LA Chargers: 5 big roster holes that still exist after first week of free agency
By Jason Reed
4. Interior defensive line
Whether the team transitions into a 3-4 defense with Brandon Staley calling the shots or not, the LA Chargers need help on the interior defensive line, especially in respect to stopping the run. While it is the fourth-biggest roster hole on the team, I believe this is the most overlooked roster hole this offseason.
The Chargers are not in a great position when it comes to the interior defensive line. Linval Joseph was the team’s best player in that area last season and he is on the wrong side of 30, is one year older and is in the last year of his contract.
Not only does the team need to prepare now for life with Joseph, but they need to prepare for a regression that is absolutely possible with his age. It always seems unlikely until it actually happens, just look at Casey Hayward.
Jerry Tillery is entering his third season after being a first-round pick in 2018 and he has still failed to put it all together. Even with his promising flashes, it is clear that Tillery is not a great against the run and his best future is probably one where he moves to the outside to be a pass-rush specialist.
Justin Jones is an okay depth option and that is all the team really has. The position is not only extremely thin but lacks anyone outside of Joseph, who may not even be the same player in 2021, who can consistently provide quality snaps against the run.