LA Chargers: 4 biggest takeaways from the first wave of free agency
By Jason Reed
2. The LA Chargers are comfortable drafting a cornerback and edge rusher
The LA Chargers should still be selecting an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The team still needs a left tackle and with not much on the market, it seems like a surefire decision that they will go left tackle with the 13th overall pick.
After the offensive lineman, the Chargers are likely going to target the cornerback and edge rusher position. Now, we already knew this just based on how the roster is constructed, but the team’s activity in free agency only hammers home that point.
In fact, it has become clear that the LA Chargers are comfortable with taking these positions in the draft and do not feel the need to have to chase anything in free agency. Brandon Staley is a very good defensive coach and the front office appears to have ample faith in his ability to develop young defensive players, as they should.
The team re-signed Michael Davis but has not made any other additions to the cornerback room. The team was in the mix for Kyle Fuller, who signed with the Denver Broncos, and every fan thought that they were going to sign Troy Hill.
Those fans were upset when Hill signed for a reasonable price with the Cleveland Browns. That sent a message: the Chargers don’t think they have to rely on free agency and expect to get a legitimate outside corner in the 2021 NFL Draft.
That is a bit of a risk if they do go offensive lineman in round one as there could be a big drop-off in cornerback talent in round two. But hey, maybe Tom Telesco surprises us all and goes with Jaycee Horn at 13 and drafts a tackle in round two.