No longer able to cruise to the AFC West title, the Chargers have some holes to mend.
With the improved Chiefs and inspired Raiders now challenging, the path to the top in this division isn’t so easy. San Diego has enjoyed a period in which their shortcomings were not enough to hold them from the playoffs, but that time is over.
If this group is to make a serious push for a title, they must address some key spots and begin flushing dead weight. With the lockout dragging on past the draft, the long list of Charger free agents may end up being a blessing as they can flip plans, be proactive, bring in fresh talent, and re-assess needs before going fishing in the free agent pool.
Defensive End
Pass rush. That’s what’s needed. Ending this article here would be justified, but sadly, wouldn’t satisfy the assignment, so we go on.
If they get nothing else out of this offseason, the Chargers need to improve their ability to get after the quarterback. Be it an end that can get some kind of push or a linebacker (discussed next,) it simply needs to be a player that can bring something to the table in 2011 and beyond. They cannot continue to depend on nose tackle Antonio Garay and situational rusher Antwan Barnes to be the standouts in this department.
While not the worst in the league, the Chargers (+16.0) graded ahead of just 11 teams in our cumulative pass rush rating this season. OK for a team on the rise, not good for a team that has been this close to making a run, and particularly frustrating for fans that know windows don't stay open forever in the NFL.
The incumbents at defensive end, Luis Castillo and Jaques Cesaire, have seen their time pass (if Cesaire ever really had “his time”.) Combining for just 38 QB disruptions (sacks plus hits and pressures) in 709 pass-rushing snaps in 2010, the duo just doesn’t threaten on passing downs and can be overlooked without worry. A case could be made that the two were relied upon so heavily because their stout run defense was more than enough of a trade-off … if their run defense was in fact a strength. It wasn't.
A young player with the burst to play in the opponent’s backfield and the ability to even flush the passer would do wonders. Perhaps an agile 4-3 defensive tackle conversion or maybe a larger 4-3 college end could fit and this draft would appear to be plump with options for filling that need.
Linebacker
Inside and outside, this 3-4 could be in need of both. With Kevin Burnett, Stephen Cooper, and Bradon Siler all seeing their contracts expire at the same time, it’s a safe bet that there will be one or two vacancies in the inside.
Rumors have swirled about Cooper’s possible departure to join former coach Ron Rivera in Carolina and, if brought back, Siler could step back into the role he held for much of 2009. Siler’s recent performance though (overall +2.6 in 2010) suggests an upgrade would be in order and a reliable run-stopping inside guy would be a huge boost. Burnett holds the most value of the three and should be the top aim for management to secure if they plan to keep any of the inside backers in town. securing him and his ability to contribute in different facets would free the team to chase down a complimentary piece.
On the outside, with Shawne Merriman gone, Larry English not panning out, and Antwan Applewhite disappearing all too often, a counterpart to Shaun Phillips is needed. Quality edge rushing 3-4 OLB’s are not easy to find, but there are a few in this draft that would be intriguing. As is often the case though, a conversion from 4-3 end is in order for many, and that doesn’t translate to immediate impact.
If there’s a safe bet in this draft, it’s that San Diego will land a linebacker.
Wide Receiver
Philip Rivers, love him or hate him, is a leader on this team and is what makes the offense go. Supplying him with weapons will be a year-in, year-out task for the front office, but taking a shot on a playmaker in the draft could go a long way toward providing some stability and an opportunity for him to form a connection with a target not named Gates.
Vincent Jackson is a legitimate No. 1 receiver and received the franchise tag, so, depending on if that holds up, he’ll be around for at least one more season. Given the battle that got he and team to this point, it’s tough to imagine him being a Charger long-term. With Malcolm Floyd likely winding up as an unrestricted free agent, some move will have to be made to fortify the receiving unit.
Kelley Washington (FA), Patrick Crayton, and Legedu Naanee (FA) do not make up a top-flight combo to round out the group and Seyi Ajirotutu, whose name really is fun to say, is probably not meant for headlining duties or a regular role as the No.2.
If the Chargers do pursue a receiver in the draft, look for them to target one with size on his side. It would be out of character for Norv Turner to bring in a waterbug for this offense.
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