The Chargers addressed a variety of position groups via free agency and the draft, but there were a few whose arrow pointed upwards based on the additions and some of the players that will be returning in 2021.
With that being said, let’s take a look at three units that should see the most improvement in comparison to last season.
Offensive line
The offensive line ranked near the bottom in the NFL last season and a great amount of their success lies in the hands of quarterback Justin Herbert, which is why general manager Tom Telesco made the point to build it from the ground up.
It first started with hiring with offensive line coaches, Frank Smith and Shaun Sarrett. Smith worked with the likes Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs and Carl Nicks, all of whom were named to the Pro Bowl during his time with the Saints while Sarrett spent eight years with the Steelers.
In free agency, Corey Linsley was the biggest splash signing as he is one of the best centers in the league. Guards Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi have proven themselves for their previous teams. Bryan Bulaga, who is coming off an injury riddled season, is back to man the right tackle position.
In the draft, first-round pick Rashawn Slater was one of the event’s biggest steals, solidifying Herbert’s blindside protection. Fifth-round pick Brenden Jaimes is an enticing depth piece who will likely kick inside, but he has versatility to protect the edges in a pinch.
Secondary
The Chargers’ secondary had high expectations entering the 2020 season. But with Derwin James being ruled out injured before Week 1, Desmond King being traded away a few games into the year, Chris Harris Jr. being limited to just over half the season, and Casey Hayward having arguably one of the worst seasons of his career, those expectations weren’t quite met.
This season, however, should be completely different. Under head coach Brandon Staley and defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill, who are two of the best in this league at getting the most out of their defensive backs, the unit has the opportunity to be a solid group altogether.
Michael Davis is ascending into one of the better boundary corners. The usage of Nasir Adderley’s versatility should see him finally come into his own. Rookie Asante Samuel Jr. was one of the nation’s top corners. Mark Webb is an intriguing piece with potential to play a role in Year 1. Harris Jr. is familiar with the defense. James is back and eager to regain his All-Pro status.
Health is key, considering the safety group is top heavy, with the depth being slim. But should they stay injury-free, the sky is the limit.
Special teams
A few of the Chargers’ games from last season were lost due to the poor special teams department. The first step to fixing the unit was hiring Derius Swinton II as the new coordinator.
Swinton has 13 years as a special teams coach under his belt. He previously served as the Cardinals’ assistant special teams coach. Swinton has worked as the 49ers’ special teams coordinator in addition to coaching with the Bears, Broncos, Chiefs and Rams.
The team brought in experienced special teams players via free agency and the draft to give Swinton to work with, including two new kickers to compete with Michael Badgley, with those being Tristan Vizcaino and Alex Kessman.
In addition, proven coverage players were added like veterans Ryan Smith and Kyler Fackrell and the majority of their rookies have experience to aide in that department.