5 positions the Chargers must address this offseason

By foxsports
Published

The San Diego Chargers brought back head coach Mike McCoy, but they can't afford to bring back his 2015 roster. It was far too talent-stricken and injury-prone to compete in the tough AFC West; McCoy's team plummeted to the bottom of the division with 17 players on injured reserve. He'll need a more durable roster if he wants to coach past 2016 (or through it).

Here's where general manager Tom Telesco should look to improve the roster this offseason: 

1. Offensive tackle

Right tackle Joe Barksdale was, at times, the only healthy tackle on this battered roster. He's a free agent in 2016, which means the Chargers are injury prone at the second most important offensive position on the field. Cordy Glenn could step right in; he's been plenty durable as a Buffalo Bill and might enjoy a change of climate.

2. Wide receiver

Dontrelle Inman. Javontee Herndon. Tyrell Williams. Those are just a few of the receiving names awaiting San Diego with Malcom Floyd's impending retirement. Keenan Allen should be back and healthy in 2016, and he deserves a running mate who can take the top off defenses. Think Cleveland's speedy Travis Benjamin in free agency.

3. Safety

Wave goodbye to Eric Weddle, who'll get a reprieve from team drama when he signs elsewhere. The rest of the safeties aren't that inspiring, including Jahleel Addae, who's earning a Brandon Merriweather-like rep for helmet hits. Adding Kansas City's Eric Berry would be an absolute coup; someone like Denver's Omar Bolden is more likely.

4. Cornerback

San Diego made the choice to bring Brandon Flowers back last offseason and it backfired horribly. They'll look for someone else to play opposite star cornerback Jason Verrett in 2016. Maybe that's free-agent-to-be Patrick Robinson. The first-year Charger led all cornerbacks with 500 snaps in receiving yards allowed (300).

5. Outside linebacker

Edge rushers like Melvin Ingram and Jerry Attaochu improved, but not enough for any job security. Their defense sill ended the year 24th in total sacks while their two divisional foes finished No. 1 (Denver) and No .4 (Kansas City). San Diego needs to keep up by adding a Bruce Irvin-type edge presence. The ex-Seattle Seahawk should be available this spring.

For more NFL coverage, follow Nick Toney on Twitter at @nicktoneytweets.