Los Angeles Chargers: Not getting better at RB
The Los Angeles Chargers lost Mike Pouncy this year as the former Miami Dolphins first-round pick decided to call it a career after missing 11 games in 2019 and the entire season in 2020. With him out, the Chargers line struggled overall and it became an area they were determined to fix.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, they took Rashawn Slater from Northwestern and he projects as the starting left tackle across from right tackle Bryan Bulaga. They also replaced Pouncey with Corey Linsley who was the No. 1 graded center in the NFL last season according to Pro Football Focus.
With the line improved, the Chargers are hoping that second-year quarterback Justin Herbert can take the next step as a starter — and if he does, he could become one of the better quarterbacks in the game because he was outstanding as a rookie.
However, there’s another area on offense they needed to improve but didn’t — running back. Autin Ekeler signed a four-year $24.5 million extension before the 2020 season but then he missed six games with a hyperextended knee and hamstring issues. Despite playing just 10 games, he led the team with 530 yards rushing.
Of course, Ekeler is more than just a runner as he had 403 yards on 54 receptions but the team’s inability to move the ball without him was an issue and they didn’t do anything to improve in that area which could be an issue if Ekeler struggles with health again in 2021.