After taking a steady approach in free agency, signing just one external player in linebacker Eric Kendricks and re-signing a handful of their own, the Chargers now have their sights set on the draft where they will look to bolster their roster with their selections and make a deeper run in 2023.
Before, we’re going position by position to break down where Los Angeles stands entering the draft.
Next up is running back, after we profiled the quarterback position yesterday.
Who's on the roster?
- Austin Ekeler
- Joshua Kelley
- Isaiah Spiller
- Larry Rountree III
- Zander Horvath (fullback)
The Chargers once again failed to find a consistent option behind Ekeler in 2022, rotating Kelley and Sony Michel as RB2 to begin the season. Michel was released due to his ineffectiveness midseason, but the move still didn’t open up opportunities for fourth round selection Isaiah Spiller, who carried the ball just 18 times. Kelley was the most effective of those not named Austin Ekeler, rushing for 287 yards and 2 TDs and catching 14 passes for 101 yards in 13 games.
Ekeler, however, was his usual productive self. He led the NFL in total touchdowns with 18 (13 rushing, 5 receiving), ran for 915 yards on 4.5 per carry, and served as the much-needed checkdown option for Justin Herbert. His 107 receptions were 35 more than any other Charger in 2022.
Offensive line plays a part in the struggles of the rushing attack in 2022, but there’s optimism that the return of a fully healthy Rashawn Slater and Trey Pipkins, plus the new scheme under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, will raise the floor.
Who departed this offseason?
- Nobody…for now
The elephant in the room has quickly become Ekeler, who requested and was granted permission to seek a trade this spring after contract extension talks broke down. The Chargers have been negotiating with Ekeler and his camp since midseason, but the 28 year old has described those efforts as a “punch in the face”. With one season left on his current contract, it’s possible Ekeler is flipped before the start of the season, perhaps during the draft as part of a move to acquire more picks, but it currently looks as though Ekeler will enter minicamp as a Charger.
Positional need: Medium
Whether Ekeler is traded or not, he likely won’t be on the Chargers beyond 2023 at this point, barring a change of heart from one or both camps. 28 years old is historically the point at which running backs begin to decline, and LA simply can’t afford to spend big money on a declining player given their salary cap situation. Behind him, however, there’s a dearth of lead options. Kelley is a fine second back but is also due to be a free agent after the 2023 season. Spiller needs to make huge strides in order to inspire confidence as a long-term starting option. LA carried four running backs and a fullback on the opening roster in 2022, which could open room for an addition in the middle rounds to compete with Rountree for the final spot on the roster and potential playing time. Never rule out UDFA additions, either.
Prospects they could be interested in
- Bijan Robinson, Texas
- Tyjae Spears, Tulane
- Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina
- Israel Abanikanda, Pitt
- Evan Hull, Northwestern
