October 31 is inching closer, which means the NFL trade deadline is near.
Following their bye, the Chargers will embark on a 13-game stretch, meaning they will need all the reinforcements they can get to bolster position groups that are a little thin or in case someone goes down.
With that said, let’s look at a few positions that Los Angeles could look to upgrade within the next couple of weeks.
Cornerback
J.C. Jackson was traded to the Patriots, leaving Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor as the starting corners.
That’s a good thing, considering the shuffling in the secondary should stop. Therefore, the continuity of the three will hopefully decrease the number of explosive plays in the passing game.
The starters are set, which is great. But the depth could still be improved. The Chargers brought in Essang Bassey, who has experience. Deane Leonard flashed in the preseason. Still, adding another corner would go a long way.
Safety
In Week 4 against the Raiders, the Chargers trotted out Dean Marlowe and Raheem Layne as the starting corners while Derwin James, Alohi Gilman and JT Woods were out. Overall, Marlowe and Layne did a fine job.
James and Gilman should resume their roles as the starters. But still, this is another position that could afford to have another veteran player with experience in case an injury arises.
Tight end
I am a firm believer that this position should’ve been upgraded this past offseason. The Chargers lacked a true blocking tight end but neglected it and chose to roll with what they had. Now, the decision not to bring one in has shown up, particularly in the run game.
While the case can be made that they haven’t been without Austin Ekeler the last three games, it’s evident on the perimeter and out in space that the tight ends aren’t contributing much as blockers.
Wide receiver
The wide receiver room took a hit after the season-ending injury to Mike Williams. As it stands, Keenan Allen is the team’s top wideout, with Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston right behind him.
Palmer has proven himself to be a reliable option. Last season, while Allen and Williams were out with their respective injuries, Palmer produced 769 receiving yards on 72 catches and three touchdowns.
Johnston, the first-round pick in this year’s draft, has yet to be involved all that much. We could see an emergence soon, but it’s just a matter of Justin Herbert and Johnston building chemistry.
Derius Davis, the fourth-round pick, has flashed on offense with his speed. And it remains to be seen when Jalen Guyton, who is coming off a torn ACL, will be back in the fold.
This isn’t a glaring need whatsoever, but the Chargers could look to bring in a viable third or fourth wide receiver on a team that would provide insurance if Allen were to go down and would be counted on in a pinch.
