The San Diego Chargers barely missed out on the playoffs with a 9-7 record, but still have some areas they need to address to become a consistent playoff team. Here’s where the Chargers are most likley to go in the draft:
PASS RUSHER
San Diego was the fourth-worst team at rushing the quarterback in the NFL, and team sack leader Melvin Ingram had a ground-breaking 4.0 sacks. Dwight Freeney is nearing retirement, so finding an elite pass rusher for their 3-4 defense has to be the top priority. Kentucky's Alvin Dupree would be the best option for the Chargers because he can play OLB or DE, but if the's off the board, they'll go after Owamagbe Odighizuwa from UCLA.
OFFENSIVE LINE
San Diego gave up over 30 sacks this season, and with quarterback Philip Rivers' lack of mobility, they need to be able to protect him. Brandon Scherff from Iowa and Cedric Ogbuehi from Texas A&M are the potential first-round draft picks.
RUNNING BACK
It's time to move on from thinking Ryan Mathews can be the Chargers' full-time back - he just can't stay healthy. Donald Brown, Danny Woodhead, and Ronny Brown also have injury problems, and Branden Oliver isn't the long-term answer. Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah and Miami's Duke Johnson could be options in the second or third round.
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