In Chargersville, not a lot has changed thus far in 2018 with respect to free agency. Of course, this is pretty much par for the course for the Bolts, as they tend to remain quiet and focus more on the draft and re-signing their own. In reality, the core of the team is solid, although there are always holes to fill and depth to add. Let’s take a look at the team’s moves and draft needs as they presently stand.

QB: Philip Rivers is your obvious starter, but he turns 37 towards the end of the year. While Rivers likely has a few good years left, there’s a definite emphasis on the word "few". My best guess is that Rivers, who is a devout family man, will play 1-3 more seasons and then hang up his cleats. That means that the Chargers should start working on their quarterback of the future sooner than later. This potential eventual replacement would benefit greatly by working with Rivers for a few seasons. Look for the Chargers to address this in the draft. The Chargers have signed former Dolphins Team Captain Mike Pouncey. While Pouncey is solid, the Dolphins were concerned about his injury history and wanted him to take a pay cut. Pouncey refused and he is now a Bolt. This is a solid addition for the Chargers, as Pouncey has good speed and can move and pull surprising well for a center. Hopefully he can remain healthy. The Dolphins’ loss is the Chargers gain.

RB: RB Melvin Gordon remains the Chargers workhorse and one of the league’s better running backs. Back-up RB Austin Ekeler has turned some heads and is surprisingly good, although I doubt he could fill Gordon’s shoes in the event of injury. While this position isn’t a pressing need for L.A., don’t be surprised if the team grabs a running back in the draft, likely in the later rounds if the right player is available. I suspect that RB Branden Oliver will be gone, due to injury and performance issues.

WR: The Chargers have pretty good depth at the wideout position. WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, free agent WR Tyrell Williams and WR Travis Benjamin are the featured players. I believe that the team should move to re-sign Williams, as he is a valuable player, especially in the event that another wideout is injured. Allen is one of the best but has a slight build and is always a candidate for injury. 2018 will be the year where I suspect that we will see what WR Mike Williams can or cannot do. I really don’t see a lot of need here.

TE: Once again, in 2018, TE Hunter Henry will be the starter and featured back. TE Antonio Gates, in his day one of the best in the game, is now a free agent. If he is re-signed, he will play a complementary role to Henry. However, Gates will be 38 this season, and while his hands and routes are strong, he’s lost a few steps. Will the team re-sign him? If the money is right, perhaps for one more season and then he will be done. But don’t be shocked if that doesn’t happen. The team could address the pending loss of Gates in the draft, but it isn’t a huge priority. The Chargers have re-signed blocking TE Virgil Green.

PK: Most likely, the Chargers new kicker will be former Eagles PK Caleb Sturgis. While he missed almost all of 2017 with a hip injury, a healthy Sturgis could add consistency and stability to a position they’ve had troubles with for years now.

DEF: The Chargers can still use help at most defensive positions. S Tre Boston remains a free agent and while he may be better suited as more of a strong safety, I’d like to see the Bolts bring him back. The Chargers wisely re-signed CB Casey Hayward, who is certainly one of the best in the game. The Chargers have signed former Eagles CB Jaylen Watkins, who was not tendered an offer by Philadelphia. Watkins could play safety or corner for the Bolts but doesn’t look like a player who will play a major role with the team this season. Look for L.A. to address multiple defensive needs in the draft including linebacker, defensive line and safety.

End.