Los Angeles Chargers: 5 offseason needs

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Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) leaves the field with center Matt Slauson (68) and guard Spencer Pulley (73) after being sacked for a safety in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bolster the offensive line

For as many issues as the Chargers have on the defensive side of the ball, the offensive line is their biggest weakness heading into the 2017 NFL season. The team brought in Matt Slauson to play center last season, but that definitely did not work out. Philip Rivers was running for his life every time he dropped back to pass, and if he did not have the quickest release in the NFL, he probably would have been sacked much more often.

Joe Barksdale, D.J. Fluker, and Orlando Franklin are just too inconsistent, making the offensive line the team’s biggest priority this offseason. The organization needs to stop putting a band aid on this problem, and invest some serious money in protecting Rivers next season. Melvin Gordon also emerged as a good running back after a bad rookie season in 2015, giving the Bolts a real threat in the backfield.

There are plenty of names available this offseason, including guys like Ryan Clady and T.J. Lang. The Chargers need help all over their line, so they will not be limited to improving only the tackle positions. The NFL Draft also has some NFL-ready lineman who should be available to them in the second or third round, including players like Cam Robinson and Garett Bolles.

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The Chargers have a very good opportunity to really make a splash in their first season in Los Angeles next season. They were hard-luck losers on numerous occasions this past season, letting some sure wins slip through their fingers. With a couple of good signings, they could be very competitive in 2017, but with aging stars up and down their roster, they will have to add depth to numerous positions if they hope to be competitive for years to come.