Why the LA Chargers should push hard for free agent K.J. Wright

3. The LA Chargers likely won’t get an impactful OLB in the 2021 NFL Draft

The LA Chargers could sign other free agents to play outside linebacker but K.J. Wright is probably the best value out there for what the Bolts need. The other alternative for the Chargers is the 2021 NFL Draft and I personally think it is unlikely that they will get a player that is impactful in year one.

To get an outside linebacker that can truly be impactful the Chargers will have to spend a pick in the first two rounds. While they could obviously get a sleeper in rounds three or later, the team won’t be comfortable in trusting a mid-round pick to be the end-all solution at the position.

The team could surprise me and pick an outside linebacker with one of its first two picks but I find it unlikely. Offensive line has to be the number one thing on the team’s agenda and the Chargers picking an offensive lineman at 13 almost seems like a foregone conclusion.

Personally, I want to see the Chargers pick another offensive lineman in round two. Sure, the team can sign a veteran, but all that does is delay the issue another year or two, hence why offensive line is always a need for the Chargers. By drafting two straight offensive linemen, the Chargers (if all goes right) just built 40% of their offensive line for at least the next five years.

Even if the team does not draft an offensive lineman in round two I think it is more likely that they go with a corner. It is harder to find a lockdown outside corner in free agency (free-agent corners are either too old or too expensive) and the Chargers need youth at the position anyway.

An ideal situation is signing Wright, drafting an edge in the mid-rounds and letting that edge play a complementary role and learn from the veterans on the LA Chargers.