NFL San Diego Chargers

2015 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers’ Top 5 Needs

2015 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers' Top 5 Needs

Tom Telesco
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

It's not yet known where the Chargers will be selecting in the NFL Draft come next may. With only six total picks, each one has to be able to come in and contribute not only for 2015, but for the long-term future. The defense is young, but the clock may be ticking for their offense.

5. Tight End

Ladarius Green
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tight End

Ladarius Green
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 year started with what looked like a 25-year-old Antonio Gates. That youth, however, has faded throughout the season and retirement may be on the horizon. With a year left on his contract, it'll be interesting to see if the Chargers decide to move on or allow Ladarius Green, a third-year pro, to take over and steal the show. It looked like he would this season, but he's struggled to earn snaps.

4. Running Back

Ryan Matthews
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. Running Back

Ryan Matthews
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There's little doubt in my mind that the Chargers would be in the hunt had it not been for strong play courtesy of undrafted rookie Branden Oliver. Is he a franchise back, though? I don't think so. The rest of their backs (Ryan Mathews, Donald Brown, Danny Woodhead, Ronnie Brown) can't stay healthy. With the running back depth in the upcoming draft very deep, it's time to revitalize the position for the future.

3. Quarterback

Philip Rivers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Quarterback

Philip Rivers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers shouldn't be leaving San Diego anytime soon, but after spending the season banged up, you can't help to wonder about his durability issues as he continues to get older. If he were to sit out next week, there's no way the Chargers make the playoffs with Kellen Clemens under center. Time to start grooming their future signal caller.

2. Offensive Line

Offensive Line, San Diego Chargers
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

2. Offensive Line

Offensive Line, San Diego Chargers
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

As I stated in the previous slide, Rivers isn't getting any older which means the offensive line needs to get better to keep from losing him. You can't ever predict injuries like what's happened to San Diego at center this season, but it's important to continue building depth at the position. They've given up 30 sacks thus far his season; it's not horrible, but needs to improve.

1. Pass Rusher

Melvin Ingram
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pass Rusher

Melvin Ingram
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego is the fourth-worst team at rushing the quarterback. Their sack leader (Melvin Ingram) has a ground-breaking 3.5 sacks; a team in this day-of-age is not going to win the Super Bowl if you can't rush the quarterback. Period. With Dwight Freeney on the brink of retirement, finding an elite pass rusher for their 3-4 defense must be the first thing Telesco has to address this offseason.

Share Tweet