Chargers Daily Links: AFC West ranks 4th in B/R’s latest divisional rankings

Following the first week of free agency, Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton decided to write up some early rankings of the NFL’s eight divisions and where they stand. When it comes to the Chargers and the AFC West, they are coming in at fourth, one spot in front of the NFC North and just behind the NFC South.

The most notable moves made so far in the division have got to be the Chiefs’ decision to cut both their offensive tackles, the coinciding addition of Joe Thuney, the Raiders’ moves to blow up their line, and the Bolts’ move to sign Corey Linsley and make him the highest-paid center in the NFL. Coincidentally, it all revolves around offensive lineman.

Here’s what Moton had to say about his ranking of the AFC West:

“Similar to the NFC North, the AFC West has a top-five team with competitive depth. This division has promising quarterback play, which raises the expectations of the collective.”

“Watch out for the Los Angeles Chargers as the second-place finisher in the division.”

“Justin Herbert was the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, throwing for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He has playmakers around him, including running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Jared Cook and wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The Chargers also addressed their offensive front, signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley and the versatile Matt Feiler.”

“Los Angeles hired Brandon Staley to be its head coach. He fielded the No. 1 defense with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. With his background, the Chargers could match an explosive offense with a stingy defense and become a wild-card playoff team.”

I can’t argue with Moton’s potential expectations for the Bolts. The pieces are certainly there for success in 2021, but plenty of people have echoed these sentiments quite often over the years. As things stand, fans will likely shrug off the preseason hype as they temper expectations once more heading into campaign.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

How the cornerback room sits following the first week of free agency (Chargers Wire)

The Chargers 2021 draft order has been set (Chargers.com)

Four takeaways from the first week of free agency (Bolt Beat)

10 insights about new Chargers guard Oday Aboushi (Chargers.com)

NFL News:

Bill Barnwell discusses the worst free-agent signings from last week (ESPN)

Six overrated and six underrated free agent signings (EPSN+)

Biggest moves and non-moves from last week (NFL.com)

The Rams are signing DeSean Jackson (NFL.com)

Grading every team’s free agency moves (CBS Sports)

Ranking the NFL’s divisions following the first week of free agency (Bleacher Report)