The Los Angeles Chargers might have one of the best rosters in the entire league. The problem is when you have a running backs coach running the ship, you’re going to underachieve. Bosa, Ingram, Rivers, Gordon, Allen, Hayward are just a few of their Pro Bowl caliber players and they still missed the playoffs. There’s no reason to think they will make the playoffs anytime soon as long as Anthony Lynn remains the head coach. What should we keep an eye on with the talent-rich Los Angeles Chargers in 2018?

3 Position Battles To Watch:

1. Tight End: TBD

Hunter Henry? Sorry, out for the season. Austin Roberts? Nope, also out for the year. Virgil Green? Oh…yeah he’s pretty much an offensive lineman at this point. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! Get Antonio Gates signed NOW.

2. Wide Receiver: Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams

I think people are already starting to forget that Mike Williams was drafted 7th overall just one-year ago. So why isn’t he projected to start? Well, he’s slow, injury prone, and has zero route running skills. At the moment, Williams is nothing more than a jump ball guy. Tyrell Williams isn’t anything spectacular reeling in 43 catches in 2017. I’m sure the Chargers would like Williams to develop sooner rather than later but that’s looking less and less likely.

3. Linebacker: Kyle Emmanuel, Uchenna Nwosu

I don’t think anyone knows what Uchenna Nwosu is including his own coaching staff. Nwosu started USC as a safety but eventually wound up at defensive end. In reality, Nwosu is probably a hybrid linebacker because he can’t really rush the passer. He’s sort of a boom or bust prospect because nothing he did as USC warrants a 2nd round pick. Emmanuel will open the year as the starter with Nwosu worked in on nickel packages (I’m guessing).

Ready To Breakout: Desmond King

I will fully admit I was totally wrong about Desmond King. King was a rookie last year and was completely awful during the pre-draft process and fell from the first round into the 6th round. Yes, it was that bad, he deserved to fall. However, it was a reminder that the combine and Senior Bowl aren’t everything because he was a good player at Iowa but lacked elite athleticism. King proved me wrong because I thought he was only capable of being a safety. King locked down the slot and could become one of the better corners in the NFL heading into year two.

Rookie To Watch: Derwin James

It has to be Derwin James, right? James is a boom or bust prospect in my eyes. His coverage skills are pretty average but this is an elite athlete. A lengthy Injury history also has to be a huge concern. There’s a ton of potential here but James finds a way to disappear a lot or at least he did in college. We’re going to find out just how good Derwin is.

The Lead Word – NFL PreDraft Special And NBA Finals – 4.25.18

Fantasy Sleeper: Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers has always been a good fantasy quarterback but doesn’t really get drafted like one for whatever reason. Rivers has thrown 61 touchdowns the past two years so we kind of know what we’re getting with about 30 per year. A lot of quarterbacks don’t hit that number but Rivers does pretty frequently. His offensive line is also a hell of a lot better coming into this year with Pouncey and Lamp joining the front.

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