Rams and Chargers Draft Analysis:
With both newcomers to Los Angeles failing to win the Lombardi, here are a few tips on how they could get there.
Chargers Team Needs:
Quarterback
This Team is in desperate need of a future replacement for Philip Rivers, last season he threw for 4,000 yards had 28 TDs and just 10 INTs, however at the old age of 36, it’s a wonder how much longer the franchise QB can keep this high level of play.
Defensive Tackle
The Chargers had the best defensive end combination in the NFL with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa combining for 23 sacks. The Chargers biggest need of defense though is defensive tackle. Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget both proved to be frequent liabilities this season with the Chargers struggling to generate pressure from the middle and stuff the run.
Line Backer
The Chargers also have a need for a linebacker. This however, is more for damage control. The Chargers often struggled without the presence of Denzel Perryman who missed some time due to injury. They also had multiple linebackers who struggled in coverage this season. This team overall could use more speed and athleticism from this position.
Rams Team Needs:
Wide Receiver:
I would say this is the team’s biggest need. They didn’t have a single 1,000 yard receiver and their running back was 3rd on the team in receiving yards. Yes, Todd Gurley is a special football player. But in their playoff loss against Atlanta, they proved that in order to get far this team needs more variety in the passing game.
Cornerback:
This was a position the Rams had moderate success with, they do have a multitude of good DBs on this team, however they lack that shutdown corner no one’s willing to throw to. That is something that would make an inconsistent defense deadly. They already have the best DT in football Aaron Donald, so with that much pressure over the middle and with opposing QBs only being able to use one side, that is a potenially deadly combination.
Outside Linebacker:
Outside linebacker was a position the Rams struggled with at times, they often struggled when defending tight ends or receivers going out in the slot. They were very good up the middle but the edge seems to be the biggest thing holding this team back from being an elite defense. They struggled with tight ends and pass catching running backs most of the season.