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Philip Rivers isn’t getting any younger. It’s time for the San Diego Chargers to provide him with another offensive weapon.
The Chargers ranked 30th in rushing yards in 2014, and if they plan on contending for a championship while they still have a franchise quarterback, they must become a more balanced attack. That’s why the Chargers should draft Todd Gurley with the 17th overall selection of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Chargers also have needs at safety, and both offensive and defensive tackle. This draft is deep at all three positions, so the Chargers should really target the best player available, and Gurley is one of the top-five talents in this draft.
A standout at the University of Georgia, Gurley is one of the better runners to come along in the last decade. Gurley tore his left ACL in November, and that is a concern, but also is the only downside to drafting the 6-foot-1, 222-pound star. Gurley is on track for a full recovery, and even he isn’t ready for the start of the season, he would be well worth taking at No. 17.
The Chargers currently have three options at running back. The problem is that Branden Oliver, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown are all best suited as third-down, or change-of-pace backs. Bringing Gurley into the fold would add a hard-charging, physical back that opposing defenses would have to respect. Gurley is a punishing runner, who will get the tough yard, but still has the capability of breaking the long run. He is also a good blocker, underrated receiver and was a great kick returner for the Bulldogs.
Defenses didn’t fear San Diego’s ability to run the ball in 2014. In fact, they were downright disrespectful. Defensive linemen ignored the run and pinned their ears back to rush Rivers on nearly every snap. Linebackers were ready to get nice deep drops in coverage. The added attention defenses would have to pay to Gurley would certainly slow down the pass rush and open up play-action opportunities for Rivers. It would also help with keep opposing offenses on the sideline and keep San Diego’s defense fresh.
The Chargers haven’t been a formidable threat in the AFC since LaDainian Tomlinson was toting the rock. When Tomlinson was racking up yards on the ground, the Chargers were a major factor in the AFC playoffs. Gurley would be the next dominant back for the Bolts, and could bring them closer to winning their first Super Bowl.
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick on Twitter@nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
