Even though free agency is not necessarily over, the big-ticket players are all gone. The Chargers signed a few players before turning their full attention to the 2020 NFL Draft, which is just weeks away.
Los Angeles made some aggressive moves in the first week of the new league year, which will likely have an impact on their game-plan later this month as they continue to build the roster.
Here are four takeaways from the Bolts’ free agency and ahead of the upcoming draft.
Only a couple of pieces away from a competent line
Heading into free agency, one of the Chargers’ biggest needs lied along the offensive line after finishing among the league’s worst last season. To address it, Los Angeles traded for five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga.
The additions of Turner and Bulaga shored up the right side of the line, but there are still questions that need to be answered with the rest of the unit.
Uncertainty lies at the left tackle position as to whether or not the team believes in Trey Pipkins as the starter moving forward. Center Mike Pouncey has not been cleared to play yet after sustaining a severe neck injury. And it remains to be seen if Dan Feeney or Forrest Lamp can be reliable starters at left guard going forward.
The questions that loom large can and likely will be addressed in the upcoming draft. If the Bolts draft their quarterback of the future in Round 1, I expect them to follow that up with a tackle to compete for a starting job as well as an interior offensive lineman for more depth in case Feeney or Lamp don’t pan out or Pouncey isn’t able to play.