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2009
NFL Draft Needs - San Diego Chargers
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (8): 16, 78, 113, 133*, 134*, 148, 189, 224
*-compensatory picks cannot be traded
Running Back – Their short term problems are solved. Ladainian
Tomlinson is coming off the least productive season of his career,
partially due to playing hurt. He also turns 30 in June. This created
some tension when rumors swirled he might be released, but the two
sides came together on a restructured contract and he likely will
finish his career with the Chargers. His backup Darren Sproles was hit
with the franchise tag to prevent him from getting rich in free agency.
His strong showing in the playoff win over Indianapolis had a lot of
analysts gushing about the possibility of an expanded role. It is true
he piled up 150 yards on 27 touches, but last I checked he is still
5’6” and NFL defenders are, well, huge. When they hit him a lot it is
going to hurt and common sense dictates he will not be able to stay
healthy. As a change of pace player and return threat he does have
value, but the Chargers need to figure out what that is worth in a long
term contract. They also need to decide how to approach drafting
Tomlinson’s true replacement as the featured back. Do they make a
splash early? Wouldn’t that undo some of the good will created by
retaining him in the first place? It is a delicate situation, but they
need someone else to carry the ball.
Offensive Line – The problems are on the right side. Starting
guard Mike Goff (Chiefs) moved on and there is no one to take his
place. Starting tackle Jeromy Clary was signed to a one year deal for
$460,000. Does the salary give you an idea of his talent level? This
problem existed last year too and unless you include seventh round pick
Corey Clark the Chargers ignored it. Now they have two spots to fill.
At center Nick Hardwick is trying to stay healthy, which means drafting
a little insurance makes sense there as well. Last year veteran Jeremy
Newberry filled in, but unless something changes he is not returning.
An addition at every spot is possible.
Strong Safety – The defense certainly lost their bite last
season. The pass defense was tortured for almost 4,000 yards. One of
the problems was not having an enforcer at the strong safety position.
Free safety Eric Weddle is a developing talent. However, Clinton Hart
is merely average and turns 32 in July. He is not striking fear into
anyone running routes down the field. A hard hitting addition is
needed.
Defensive Line – At nose tackle Jamal Williams will turn 33
later this month. Defensive end Igor Olshansky (Cowboys) left in free
agency. It will be a great boost to the defense if linebacker Shawne
Merriman returns healthy, but they need some reinforcements up front or
he will not be as effective.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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