San Diego Chargers 2015 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the San Diego Chargers, I got together with Ernie Padaon of Bolt Beat. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The San Diego Chargers could use another offensive lineman and a running back. The team is expected to get a running back within the first couple of rounds in the draft. They will have one of those top backs taking the ball on offense. The team might take a right guard or could take a right tackle to move DJ Fluker inside on the line. The team still could use some help in the pass rush and on the defensive line. There are a number of holes that need to be filled by the team. This draft will be interesting with all the trade talk with Philip Rivers and with the number of holes that need to be filled for the team."
Live Feed
FanSided
2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The players that are taken need to stay healthy. The Chargers top draft picks last season struggled with injuries thoughout the year. Jason Verrett only played in a handful of games and Jeremiah Attaochu had a nagging injury that kept him off the field. The team needs to find impact players at running back and on the offensive line and the team should be good."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"If the Chargers trade Philip Rivers, then we have are in full rebuild mode. The possibility is there and definitely will be on the minds of the fans when we get to the draft. The team still could have success with a new quarterback, but the expectations would be dropped for most fans. There still would be some excitement to see the new team, but there would be some bitterness to let Philip roll out of town."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"The Chargers trade Philip Rivers and bring in Marcus Mariota to be the starter. The team will also add Melvin Gordon with the 17th overall selection to create a young core for the team. Just like when the team selected Drew Brees and Ladainian Tomlinson, they will be hoping that this new tandem can carry the team to new heights. It would be a huge risk, but it might be a risk that needs to be made with Philip’s unwillingness to sign a new deal."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"The Chargers could easily go with a top pass rusher in the first round of the draft. If there is a top guy there, the need is great enough for the Chargers to make the move on the player. Jeremiah Attaochu and Melvin Ingram are expected to make the impact for the team in that department, but both are still unproven. Ingram has potential, but has constantly been injured. Attaochu seems like a 3rd down player at the moment."
For full Chargers coverage, check out Bolt Beat.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft