There are tons of mock drafts; I've gone through a few to see who the experts have the Chargers taking with the 16th choice. Position wise a whopping six out of ten have the Chargers taking a running back. No doubt with LTs injury; his contentious contract negotiations and the possible loss of Darren Sproles that makes a certain amount of sense. Another factor is that after a number of teams filled their need last year; the number of teams ahead of the Chargers in this years draft that need a running back is likely zero; that leaves the best talent at runningback on the board when they pick.
Still, I'm skeptical for a few reasons. For all the Sturm & Drang; I think they will reach an agreement with LT; that means they really just need a backup. AJ has repeatedly said that he thinks they can find good runningbacks in the later rounds. Beyond that; this is no longer Marty's three yards and a cloud of dust offense; the Chargers don't need an elite runningback to make this offense tick any more. Anyone who takes a quick look at the offensive and defensive numbers can see the real needs are on the defensive side of the ball. Matt Wilhelm/Dobbins and Clinton Hart are the prime people that could be upgraded; but we also need to replace Olshansky at defensive end. Unfortunately there isn't really a great crop of safeties this draft; so to me the best picks for the Chargers are the inside linebackers and defensive tackles. The position breakdown looks like this:
Position | Number |
Runningback | 6 |
Inside Linebacker | 3 |
Defensive Tackle | 1 |
By Player:
Chris 'Beanie' Wells | 3 |
Knowshon Moreno | 3 |
Rey Maualuga | 2 |
James Laurinitis | 1 |
Peria Jerry | 1 |
Here are their picks for the Bolts:
Draft | Player | Position |
Walter Football | Chris 'Beanie' Wells | Runningback |
Mel Kiper | Knowshon Moreno | Runningback |
ff toolbox | Rey Maualuga | Inside Linebacker |
Roto Times | James Laurinitis | Inside Linebacker |
Draft King | Chris 'Beanie' Wells | Runningback |
NFL Draft Site | Rey Maualuga | Inside Linebacker |
Shawn Zobel | Chris 'Beanie' Wells | Runningback |
Scout | Knowshon Moreno | Runningback |
Draft Season | Knowshon Moreno | Runningback |
The Huddle Report | Peria Jerry | Defensive Tackle |