The Los Angeles Chargers Hope To Remain A Top 10 Defense, With Better Consistency From Their Veterans, In 2019.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Los Angeles Chargers. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Brandon Mebane, Defensive Tackle:
Brandon Mebane, 34, has been a very consistent player, going into his 13th NFL season. He ended last season with 22 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one sack. He compiled this over 12 games played and started out of 16 games. Even though Mebane is an older player, I like him to start 16 games and continue to be that consistent force along that Chargers defense. He makes a great buy-low add for depth this upcoming season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
There is a good chance he’s available on the waiver wire. If not, he shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick.
Honorable Mention: Justin Jones, Defensive Tackle.
Thomas Davis, Outside Linebacker:
You wanna talk about consistency from a veteran player, who continues to prove father time wrong……this player is a future hall of famer. Thomas Davis, 36, signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract, this off season, with the Los Angeles Chargers, to be their starting outside linebacker. He ended last season with 46 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits. Davis will be replacing the recently retired, Kyle Emanuel. I believe Davis can still play at a high level, as do the Chargers, making him a great buy-low player and someone I want on my team.
Fantasy Recommendation:
There is a good chance he is owned, but he’s someone I wouldn’t mind giving up a mid round pick for, if you are a contending team.
Honorable Mention: Denzel Perryman, Middle Linebacker.
Casey Hayward, Cornerback:
Casey Hayward, 29, is another veteran player who the Chargers will be counting on this season to produce. He finished last season with 41 solo tackles and one tackle for loss. With Jason Verrett no longer in town, and the Chargers likely to draft a corner, it will be up to Hayward to stabilize the cornerback group. That’s something he can do and I think opposing quarterbacks will test him, as he should be on teams number one receivers, this season. That’s all I need to know, making him an excellent buy-low target for me.
Fantasy Recommendation:
There is a decent chance he’s on your wavier wire, but if not, he shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick.
Honorable Mention: Rayshawn Jenkins, Safety.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Chargers will be relying on their veteran players to help maintain their top ten defensive rank, this season. Due to the age of these players I think they all can have a positive impact on this defense. Also, being able to help make this unit more consistent, this season. Ranking these buy-lows in order of priority, it would be Thomas Davis, Casey Hayward, and Brandon Mebane. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Los Angeles Rams.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
