Has Smith taken the proper route in free agency?

San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has filled many holes so far this offseason by making frugal decisions in the free agent market. These moves should help the team, but the fact remains that the biggest areas of weakness, offensive line and pass-rushing outside linebacker, still haven't been addressed. San Diego still doesn't possess a pass-rusher who will strike fear into opposing offenses, and the right tackle spot is still manned by Jeromey Clary, who's infamous for being one of the worst at his position in the NFL. Although some fans seem to be pleased with the choices Smith has made, it remains to be seen if the path he's taken has been best for his questionable future with the organization.

Smith chose not to take the route the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used this offseason. The Bucs signed two elite players in Vincent Jackson and offensive guard Carl Nicks but haven't done much else. Smith re-signed three offensive linemen, two of them starters, and reeled in three unrestricted free agents from outside the organization, the most prominent being former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem. And with Denver Broncos unrestricted free agent wide receiver Eddie Royal rumored to be joining the Chargers, it appears Smith isn't done adding to the roster.

So, this question must be raised: Was Smith wise to sign Meachem, outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, fullback Le'Ron McClain, and possibly more players instead of adding just one elite talent in Mario Williams, who signed with the Buffalo Bills, at a position of much greater need?

My take: Heading into Monday, I thought I would be disappointed if Smith didn't sign Nicks, Williams, or Ben Grubbs, another offensive guard. (Grubbs signed with the New Orleans Saints today). I was also hoping Smith would replace Clary. Since none of that has happened, I can't help but feel let down. As of right now, I don't see how this team has improved on either the offensive or defensive line.

There's still the draft in April, but recent history has shown Smith hasn't been able to find difference-makers with his picks, so it's difficult to get excited about a rookie coming in and making enough of an impact to help the Chargers capture their first Super Bowl title. Yet, as a nutty fan, I'm still hopeful I'm wrong.