NFL Power Rankings 2019: Post-mandatory minicamp edition
By Randy Gurzi
8. Los Angeles Chargers (5)
The Los Angeles Chargers were hoping to make some noise last season, but they ended up losing to the New England Patriots in the playoffs. The frustration should motivate them to improve this season, but that won’t be the only reason they’re better.
Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network spoke with Hayley Elwood of the team’s website and said that they should be better due to backfield depth, and the return of Hunter Henry.
"“I know you lose Tyrell Williams, but there’s still plenty of talent there at that wide receiver position. With Keenan and Mike (Williams) coming back, and I’m anxious to how Artavis Scott fits in (because) he was doing well last year before he got injured. But Hunter Henry is the one; that is the major addition. You’re talking about a top-five-caliber tight end in the NFL. The complement with him and Virgil, because they both can be more than competent in the run game. And then to be able to flex Hunter out and do a lot of different things with him, it’s going to provide (Offensive Coordinator) Ken Whisenhunt with a lot of options, and you know he loves tight ends! He’ll have a big year.”"
The young tight end did make it back for the playoffs but missed all 16 games of the regular season in 2018. He gives Philip Rivers a safety valve as the veteran quarterback looks to finally get over the hump. They’re a good team, but can they be great? That has yet to be answered.