As it stands, the Chargers are a team that cannot put two halves together to complete a game. A lot of this stems from a lack of identity on offense and the injury to Justin Herbert’s finger. To help out the superstar quarterback, the Chargers should add some firepower to their offense. Whether it is trade targets that will change the blocking ability of an entire position group or plainly depth at receiver, the Chargers could use any help possible. Finding underrated trade targets will give the Chargers flexibility in what they give up, and future contract negotiation.
Two Under-the-Radar Trade Targets That Can Change the Entire Chargers Run Game
Marcedes Lewis
Why would the Chargers trade for a 39-year-old tight end who has two catches on the season? It is simple, as he is one of the best blocking tight ends in football. The Chargers have struggled mightily to create space and lanes with their tight ends, for a plethora of reasons. The main reason is as inline blockers, the Chargers’ tight end room struggles to push opposing defenders off the ball.
The Chargers tight end room may be extremely thin if starting tight end Gerald Everett’s hip injury is worse than we think. This, combined with Donald Parham Jr being injury prone, Tre’ McKitty being awful every time he steps foot on the field, and lastly, and tight end Stone Smartt is still learning the position after playing quarterback for his collegiate career, means the position needs some help. A veteran presence would also go a long way in developing the younger guys and showing them the way.
Insert Marcedes Lewis, who currently ranks as the ninth-best run-blocking tight end, and the sixth-best pass-blocking tight end, you’ll instantly get new life into a stagnant run game. A late-round selection for the underrated trade target would benefit both the Chargers and Bears.
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Josh Oliver
The same principles stand for Josh Oliver, as the Chargers are in desperate need of a blocking tight end to rejuvenate their rushing attack. However, Oliver gives the Chargers a longer-term option, as he is only 26 years of age. He has shown the ability to be a decent receiver when asked. Oliver is stylistically very similar to former Chargers blocking tight end Virgil Green.
Josh Oliver currently ranks as the best tight end in the league in run-block grade and is recognized as one of the league’s best blockers. If the Vikings were to take on some of Oliver’s contract, the Chargers would likely be inclined to add a young, underrated trade target to their team.
Two Dynamic Receivers Buried on Depth Charts
Dyami Brown
Dyami Brown turns 24 on the first of November and is going into his third year as a pro. He has yet to truly get it going in the regular season, due to being buried on the Commanders stacked receiving depth chart. Brown has shown glimpses of his ability as a deep threat with explosion after the catch. He would only cost the Chargers a very late day-three selection, as he is an underrated trade target.
Brown this season currently has six catches for 87 yards on 11 targets, only playing on 93 snaps. Brown is tied for seventh in yards after the catch per reception and average depth of target amongst receivers with 11 targets or more. A cheap high-potential option for the Chargers would give them another option in the receiver room, even after this season.
Terrace Marshall Jr.
A different flavor of receiver the Chargers may be more intrigued by is the Panthers Terrace Marshall. Marshall is a bigger body receiver who could use his height to help replace the loss of Mike Williams. Marshall is 23 years old and flashed some good potential in 2022 when given snaps. In 2022, Marshall recorded 28 catches for 490 yards and a touchdown. This season, he is having a down year, for a variety of different reasons.
These reasons are the new coaching scheme, quarterback play, talent around him, and lastly his lack of efficiency when on the field. Marshall Jr is a medium-risk, high-reward type of underrated trade target that could yield the Chargers a very good long-term answer at receiver. This is especially true if they were to let go of Mike Williams after this season. Marshall is young with plenty of experience and would be an interesting option for Tom Telesco.
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