2011 San Diego Chargers Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The San Diego Chargers came into the 2010 NFL season off four straight AFC West titles, and were the overwhelming favorite to win it again last season. The Chargers, however, stumbled out of the gate losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in week 1 and finished the season second in the division at 9-7.
A lot of things went into the Chargers struggles last year: their special teams unit was awful, they were decimated with injuries and players sitting out, and they got little to nothing out of their 2010 draft class. The Chargers traded up to take Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews, but he spent most of the season hurt and was a major disappointment with just 678 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Chargers have five picks in the first three rounds, including two in the 2nd and 3rd. Here is a look at what they need to address with those picks. Find out who we have the Chargers taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Defensive End:The Chargers could lose starting defensive end Jacques Cesaire in free agency, but even if they are able to re-sign him they are very thin at this spot. The Chargers could really upgrade for the future here if they decide to concentrate on this position with the No. 18 pick in the first round. One player that sticks out is Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn, who would be an absolute steal if he fell this far.
Outside Linebacker: With the Chargers parting ways with Shawne Merriman they really lack a solid pass rusher outside of Shaun Phillips, who led the team with 11 sacks. San Diego had hoped 2009 first round draft pick Larry English would be the answer once Merriman was gone, but he has totaled just five sacks in his first two seasons and is still fighting for a starting job with Antwan Applewhite. If the right guy isn’t there in the first round, expect the Chargers to use one of their second round picks on this position.
Inside Linebacker: The weakness at linebacker isn’t just on the outside. The Chargers could also use some help on the inside. Kevin Burnett, Brandon Siler, and Stephen Cooper saw the majority of the action in 2010, but all three are free agents. The hope is 2010 third round pick Donal Butler will be able to compete for one of the starting jobs, but more help needs to be on the way.
Wide Receiver: With Vincent Jackson playing in just five games in 2010 due to a holdout and suspension, the Chargers were forced to use a number of different options at this position. Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee are still on the team, but the two combined for just 60 catches last year. I would be surprised if the Chargers didn’t go after a receiver in the third round. Possible targets could be Leonard Hankerson of Miami, Tandon Doss of Indiana or Terrance Tolliver of LSU. who all have the size desired by NFL teams.
Safety: The hope is the Chargers will be able to re-sign free safety Eric Weddle, but nothing is set in stone. If the Chargers don’t think they will be able to bring Weddle back, they almost certainly will add a safety with one of their first five picks. Even if the Chargers feel like Weddle will return, they could use an upgrade at strong safety. Iowa’s Tyler Sash will likely be on the board in the third round, and would be a nice fit in San Diego.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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