Los Angeles Chargers: Five things they must do this off-season

Get more athletic at linebacker:

The lack of a run-stuffing defensive tackle was not the only reason the Chargers had one of the worst run defenses in the league last year. The absence of a deep and athletic linebacker core was equally to blame.

The fact that Kyle Emmanuel is a starting linebacker for a team who runs a base 4-3 defense is a major problem. Coming into the league, Emmanuel was a 4-3 defensive end who converted to a 3-4 outside linebacker. That is an understandable transition, but to then make the change from 3-4 OLB to 4-3 OLB; well that is something few players can do.

They can address this problem in free agency by going after some of the top linebackers available. Among these names are Nigel Bradham and Tahir Whitehead. Those two would be the best fit for Gus Bradley’s defense, but there are plenty of other good options in not only free agency but also the draft.

As long as I don’t have to see Kyle Emmanuel start next season, ill be happy.