Why the LA Chargers should draft a kicker in the 2021 NFL Draft

The LA Chargers and kicking problems are synonymous with each other. Over various different seasons with various different kickers, the Bolts have been burnt by problems at the kicker position.

Michael Badgley was subject to these problems in 2020. Despite being promising early in his Chargers tenure, the wheels fell off for Badgley, who missed a combined 12 kicks between field goals and extra points.

Not only was he not making kicks, but he lacks the power in his leg to be a consistent option. It is clear that at the very least Badgley needs competition at the position in camp — and quite frankly, he probably should be replaced.

Thus, the Chargers should turn to a somewhat unconventional method of adding a kicker: the NFL Draft. There are around 2-3 kickers taken in each NFL Draft.

The Chargers have taken eight kickers in franchise history with only one being successful in Nate Kaeding, and we all know how he did when the lights shined the brightest. Despite that, here is why the Chargers should make it nine kickers.

1. The LA Chargers have nine draft picks

The LA Chargers currently have nine picks in the 2021 NFL Draft with a compensatory pick in the third round for losing Philip Rivers and the Tennessee Titans’ sixth-round pick as part of the Desmond King trade this season.

The Chargers certainly have roster holes to fill, but having more picks allows them to fill the needs earlier on. That extra third-round pick is huge in getting a legitimate asset in the draft, the extra sixth is a perfect time to take a kicker.

There is even the possibility of the Chargers trading down in the draft and racking up even more draft capital, which makes it even more likely to take a kicker late in the draft.

Sure, they can take some fourth-string linebacker with that Titans’ pick, but in reality, they would be better off taking a kicker that can make an impact.

But what about the other options? Let’s get into them.