Los Angeles Chargers Ask the Expert: Bolt Beat's Matt Pagels

The Los Angeles Chargers head into the off-season in a much better place than recent years. To get a grip on the off-season priorities, we chatted with Chargers expert Matt Pagels of Bolt Beat.

Following a 9-7 record, just narrowly missing the playoffs on a three-way tiebreaker, the Los Angeles Chargers have a much more positive outlook for next season than years prior. The transition to LA may not have been with huge applause. However, the team posted the first winning record since 2014.

Here at LA Sports Hub, we have been adamant of what we think the Los Angeles Chargers should do. One thing I am huge on is the Chargers going and getting a quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft. My co-expert, Keith Rivas, flirted with the idea of Nick Foles coming to LA.

However, there are many more experts on the Los Angeles Chargers with many different opinions on the team. Thus, we reached out to our sister site, Bolt Beat, to get their take on the off-season.

Site expert Matt Pagels took the time to answer five questions we sent him regarding the off-season. Here is what Pagels had to say:

1. What do you think is the most important move the Los Angeles Chargers can make this off-season?

"“The most important move is finding a kicker. It was one of the main reasons why the Chargers missed out on the postseason in 2017. They finished dead last (by a mile) in field-goal percentage and had four different kickers attempt a field goal (that’s excluding punter Drew Kaser attempting an extra point).It’s unacceptable, and Tom Telesco rightfully acknowledged and took the blame for it. It’s also important to upgrade the trenches, both offensive and defensive lines. The Chargers need a space eater in the middle of their defense, as they allowed the second-most rushing yards per game.The Chargers’ offense line was elite in pass blocking, allowing the fewest sacks (18) and finishing third in Football Outsiders’ pass protection DVOA, but their run blocking was poor (26th in DVOA). Melvin Gordon rushed for 1,000 yards, but the team averaged 3.81 yards per attempt, 26th-worst in the league.”"

2. Tyrell Williams is set to be a restricted free agent this off-season. Do you see the Los Angeles Chargers matching any offer sheet thrown his way? What do you think the ceiling is for them in terms of salary?

"“I’m pretty certain the Chargers place a second-round tender on Tyrell Williams. If that’s the case, it’ll be a one-year deal worth roughly $2.7-3 million. And I don’t see any team giving up a second-round pick for Williams, which is good for the Chargers because they will get to keep a solid contributor on offense at a cheap rate, with the option of giving him a multi-year deal.That said, if a team is willing to give up a pick and offer Williams a hefty contract, the Chargers will likely not match because of their current investments at the position. Keenan Allen is their No. 1 and signed an extension in 2016. Mike Williams was their first-round pick in the 2017 draft, and they expect him be a big part of the offense in 2018.Unless he becomes a cap casualty, Travis Benjamin is on the books for two more years. However, even though T. Williams, who finished with 1,000 receiving yards a year ago, regressed a bit this past season, he was still the No. 2 receiver on the team. He came on strong midway through the season, displaying the traits that made him a good player in the first place. He still has room to grow and is just 26 years old, so I do hope the Chargers can keep him around.”"

3. Last season obviously was restricted by the terrible kicking game. Even though the Los Angeles Chargers already brought in Roberto Aguayo, who else can the team bring in for cushion?

More from LA Sports Hub

"“Check out our positional piece on kickers. Graham Gano, who was the most accurate kicker (minimum four attempts) last season, would be a great option. If the Chargers want a younger kicker with potential, Cairo Santos and Caleb Sturgis are free agents, too. Both Santos and Sturgis were hurt last season, which was the reason why they were replaced.”"

4. Do you think the Los Angeles Chargers should bring in another running back with Branden Oliver set to hit the market?

"“Absolutely. I actually think this is an underrated need. If Gordon gets hurt, there’s nobody behind him take his place. Austin Ekeler was a great surprise and has earned playing time, but he’s a smaller, change-of-pace back/ third-down option. Perhaps the Chargers sign a bigger RB in free agency like Jeremy Hill, who needs a fresh start.Personally, I’d draft one in the middle rounds. I love the running back class this year, and players like Sony Michel, Rashaad Penny, Kalen Ballege, Royce Freeman, Mark Walton and even Jaylen Samuels are great choices. Again, I’m not saying pick a RB with the first two picks, but I’d consider taking one in Rounds 3-6.”"

5. Give me one dark horse move you would like to see the Los Angeles Chargers make this off-season that nobody would see coming.

"“I’d like the Chargers too add a LB, someone like Cowboys’ Anthony Hitchens or Titans’ Avery Williamson, but LB is a big need. As much as I’d be excited, I wouldn’t be too surprised.A dark horse move I’d like to see would perhaps trading for Earl Thomas, who’s in the final year of his four-year, $40 million deal he signed with the Seahawks. The Chargers will have a hole at free safety if Tre Boston doesn’t re-sign. Thomas knows Gus Bradley’s scheme and is only 28 years old. He would make an already dominant secondary even scarier.”"

Next: The Chargers must consider drafting a tight end

We would like to thank Matt for taking the time out of his day to answer our questions to not only enlighten us, but give a different insight for our readers. You can find his author page here as well as Bolt Beat’s Twitter account here.

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Los Angeles Chargers Ask the Expert: Bolt Beat’s Matt Pagels

By Jason Reed | Feb 20, 2018