San Diego Chargers: Projected Starting Lineup
Through the middle of the offseason, there have been some major acquisitions for the San Diego Chargers that will change the dynamic of the team in a major way.
Come the first game of the 2016 season, the Chargers will more than likely look plenty different than the team that was fielded during the 2015 campaign. More importantly, the starting 22 players on offense and defense will surely have changed.
Related Story: San Diego's Fearful Offense
Offense:
Quarterback: Philip Rivers
Runningbacks: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead
Wide Receivers: Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin
Tight End: Hunter Henry
Center: Matt Slauson
Right Offensive Guard: D.J. Fluker
Left Offensive Guard: Orlando Franklin
Right Offensive Tackle: Joe Barksdale
Left Offensive Tackle: King Dunlap
There are not too many surprises on the offensive side of the spectrum. Something that the Chargers must do is look at how Hunter Henry improves throughout the rest of the offseason and throughout the Preseason. If Henry is the better tight end over Antonio Gates, then the Arkansas product deserves to start. Max Tuerk will give Slauson a run for his money at center; however, Slauson is a proven veteran with a hard-nosed attitude for tough football.
Defense:
Right Defenseive End: Joey Bosa
Defensive Tackle: Brandon Mebane
Left Defensive End: Corey Liuget
Right Outside Linebacker: Jeremiah Attaouchu
Middle Linebacker: Denzel Perryman
Middle Linebacker: Joshua Perry
Left Outside Linebacker: Melvin Ingram
Right Cornerback: Jason Verrett
Strong Safety: Jahleel Addae
Free Safety/Hybrid Linebacker: Jatavis Brown
Left Cornerback: Brandon Flowers
The front seven projected starters looks phenomenal on paper. Corey Liuget is as underrated as it gets in the NFL. Combining Mebane and Bosa to aid Liuget along the defensive line will surely help warrant the massive contract extension that was awarded to Liuget before last season.
The linebackers look extremely young and energetic; Perryman and Perry go with Ingram and Attaochu like thunder goes with lightning. Hopefully, Jatavis Brown can develop and improve on his raw ability to really help out on defense or else the free safety role may be filled by newly signed Dwight Lowery.
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The Chargers have complimented their team greatly in this offseason. Both units, offensively and defensively, have thoroughly improved in quality. If all goes well, and the starters stay healthy, the 2016 San Diego Chargers may find themselves in the thick of a playoff race.