are overpaying for him this season on his fifth-year rookie option. It is a bigger need for Baltimore and they could work out an extension, potentially lowering Williams’ cap hit in 2021 as a result.
I have seen some discussion about the Chargers trading Williams and the 13th overall pick for Brown and the Ravens’ second, but I doubt that happens. While I would probably still say yes to the trade personally, I do not think the Ravens can get the 13th pick AND Williams for Brown.
Brown only has one year left on his deal and a late first-round pick is probably the best evaluation of him. A mid-second plus Williams should be more than enough.
2. The LA Chargers trade back to 19, take an interior offensive lineman
This all depends on what happens in free agency before the draft but if there is one team to circle as a trade back target it is the Washington Football Team. I have already broken down why Washington is such a good trade back target and going back six spots is ideal for the Bolts.
It is ideal for two reasons. First, it keeps the Bolts from reaching for an interior offensive lineman at 13. While that does not really matter, it is always better to get the same player at 19 that you could have gotten at 13.
Second, it allows the team to get draft picks back. This is important because they will be trading their second-round pick to Baltimore in the Orlando Brown trade. Washington has the 49ers’ third-round pick this year, so they have the capital to trade a third-round plus future 4-6 rounder to move up six spots.
At 19, the Chargers can take an assortment of interior offensive linemen. Alijah Vera-Tucker, Wyatt Davis and Trey Smith would all be fantastic fits in LA and would instantly start at right guard for the Chargers.
There is a chance that Vera-Tucker is selected with one of the picks from 14-18 but Davis or Smith would still be fantastic selections. In fact, I personally would rather see the Chargers take a traditional interior offensive lineman in Davis or Smith.
That is mostly because the Chargers have not had great success with taking college tackles and putting them inside (Forrest Lamp).
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports – LA Chargers
3. The LA Chargers draft a center in the third round
The LA Chargers would have three third-round picks to use on a center in the 2021 NFL Draft. This is ideal as it allows the team to shore up the offensive line with the last step of his three-step plan while still being able to address other needs.
The Chargers really only need to make one offensive line selection in the third round, leaving the other two picks to address the cornerback and edge rusher positions. Third-round prospects can help right away, whereas selection those positions in the later rounds calls for development.
There a few names to keep in mind in the third round and it all depends on the Chargers’ scouting and who they like the most. Quinn Meinerz is an intriguing name who was relatively unknown up until his tremendous showing at the Senior Bowl.
Tom Telesco likes Senior Bowl standouts. In case you forgot, Justin Herbert was the MVP of the Senior Bowl last season.
Josh Myers from Ohio State could be an option and someone who I really like is Drake Jackson from Kentucky. Jackson is not as versatile as these other guys, so his draft stock gets hurt from being pigeonholed just at the center position.
Regardless, get a center to develop new chemistry with Justin Herbert. Dan Feeney can come back as a depth center but that is all he should be at this point.
The Chargers’ new-look offensive line, at least for the 2021 season, would consist of a Pro Bowler in Brown, two really solid prospects at left guard and center and the two veterans in Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga on the right side.
If Turner and Bulaga and stay healthy that is a dang good offensive line that is also building towards the future.