5 mistakes the LA Chargers must avoid making this offseason
By Jason Reed
2. The LA Chargers drafting anything but offensive line help in round one
The LA Chargers offensive line was terrible last season. The Chargers allowed the second-most pressures (196) in the league last season, just behind the Philadelphia Eagles, while having the third-highest pressure rating. Justin Herbert was hurried more than any other QB in the league last season and was hit the fourth-most times.
That is a problem. Yes, Herbert was historically good against pressure last season but that was because he was just really good and was always getting pressured. We cannot assume that he is going to continue to play at that level against pressure.
It just is not sustainable. The Chargers are going to mess around and get their franchise quarterback hurt because they have too much faith in the project offensive lineman that they drafted and the veterans that they signed who get hurt.
Justin Herbert is priority number one and I do not care if he had a 100% completion rate under pressure. You have to protect the future of the franchise. Do we need to even mention Joe Burrow?
That starts with doing something the Chargers have not done since 2013: drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. I know that the idea of taking Jaylen Waddle is the sexy option or getting an elite edge rusher or corner might sound fun, but it is offensive line or bust in the first round.
Whether they pick at 13 or trade down to 24, taking anything other than offensive line in the first round is absolutely inexcusable by Tom Telesco and should instantly put him on the hot seat.