Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) runs off the field following the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) runs off the field following the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers — Quarterback Philip Rivers

I wanted to go with EDGE players Joey Bosa or Melvin Ingram here, but the defense wasn’t the focus for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Draft this offseason.

No, the Chargers’ approach was all about getting support for veteran quarterback Philip Rivers and to ensure he remains the team’s best asset in 2017.

Rivers, 35 years old, is seeing his window closing soon. And the Chargers have the unfortunate situation of playing in the vaunted AFC West right now.

So that means bolstering Rivers’ abilities, and  keeping him upright.

Los Angeles’ first pick landed a legitimate receiving threat in former Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. The Chargers then used their two subsequent picks on offensive guards Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney.

Rivers, who tossed an NFL-leading 21 interceptions last year, won’t have the same excuses this season. The pressure is on for him to perform at a high level in 2017, which makes him the Chargers’ No. 1 player to watch.