Now that the 2018 NFL draft has come and gone, it appears that the Chargers had a pretty good one. Most of the Bolts emphasis was on defense, which is where help was most needed, especially against the run. This report will discuss the current state of the team, with mention of some of the newer additions, where appropriate.

QB: Chargers QB Philip Rivers remains the starter and with plenty of strong targets, should have yet another strong 2018 season. I thought that the team would possibly select a candidate for their "quarterback of the future", but that didn’t happen. By my figuring, Rivers should have roughly 2-3 seasons left before retirement, although he could stretch that if he chooses to. The Chargers did undrafted QB Nic Shimonek, who join backups QB Geno Smith and QB Cardale Jones.

RB: In the 7^th round, Los Angeles selected former Northwestern RB Justin Jackson. Jackson, who may or may not make the team, figures to be a 3^rd down option. Obviously, he would back up the team’s primary starter, RB Melvin Gordon.

WR: While I didn’t feel that wide receiver was a major area of need for L.A., in the 6^th round the team selected former Texas Tech WR Dylan Cantrell. Cantrell is good-sized at 6-3, 226 lbs. Cantrell has excellent hands, a big body, and is a reliable target. However, he lacks speed and burst and is not likely to beat his defender on speed alone. Cantrell, like Jackson above, may or may not make the team and would not be expected to be a major fantasy factor in 2018. Cantrell will back up quality starters such as WR Keenan Allen, WR Tyrell Williams, WR Travis Benjamin and WR Mike Williams, who could be a sleeper this year.

TE: With future Hall of Fame TE Antonio Gates gone, this is now the TE Hunter Henry show. Henry is fast, tough, durable, and has the potential for a breakout season. From a fantasy perspective, Henry is the only tight end worth talking about at this point.

PK: Presumably, the job will be former Eagles PK Caleb Sturgis’ job to lose. Wouldn’t be my first choice, especially when considering a history of recent injury. Watch and learn.

DEF: I think the Bolts did an especially good job in the draft on the defensive side. First round draft pick, S Derwin James, out of Florida State, looks like a steal at the 17^th slot. He could be a difference maker for many years. The team’s 2^nd round choice, former USC LB Uchenna Nwosu is versatile and athletic. Solid against the run and pass, with the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, Nwosu fills a need for the team at the position. In round 3, L.A. went with a defensive pick again, taking 6-3, 209 lb. Justin Jones out of NC State. Jones is not projected to be a starter, but with DT Brandon Mebane pushing 33 and DT Corey Liguet suspended for the first 4 games, Jones may have an early opportunity to show what he can do.

End.