This past season was not pretty for either the Denver Broncos or the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams fell short of .500 (3rd time in a row for the Broncos) but they are coming from different sides of the coin.
The Broncos improved their record of 6-10, unlike the Chargers that went from a 12-4 record in 2018, tying with the Kansas City Chiefs at the top, to a mediocre 5-11.
This ultimately led the Chargers to the No. 6 overall pick, where they addressed their quarterback need after losing historic Charger quarterback Philip Rivers. Later in the first round, Tom Telesco decided that he was not done on day 1 and traded for the No. 23 pick, which was used to address another need at linebacker.
The selections of Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray would later be applauded by some, but criticized by others.
At this point, the Chargers had already signed three key free agents. Bryan Bulaga coming from Green Bay to reinforce the offensive line, Linval Joseph from the Minnesota Vikings to stiffen the defense, and a well-known Bronco Chris Harris Jr. to improve the secondary.
The Chargers addressed needs all over the place.
The Broncos also started their offseason fairly active. They started by addressing the defense, trading for Jurrell Casey and A.J. Bouye. Later, Graham Glasgow was added to the offense coming from the Detroit Lions, as well as a well-known Charger, Melvin Gordon III.
Then comes the draft, and it was all in on the Drew Lock project. Starting with a generational talent in Jerry Jeudy, and continuing with speedster K.J. Hamler.
Later, Llyod Cushenberry III got the call to play center, and Netane Muti was given the opportunity to compete for a guard spot. And the cherry on top, Albert Okwuegbunam, Lock’s college teammate, was added to the now loaded Broncos offense.
The Broncos also improved the defense, adding zone coverage enthusiast Michael Ojemudia and solid defensive tackle prospect McTelvin Agim.
I got on a zoom call with Faustino Felix from Bolt Beat to discuss both team´s offseasons, as well as to share our thoughts on what we expect in 2020 for the Broncos and the Chargers.