The Los Angeles Chargers made the decision to hire Jim Harbaugh as head coach this week. He has a history of turning organizations around for the better, which is important for a Chargers team that has been snake-bitten for years. Quarterback Justin Herbert profiles as one of the best in the league but has been unable to overcome the other top teams to this point in his career.
Harbaugh’s first order of business has to be altering the mindset of those in the building to believe in themselves and set the course for a higher standard. When things are going well, no one should be wondering when the other shoe is going to drop.
As far as personnel is concerned, the Chargers are more than $50 million in salary cap debt, and the franchise has not proven to be willing to charge the credit card in the way New Orleans, Cleveland, Philadelphia and others have done. Those circumstances could lead to uncomfortable decisions with veterans like running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
Here is one path for Harbaugh to take the Chargers from afterthought to contender in the AFC playoff picture:
No. 5 overall: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
CBS Sports prospect ranking: No. 4 | CBS Sports position ranking: No. 1 TE
Harbaugh is a coach who prefers to win with a physical style of football. While at Michigan, he funneled resources towards the offensive and defensive lines. However, Los Angeles stands to lose a lot on offense this offseason, and drafting replacements is the only way to compensate for that talent depletion without overspending in free agency.
Bowers is a nimble pass-catcher capable of making plays downfield, but he is also not afraid to mix it up in the run game. Over his three seasons with the Bulldogs, 65.7% of his receptions have gone for either a first down or a touchdown. Veteran Gerald Everett is expected to hit free agency this…
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Author : Josh Edwards
Publish date : 2024-01-25 19:20:29
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