Top 5 Chargers positions that need more depth after first wave of free agency

3. Running Back

Running back might've honestly still cracked my list at number five or potentially an honorable mention prior to the Austin Ekeler trade request. The need has only intensified with the status Chargers' do-it-all offensive star uncertain.

Outside of Ekeler, the Chargers' running back room is just not the strongest on paper. Joshua Kelley showed that he could be a solid complementary back, but he's nowhere near ready to be a workhorse RB1 if #30 were to leave.

Isaiah Spiller is still very young as a prospect and based on how the coaching staff used him in 2022, there's not enough to say they trust him to have a breakout impact. Larry Rountree is primarily a special teams practice squad promotion at this point.

Ekeler and Kelley specifically have one year left on their current contracts. The solution doesn't have to be drafting Bijan Robinson per se, but a new rookie contract would be somewhat optimal via the draft.

If Ekeler is traded, there's an argument for running back to be vaulted up to number 1 on the list. But for this intermediary period where his return in 2023 is still probable, the middle is the sweet spot.