It’s tough to evaluate Jim Harbaugh’s first year with the Los Angeles Chargers. While making the playoffs in a coach’s first season is usually a sign of success, expectations around Justin Herbert continue to rise, and a blowout loss in the Wild Card round wasn’t in the team’s plans.
With a strong defense already in place, the offense now needs addressing. One analyst has identified a perfect target to fit Harbaugh’s scheme and elevate the Chargers’ offensive potential.
Chargers Could Find Perfect Target for Justin Herbert in Colston Loveland
Last season, a top-five defense in PFSN’s Defense+ metric helped carry Los Angeles to a playoff berth in Harbaugh’s first year as head coach. It was only the second postseason appearance of Herbert’s career, but it ended just as disappointingly as the first.
With an offense that ranked 17th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, Herbert threw four interceptions in the Chargers’ playoff game, all but eliminating any chance of a win. The ugly loss sent Los Angeles back to the drawing board for the offseason.
The latest mock draft from PFSN presents a potential solution to the Chargers’ offensive struggles. With the 22nd overall pick, they are projected to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland to bolster their pass-catching group.
NFL Draft analyst Jacob Infante made the case for targeting offensive help in L.A. pretty simple: “Jim Harbaugh focuses on the trenches, and the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line has improved. But they could still use a playmaker at tight end.”
The Chargers are already facing turnover in the wide receiver room, swapping Joshua Palmer for an aging Mike Williams. Adding more playmakers is a necessity, and Loveland would be a seamless fit.
“He’s a smooth athlete who stretches the field and thrives on seam routes,” Infante said about the Michigan product. “His pass-catching ability makes him a strong first-round pick.”
Outside of rookie Ladd McConkey, no Chargers receiver topped 711 yards last season, and Will Dissly led all L.A. tight ends with just 481 yards over 15 games. Loveland, who surpassed 550 receiving yards in his final two seasons at Michigan while scoring 11 total touchdowns, would provide a clear upgrade.
With the offensive line getting reinforcements, including reigning Super Bowl champion Mekhi Becton, Herbert should have more protection in the pocket. Now, adding pass catchers has to be a priority, and Loveland looks like a surefire fit to help the Chargers’ aerial attack.