Going into the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Chargers were discussed as a team with possibly the best EDGE rushing group of the entire league.
While this did not come to fruition and the group quite frankly underperformed due to expectation, the group is still expected to perform much better in 2025… as long as they are still a part of the team.
The Chargers EDGE Room: Change is Coming
The Chargers EDGE room is a complicated one. Contracts, possibly retirements and the lack of youth gives General Manager, Joe Hortiz some interesting decisions for his offseason plan.
With Joey Bosa being the team’s number one cut candidate and Khalil Mack at the end of his contract, the team is staring down the barrel of Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree as their EDGE duo in 2025.
While this duo would be a lackluster starting group, they are both quality players for their respective ages and values. That said, it is very likely that this team will re-sign Mack and role with Tuipulotu as their EDGE 2.
If this happens, a trio of Mack, Tuipulotu and Dupree will give you a strong enough room to compete in 2025, especially if the re-sign their most underrated defender. However, there is one issue; A niche role that is unfilled and is a MUST for the Bolts to add to this defensive line.
What is the Said “Niche” Position
If you look at the “archetype” of rusher that Mack, Tuipulotu and Dupree are they all are very similar. They use power, effort and leverage to win against opposing offensive tackles and to get to the quarterback.
Furthermore, Both Mack and Tuipulotu are wonderful run defenders who are constantly gap-sound and making plays in the backfield.
While this is great, this Chargers EDGE room has absolutely no change-up, curveball, ace up their sleeve, or whatever cliche you want to use. Though power rushers are arguably the most important part of a defensive line, it is very hard to win at the NFL level with just power.
That said, a speed rusher is a must for this team to add in free agency or in the draft. Someone who can win using burst and athleticism will give offensive tackles a change-up, which would in general free up the rest of this EDGE rush room.
Chargers Off-Season Plan: 3 Targets to Add
Veteran Free Agent Option: Dennis Gardeck
Dennis Gardeck has made a career out of being the speed rush change-up role player for the Arizona Cardinals. In seven games, Gardeck had three sacks. Gardeck is arguably one of the best in the league at the role but has yet to receive the flowers he deserves.
As an option for the Chargers off-season plan, coming to Los Angeles could provide that for him as he is an impending free agent for the Cardinals.
At age 30, Gardeck will not remedy the youth issue the Chargers are facing along with the lack of speed, but Gardeck will likely not cost as much as other accomplished rushers, and will give the production and role that the Chargers seek.
Look at this rep from Dennis Gardeck. Beat multiple blocks to blow up the run.
Related: Gardeck is PFF’s highest graded Cardinals starter this season outside of Kyler Murray pic.twitter.com/LrwcaFcuBY
— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) September 24, 2024
Talented Free Agent Option: Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari is coming off his rookie contract with the New York Giants, having 22 sacks in his four seasons. Ojulari was drafted in the second round and still is only 24 at the time of writing.
The main issue with Ojulari is his inability to stay on the field. He has missed 22 games out of a total possible 68 games in his young career. This is nearly a third of his entire career, which has allowed the Giants to explore trading him before the trade deadline. A risky move to consider for the Chargers off-season plan.
Adding Ojulari will likely cost the Bolts a bit more than what they would like to spend on a role-playing rusher, however, if Ojulari can stay healthy, he will infuse youth, speed and possibly a future in this EDGE room.
Azeez Ojulari created separation and dipped under the punch of the OT.
The ability to stay balanced through contact while turning the corner into the pocket is rare. Both Ojulari and Burns possess this ability.
Pause at three seconds into the video… pic.twitter.com/IbCDIWKPys
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) September 23, 2024
Young Draftee: Josaiah Stewart
If the Chargers were to go in a different direction than free agency, there is not a better-fitting prospect than Josaiah Stewart. Coming out of Michigan, Stewart has obvious coaching connections and familiarity with the Chargers, as Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was a part of the program for a long time.
Furthermore, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter looks to be staying around with the Bolts and has the same Michigan connection with Stewart as Harbaugh.
Beyond the coaching connection, Stewart would be the perfect infusion of youth and speed for the room. As a second or third-round prospect, Stewart allows the Chargers to fill more pressing needs in the first round, while still upgrading the EDGE room mightily.
Josaiah Stewart has quietly become one of my top edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He plays with a relentless motor and runs around with his hair on fire, combining speed with power thanks to his natural leverage and plethora of pass rush moves. pic.twitter.com/XXKzBaRVEG
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 3, 2024
Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
The post The Chargers Have Must Fill Niche Need Before the 2025 Season appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.