The 2020 NFL Draft is now behind us and for the Chargers, it pretty much went as expected. The Chargers have also made a number of free agent moves, but for the most part, they are not significant from a fantasy perspective. Let’s take a look at the current state of the team.

QB: As you likely know, QB Philip Rivers has moved onto the Colts and we here in San Diego wish him luck. The presumed starting quarterback will be journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor. Taylor is mobile and can run, but is sometimes tentative. In short, it’s certainly questionable as to whether or hot he’s a starting caliber NFL quarterback, but I suppose the Chargers are going to find out fast. In the draft’s first round, the Chargers selected Oregon QB Justin Herbert, who they hope will be their quarterback of the future. Obviously, Herbert has plenty of potential, but he’s also a rookie, so the team won’t rush him along ounless they have to. The Chargers also hired a new quarterbacks coach, Pep Hamilton, who most recently was the Head Coach of the DC Defenders of the XFL.

RB: As you also know, RB Melvin Gordon has moved onto Denver. RB Austin Ekeler is the clear starter, while RB Jackson should see more reps. In the 4^th round, the Chargers selected RB Joshua Kelley out of UCLA. Kelley has potential, but he’s a rookie, so he’ll likely be #3 on the depth chart for the time being, limiting his near-term fantasy value.

WR: The Chargers #1 and #2 wideouts are WR Keenan Allen and WR Mike Williams. Allen should continue to be a WR1 with Williams likely to be a higher end WR2. But do bear in mind that QB Tyrod Taylor is not QB Philip Rivers, so if Taylor doesn’t play well, that could reduce the value of both Allen and Williams. In the 5^th round of the NFL draft, the Chargers selected WR Joe Reed out of Virginia and in the 7^th round, they picked WR K.J. Hill out of Ohio State. As rookies, their upside is limited even if they make the team.

TE: In 2020, TE Hunter Henry is your starter and if healthy, he should be viewed as a TE1 in most fantasy leagues.

PK: Presumably, PK Mike Badgley will return as the Chargers kicker. Badgley is above average and may be a decent play if the Bolts end up unable to put it in the end zone, which wouldn’t surprise me.

DEF: On paper, the Chargers should have a very good defense. DE Joey Bosa and DE Melvin Ingram are probably the league’s best pass rushing duo. S Derwin James is also one of the league’s best. There are a few holes to fill and a lack of depth, but of these guys can stay healthy, they should be pretty good. The Chargers did select LB Kenneth Murray out of Oklahoma in the first round, so don’t be surprised if we see a lot of him and early too.

End.