Unlike most analysts this is where I think Marshon Lattimore deserves to slot in. If he’s gone, they could use the 7th selection for either the top receiver on their draft board or possibly a defensive lineman.
Time is running out for Philip Rivers to reach the Super Bowl and it’s up to G.M. Tom Telesco and new Coach Anthony Lynn to get him there. If every key player stays healthy and plays to their capabilities they’ll have a shot to compete for a post-season berth. But another top corner must be added early if they’re to fill the one obvious hole on their team.
Key additions
- OT Russell Okung
Key subtractions
- CB Brandon Flowers
- OT King Dunlap
- OG D.J. Fluker
- LB Manti Te’o
- RB Danny Woodhead
Priority needs (Offense)
OL…There is actual hope that the line will be dramatically improved thanks to the addition of left tackle Russell Okung and by swapping out former first-round bust D.J. Fluker for 2016 third-round pick Max Tuerk. Tuerk did not play last year after rehabbing from a knee injury in college and was able to sit and learn from veteran Matt Slauson. Slauson’s natural position is at guard which is why he might move back this season to get the talented Tuerk into the lineup. The hope is by upgrading more talent up-front it will help a pair of veterans coming off disappointing seasons (Joe Barksdale and Orlando Franklin) to bounce back and turn this line into a strength. What Telesco needs to do though is continue to build up depth for a position that has hampered the ability for Rivers for far too long to engage the opposition in the aggressive manner he likes as he enters the last few years of his career.
QB…Speaking of Rivers, he turns 36 this season and it’s time for the Chargers to start looking for the next franchise QB. Davis Webb would be a nice pick-up in the third-round.
RB…It’s no secret that Rivers likes to work with running backs who have top receiving skills and he surely missed Danny Woodhead’s presence in the lineup last season. Top rusher Melvin Gordon proved to be a quality receiver and a top-end runner last season, but when Gordon comes out of games it would help to add a player later in the draft like Matt Dayes, T.J. Logan, I’ Tavius Mathers or Elijah McGuire.
WR…Kidney and knee injuries have forced star receiver Keenan Allen to miss 23 games the past two seasons. His absence from the lineup has killed the Chargers chances of being a legitimate contender. That’s why Telesco should take advantage of this strong draft class and grab a player here early enough to make a difference.
Priority needs (Defense)
CB…This is the clear top position need for the Chargers. Even if Jason Verrett finally steps up and plays like a first-round pick there are still holes everywhere else. Two corners would actually help more with one at seven and the other in the middle rounds. This is a strong corner class and Telesco needs to take advantage.
DL…The Chargers can save $20 million if they cut Corey Liuget after the season. Liuget has been a steady player over his six-year career, but he’s never lived up to his first-round status. Chances are they can find a way to restructure his deal and keep him around, but even if they do they need to add more depth with the switch to more of a 4-3 look following the hire of former Jacksonville Head Coach Gus Bradley.
Final analysis
Unlike most analysts this is where I think Marshon Lattimore deserves to slot in. He’s not experienced enough and he’s also injury prone. That’s a bad combination for a top-five pick. If Lattimore is gone, Telesco can wait until pick 38 to grab a player like Fabian Moreau and then use the 7th selection for either the top receiver on their draft board or possibly a defensive lineman.
Top first-round options
- CB Gareon Conley
- CB Marlon Humphrey
- CB Marshon Lattimore
Unlike most analysts this is where I think Marshon Lattimore deserves to slot in. If he’s gone, they could use the 7th selection for either the top receiver on their draft board or possibly a defensive lineman.
- CB Tre’Davious White
- DE Derek Barnett
- DL DeMarcus Walker
- WR Corey Davis
- WR John Ross
- WR Mike Williams
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