Chargers O-line needs help

Oct 15, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick (61) gestures before the snap against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone and everyone knows how just one injury can turn a team upside down. Just look at Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning’s team without them. Yeah, not good. The Chargers haven’t just had one injury, they’ve been plagued with multiple. And most of those are coming from the Chargers o- line.

Many Charger fans think that the offensive line needs help. That voice has been solidified by ESPN Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper as they’ve both picked the Chargers to take an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft. There are guys like Eric Fisher, Lane Johnson, and Chance Warmack floating around the number 11 pick and it’s very likely that the Chargers will take one of them, most likely the best avaliable.

But before we get to the draft, let’s break down the Chargers offensive line from left to right.

December 11, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Jared Gaither (78) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Left Tackle: Jared Gaither

Gaither has seemed to catch the injury plague. It has been rumored that Gaither might even be on his way out of San Diego after signing a big contract last season. But he’s proved very unreliable for the Chargers thus far. If the Chargers decide to give him another chance, look for Charger Nation to be in an uproar.

Left Guard: Tyronne Green

Green is a free agent going into the off-season and is likely a player that the Chargers will depart from on the 0-line. He hasn’t offered anything great for the Bolts but he’s shown glimpses of bein able to get the job done. He’s hit or miss and that’s how it’ll be in the off-season; 50/50.

Center: Nick Hardwick

Hardwick is one of the only consistencies on this o-line. He’s grown with the team and they’ll grow with him. He’ll be back at his position next season.

Right Guard: Louis Vasquez

Oct 28, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers guard Louis Vasquez (65) against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Like Green, Vasquez is also a free agent. But unlike Green, Vasquez is probably safe. He’s been consistent and healthy for the most part and the Chargers will work him into the new scheme if they choose to go that route.

Right Tackle: Jeromey Clary

Clary can get the job done when he needs to but he isn’t a top performer at tackle. There’s a 50/50 chance here, too, that he’ll be moved over to the new scheme but I’d lean more towards “yes”.

The Chargers will undoubtedly address this need in the off-season.

In the meantime, who do you think should be back for the Chargers next season and if it were up to you, how would you address this need? Comment below!