Chargers Urged to Solve Offensive Line Woes in NFL Draft

ESPN analyst says protecting QB Justin Herbert should be top priority for LA this offseason.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:13am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an offensive line and quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, powder blue, and gold representing the Chargers' colors, conveying the conceptual idea of needing to improve protection for the team's franchise QB.A cubist interpretation of the Chargers' offensive line struggles, highlighting the need to better protect star QB Justin Herbert.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of cap space to work with this offseason, but one glaring need they must address is their offensive line. ESPN's Ben Solak argues that the Chargers should focus on upgrading their offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft to better protect star quarterback Justin Herbert, who was sacked 54 times last season - the 7th highest pressure rate for a QB over the past decade.

Why it matters

Protecting Herbert and giving him a clean pocket to operate from is crucial for the Chargers' long-term success. With over $45 million in cap space, the team has the resources to significantly improve the offensive line through free agency and the draft.

The details

Herbert had a pressure rate of 43.3% last season, which was the 7th highest of any quarterback with at least 400 dropbacks over the past 10 years. The Chargers have already made some moves to shore up the offensive line, signing center Tyler Biadasz and bringing back tackle Rashawn Slater and guard Joe Alt. But more reinforcements are needed, especially on the interior of the line, to give Herbert the time and protection he needs to thrive.

  • The Chargers had over $45 million in cap space at the time of this report.

The players

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' star quarterback who was sacked 54 times last season, the 7th highest pressure rate for a QB over the past decade.

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who argues the Chargers should focus on upgrading their offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft to better protect Herbert.

Tyler Biadasz

A center the Chargers signed this offseason to help improve their offensive line.

Rashawn Slater

A tackle who is returning to the Chargers' offensive line this season.

Joe Alt

A guard who is also returning to the Chargers' offensive line this season.

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What they’re saying

“Herbert had a pressure rate of 43.3% last season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. That was the seventh highest of a quarterback (minimum 400 dropbacks) over the past decade. Just solve that.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will have the opportunity to address their offensive line needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they can look to select linemen who can provide better protection for quarterback Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

Protecting their star quarterback Justin Herbert should be the top priority for the Chargers this offseason. With over $45 million in cap space, the team has the resources to significantly upgrade their offensive line through free agency and the draft, which will be crucial for Herbert's long-term success.