As the Los Angeles Chargers continue to build their draft board, one thing should be rather clear for the franchise to see, and that’s Justin Herbert needs better protection.
Sacked a whopping 54 times last year (third most in football), that isn’t any way for a quarterback to live, and in the offseason, the Chargers haven’t been too proactive in fortifying Herbert’s offensive line.
Only center Tyler Biadasz is the “big” signing, and yes, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are expected to be back, which helps, but the interior of the line needs bolstering.
And for NFL.com’s Mike Band, in his latest mock draft, the Chargers take guard Chase Bisontis in the first round.
“This might be a little early for Bisontis in terms of pure board value, but the Chargers can justify it if the top interior blockers are gone,” Band wrote. “Joe Hortiz has already made it clear that protecting Justin Herbert is a priority, and new OC Mike McDaniel’s scheme will ask for more range from its offensive linemen than this front had a year ago.
“Bisontis gives Los Angeles a young, athletic guard with tackle experience, making him a logical fit for a team trying to get sturdier up front without losing movement ability.”
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Chargers need to help Herbert
The franchise has already made a couple of good moves, signing Biadasz and hiring Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator. So those two moves should help, plus having Alt and Slater back is a big bonus.
But more is needed, and Band’s mock is a good start, solidifying Herbert’s protection after he was sacked at will last season.
However, could the Chargers also look at getting Herbert another receiver?
With Herbert’s weapons in need of adding another body, especially if Keenan Allen doesn’t return, that could be another option the franchise looks at.
But that won’t matter if Herbert is picking himself up off the turf, which is why offensive line feels like the right pick here.