7 picks
#28, 40sea, 91, 126, 159, 168comp, 235
Running Back
They say hindsight is 20/20. In some cases foresight can be too. I said the Chargers should have been locking up Michael Turner, even at the expense of the iconic LT. History tells us most backs fade badly at or around 30 years old. The season Turner departed Tomlinson was 29. He rushed for a decent 1,110 yards in 2008, but had his lowest average rush (3.8) since he was a rookie. Meanwhile Turner was burning it up for the Falcons with 1,699 yards and a much higher average (4.5). Two years later, instead of having him at 28 with something left in the tank they are left with LT gone to the Big Apple and nothing in the cupboard. The good news, sort of, is that rookies have a high success rate. Having also cut seldom used Michael Bennett it made sense to slap the highest tender on utility player Darren Sproles as a restricted free agent because he is now their only reliable threat. They will more than likely draft someone to play immediately with their #28 or #40 pick, but a sleeper to watch is Marcus Mason. He was waived by the Redskins, who apparently value seasoned rushers, and never really got a chance to shine. More carries could also be thrown to fullback Mike Tolbert who was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent.
Nose Tackle
It was a dangerous game the Chargers played cutting loose Jamal Williams. Instead of returning at a reduced price he headed to division rival Denver. If Ryon Bingham could ever manage to keep his biceps healthy he might be a viable replacement. He's also a good 40 pounds lighter and teams often like to have the proverbial "immovable object" in the middle of their 3-4. I have to imagine Alabama's "Mount Cody" will be considered as an early draft pick. Ian Scott is really just a pulse on the depth chart having been signed for this year.
Defensive End
This area has room for improvement. Luis Castillo is their best player at the position, but has only appeared in 76% of the team's games over the past four years for various reasons. Restricted free agent Travis Johnson was tendered, and has somewhat revived his career in the 3-4 after flaming out in Houston as a first round pick. Antonio Garay was inked for two years. Alfonso Boone had a role this season, and was surprisingly retained. He probably doesn't have the same taste in music as the rest of the defensive line because they are all under 30. If they are comfortable with waiting for the second tier running backs it is possible San Diego uses their first two picks upgrading their defensive line.
Offensive Tackle
Their annual issue at right tackle is, well, still an issue. Clary, who was given a second round tender as a restricted free agent and signed it, will be competing with Dombrowksi. At least both have youth on their side. Veteran Jon Runyan retired to do what most ex-football players do - run for Congress. These concerns pale in comparison to left tackle Marcus McNeill being reportedly handed an offer sheet by the Colts. He was given the highest tender, a first and third round pick, as a restricted free agent. However, Indianapolis just went to the Super Bowl and those selections are #31 and #94. Considering the elite prospects figure to be off the board by then, it makes sense to give up those picks for a proven blind side protector who is 26 years old. I have to believe the offer will be matched because without McNeill this offensive line folds and as the prohibitive favorite in the weak AFC West San Diego is in "win now" mode. Once McNeill is given his contract, grabbing another tackle for depth and preferably to provide an upgrade as his bookend would be smart business.
Secondary
At cornerback the depth chart was shaken up by trading Cromartie (Jets). In a separate transaction they signed Strickland (Jets) who reunites with his college teammate at Texas Quentin Jammer. Veteran Nathan Vasher (Bears) was also signed after being cut. They will both provide veteran depth behind anointed starter Antoine Cason whose time has come to start as a first round pick two years ago. On paper the additions outweigh the subtraction, but they did get older in the process. At the safety spots, Weddle and Oliver both hit free agency next year on the free side. There was no way to avoid using the word free twice in that sentence, awkward as it might have been. It underscores their need for adequate depth and an upgrade on either side would actually be welcome.
Wide Receiver
Free agency cost them valued special teams member Kassim Osgood (Jaguars). Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson were both strapped with the highest tender as restricted free agents to keep them around. Still, many question Jackson's future with the team for the long haul because of his attitude. Talent trumps that in the short term, but it is worth mentioning here because if a receiver crosses their path during the draft a move is possible. Legedu Naanee is a free agent next year, and after setting loose veteran Chris Chambers during the season they might be in trouble if either Jackson or Floyd gets hurt.
Quarterback
It was a pretty big score trading away third stringer Charlie Whitehurst, who had no future as their starter, for a jump in the second round and pick next year. Of course, this also leaves them without a developmental player to take over the backup role for Billy Volek who will be 34 at the end of April. He probably has a few years left, especially if Rivers stays healthy. They can go dumpster diving with a veteran in the meantime, or take a flier on a late round pick. Either way, this is not a pressing issue for the 2010 season.
Tight End
Brandon Manumaleuna (Bears) was lost in free agency while Kris Wilson was penned for two years. Antonio Gates is entering a contract year and while I seriously doubt the team lets him escape, now is the time to kick the tires on another tight end to fill up the depth chart.
Linebacker
It just seems wrong not to at least mention linebacker when talking about a team running the 3-4. Where the Chargers are concerned it would be a luxury addition though. They drafted Larry English in the first round on the outside, and wound up with Darry Beckwith as a rookie free agent inside. Considering only Stephen Cooper has hit 30, things are looking pretty good. Marques Harris was not tendered and as a marginal pass rusher will likely walk. The same fate likely faces Dontarrious Thomas who rarely played as a late season signing. "Lights Out" was given the highest tender to keep him in the fold, happy about it or not. Antwan Applewhite has been solid on special teams and was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent. Tim Dobbins was also tendered (fifth round compensation) and provides depth behind Brandon Siler inside if retained. I never want to rule out any position, but it certainly appears they are set.
