PFF Identifies LA Chargers' Three Crucial Cornerstones Moving Forward

Who should make the cut?

Every team has a core of players they want to build around for the future. Within the NFL, normally, that starts with the quarterback if an organization is lucky, and then they can grab other positions. Having a solid quarterback is the key to success within the league, and we've seen it come to a head over the last few years.

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of those lucky teams that have found their franchise-level quarterback in Justin Herbert. He is one of the best in the NFL and continues to improve every season. Herbert helped lead them to the postseason last season for the first time in his career and now will look to add to his success.

But what about the other core players for the Bolts? Pro Football Focus ranked the top three players to build around on every NFL team, and the Chargers had some interesting other names. PFF listed offensive lineman Rashawn Slater and defensive end Joey Bosa alongside Herbert.

"The Chargers face a lot of pressure entering 2023 in what could be the final year for wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams along with edge defender Khalil Mack, and they’ll have to retool the roster around Justin Herbert’s impending monster extension. Allen, Williams and Mack have a combined cap hit of $105 million in 2024, so while they all should have high expectations in 2023, they may not be long-term building blocks. A healthy Rashawn Slater at left tackle could go a long way in working through an offensive overhaul."

Per PFF

In all honesty, you can't argue this because Slater is one of the better young linemen in the NFL, and Bosa can be an explosive edge rusher when he is healthy.

The Bolts are a veteran-heavy team within their starters, so these three-make senses. The one player that you could maybe make an argument for is safety, Derwin James Jr., if you wanted to hold the injury history of Bosa against him. He has established himself as a top safety in the league and is a little more durable than the Chargers' defensive end.

But this is a good problem to have if you are the Chargers because it means that you have a very talented roster. 2023 looks to be a make-or-break year for the Chargers as they look to meet the very high expectations that they have set for themselves.