NFL Expert Questions Chargers’ Overall Depth Heading Into Draft

Chargers insider believes LA needs to add more depth on defense

The 2022 Chargers defense did not live up to the hype they came in with. LA added some big guns to the defense prior to the season, but they underachieved. 

The Chargers will look to improve in that department, led by their defensive-minded head coach Brandon Staley. One of the best and cost-efficient ways to do it is by the draft. The Bolts will look to bolster their defense, and they'll do that this weekend in the NFL Draft. 

Chargers insider Jeff Miller believes it is vital for LA to get defensive weapons to help get them over the top. 

The Chargers hold the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, and increasingly there’s a sense they could go defense, especially at edge rusher or tackle (with cornerback another possibility).

Even with the return of Fox, the Chargers need to bolster an interior that helped permit the most yards per rushing attempt in the league a year ago.

Their run defense was horrendous, as they allowed 144.2 rush yards per game, which ranked 27th in 2022. They ended the regular season averaging 2.7 sacks per game and allowed a completion percentage of 55.7% in the second half of the regular season. This came even with the star players like Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Kahlil Mack on the roster. 

If LA wants any shot at making a deep playoff run, their defense needs to be elite, and once again, LA bolstered their defense by signing All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks. 

The Bolts need offense and defense in this draft; we'll see how they approach it come Thursday.