2009 NFL Mock Draft: San Diego Chargers

Written April 21, 2009 by Black Widow

san-diego-chargers-2009-draft-needs-042109 With one of the league’s most talented rosters, the Chargers enter 2009 with few serious personnel needs. San Diego managed to win the AFC West and make the playoffs last season even without Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman, the defensive leader who missed basically all of last season after undergoing knee surgery. But an 8-8 record shows that upgrades are needed at a few key positions. The defense could use an infusion of youth after finishing 25th in the league. Getting Merriman back will help, but getting reinforcements in the secondary will be most important. Ron Rivera is back as the team’s defensive coordinator after taking over mid-way through last season and reviving this unit. Offensively, San Diego found out they had a franchise QB in Philip Rivers last season, but surrounding him with linemen that can keep him standing upright is a must.

1.) Offensive Linemen - More than anything else, the Chargers have to shore up the right side of the offensive line. ORG Mike Goff has left for Kansas City after a sub-par season last year, and ORT Jeromey Clary wasn’t any better. The Chargers need to look to grab a lineman or two in the early rounds of the Draft that they can insert into the lineup from Day One. If this happens, their offense looks to be complete. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OL T.J. Lang (Eastern Michigan), OT Andy Kemp (Wisconsin), OT Jose Valdez (Arkansas), OG Pauliasi Fanaika (Arizona State).

2.) Strong Safety - Changes have to be in order for a pass defense that ranked dead last in the AFC last season, giving up 250 yards per game through the air. Though CB Antonio Cromartie fell below expectations last year, SS Clinton Hart was the secondary’s week link. Hart turns 32 in July, so the Chargers will surely be looking to add a younger strong safety with good cover skills via Draft. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: SS Patrick Chung (Oregon).

3.) Inside Linebacker - With Merriman back, the Chargers are set at outside linebacker with he and Shaun Phillips forming a ferocious tandem. Stephen Cooper is solid on the inside, but he could use some added talent next to him in the 3-4 scheme the Chargers run. Tim Dobbins was a nice stopgap at the position, but he’s likely not the long-term answer. A sure tackler who’s adept at stopping the run would be ideal. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: ILB Ray Maualuga (USC), OLB Larry English (Northern Illinois), ILB Antonio Appleby (Virginia).

4.) Defensive End - With Igor Olshansky using his free agency to leave for the Cowboys in the offseason, defensive end has become a much bigger need in San Diego. Ryon Bingham appears likely to step in opposite Luis Castillo, leaving Jacques Cesaire as their only other experienced defensive end. Other positions are a high priority, but it wouldn’t hurt the Chargers to snag another defensive end to develop. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Rickey Jean-Francois (LSU), DE Derek Walker (Illinois).

5.) Running Back - For the first time in his career, LaDanian Tomlinson’s play dropped off noticeably in 2008. He averaged a mere 3.8 yards/carry and he turns 30 in late June, and he’s been struck with injuries for the second straight postseason. San Diego did sign him to a 3-year deal, but just as Michael Turner bolted for Atlanta there’s no guarantee Darren Sproles will be a Charger forever. Sproles earned the franchise tag this offseason. But after these two, the team has no proven talent, so securing another backup is a must. Bolt Hype, however, looks at four reasons the Chargers might pass on a first round running back. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), RB Gartrell Johnson (Colorado State).

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