If there was position as disappointing as the offensive line in 2015, it would be the defensive line. Opposing offenses victimized the defensive line for much of the year, gaining 2,005 yards on the ground and averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Despite a stronger showing towards the end of the year, the Chargers still fielded the No. 28 ranked defensive line, according to Football Outsiders. Additionally, the line was only able to manage six of the team’s 32 sacks.
The Chargers stagger into the 2016 offseason with eight defensive linemen under contract and are in desperate need of more, as the only lock to start is DE Corey Liuget.
With Kendall Reyes and Ricardo Mathews set to hit — and hopefully leave in — free agency, the Chargers may have to rely on a plethora of talented, but unproven, defensive linemen come next season.
Positional Strength: C
