San Diego Chargers 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft
By Blake Meek
Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers have really underachieved the last 3 seasons. They have gotten worse every season, from 9-7 to 8-8 to 7-9 last year. Philip Rivers hasn’t seemed like himself the last 2 years, but that can be attributed to other things as well. The offensive line is really bad. They might have had the worst set of tackles and outside of Louis Vasquez the entire line was pretty bad. Sadly, Vasquez signed with the Broncos this offseason. The player with the most sacks on their team last year, Shaun Phillips, is currently a free agent and Melvin Ingram needs to improve a lot to be an impact player next year. The Broncos improved this offseason and the Chiefs have made great strides, the Chargers need to get some impact players to keep up with those 2 teams.
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Lane Johnson – Johnson showed off his athletic ability at the combine by running the 2nd fastest time for an offensive lineman ever. As I mentioned earlier, the Chargers had possible the worst pair of offensive linemen in the league. The Chargers gave up the 4th most sacks in the league last year, allowing Rivers to be sacked 49 times. Rivers can’t be the elite QB he was in his first few years if he can’t stay upright. Also Johnson could help open up some running lanes for Ryan Matthews, who only averaged 3.8 ypc last year.
Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Chance Warmack (65) blocks during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Alabama won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Chance Warmack – The Chargers lost their best offensive lineman last year in Louis Vasquez to the Broncos. Chance Warmack is the #1 player on a lot of teams boards and would be a steal at the 11th pick in the draft. Warmack could come in and start from day 1. He is strong and would be a great player to help open up hole for Ryan Matthews to get him going next season. He could also help keep Rivers upright, which is an absolute must next year. He has All-Pro potential and could be the best OG in the league in a couple years.