The NFL Power Rankings were released and have the Chargers slated at 28 just ahead of the Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s not hard to see why the team was given such a low ranking as they lost quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon. Those two weren’t the only talented players with the Chargers as they still have guys like Austin Ekeler, Hunter Henry, Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, and so on. However, the Chargers may not be a big threat in the NFL as the power rankings seem to suggest, but they will be in the near future.
The Chargers opted to build for the future with this year’s draft instead of trying to put together a playoff team by signing established players.
They drafted what they potentially see as a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and got a playmaker in linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray figures to slide right in and fight for Defensive Rookie of the Year with the third-best odds to take home the award behind the Cardinals Isaiah Simmons and Redskins Chase Young.
They also added a capable running back in Joshua Kelley who should form a dangerous pair with Austin Ekeler or be a change of pace back at the very least.
Basically the Chargers did well in this year’s draft, selecting guys that can immediately provide an impact on the field as well as guys who will eventually contribute with more seasoning. The Chargers may or may not make the playoffs this year, but they should be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
