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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects San Diego Chargers Should Target in First Round

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NFL Draft: 5 Prospects San Diego Chargers Should Target in First Round

San Diego Chargers
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Quarterback Philip Rivers is entering his 12th season, and if the San Diego Chargers want to take advantage of the back end of his prime years, they desperately need to improve the run game. The Chargers have two major weaknesses: They can’t run the ball, and they can’t stop the run. So, addressing these deficiencies in the NFL draft will be critical. Here are five players the Chargers should target with the 17th pick.

5. La’el Collins, OT, LSU

La'el Collins
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5. La’el Collins, OT, LSU

La'el Collins
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I would expect the Chargers to address depth at right tackle at some point in the draft. I don’t think it will be with their first pick, but if they don’t like what’s left at other positions of need, Collins would be a great option in upgrading the line. Collins (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) is a great run blocker and has the ability to develop as a pass protector. He would provide depth behind D.J. Fluker, who has struggled protecting Philip Rivers.

4. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

Landon Collins
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4. Landon Collins, S, Alabama

Landon Collins
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Collins would join Eric Weddle to form one of the better safety tandems in the NFL. At 6-foot-0, 228 pounds, Collins shines as a run defender, but is also instinctive and athletic enough to be a solid cover safety. With Marcus Gilchrist signing with the New York Jets in free agency, the Chargers are left with Jahleel Addae and Jimmy Wilson at strong safety. Collins could step right in and provide a boost.

3. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon
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3. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon
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Right now, the Chargers have Branden Oliver, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown as their top three running backs. All are good players, but they all are best suited as third-down, or change-of-pace backs. What the Chargers need is a feature back, and Gordon could provide that. Gordon (6-foot-0, 215 pounds) is quick, fast and displays good vision. Gordon also would give the Chargers another weapon that opponents would have to fear.

2. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

Malcom Brown
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2. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

Malcom Brown
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The San Diego Chargers ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed in 2014, and must improve if they are to contend with the AFC’s elite. The Chargers have very good 3-4 defensive ends with Kendall Reyes and Corey Liuget. What they need is a stout nose tackle who consistently holds up at the point of attack. Brown, at 6-foot-2 and 319 pounds, is the prototype nose tackle and would immediately upgrade San Diego’s run defense.

1. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Todd Gurley
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1. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Todd Gurley
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The Chargers ranked 30th in rushing yards in 2014, and if they hope to contend for a championship, they must give Philip Rivers some help. Gurley is one of the better prospects to come along in the last decade. His only weakness as a player is that he is coming off major knee surgery. If Gurley didn’t get injured, he’d be a definite top-10 pick, so if he’s still available at No. 17, the Chargers should feel like they got a steal.

Nick Sardina is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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