Los Angeles Chargers: 5 offseason needs in 2019

1. Defensive tackle

In 2018, Corey Liuget was slated to be the team’s starting defensive tackle, and Brandon Mebane was the team’s number-one noise tackle. Liuget only played in six games before being hurt, which led to Darius Philon taking over the starting role. Mebane played 12 games.

The Chargers have recently denied an option on Liuget, making him a free agent, and Mebane is slated to be an unrestricted free agent. Meaning, the Chargers now have a desperate need for interior defensive linemen.

Telesco should use his first-round pick for this need. Free agency is light on defensive tackles outside of Sheldon Richardson, a player the Chargers may pursue anyway.

But the upcoming NFL Draft has a handful of high-potential defensive tackles that are projected to be early selections. The Chargers hold the 28th pick in the first round, which may position them perfectly to select one of those prized prospects.

Ohio State’s Dre’Mont Jones may slip a few picks and fall into the laps of the Chargers. Dexter Lawrence, former Clemson Tiger, is more likely to become a Charger based on current draft projections.

Jones or Lawrence would be far more ideal than signing Richardson. While Richardson would be a quick fix for a contending team, the two draft prospects have a much higher ceiling and will help create a nice duo to go with defensive end Joey Bosa.

Of course, finding someone to fill the noise tackle position is also a need, but the defensive tackle should be prioritized in the team’s 4-3 scheme.