2008 San Diego Chargers NFL Draft Needs

The NFL draft has been the chief reason why the Chargers have emerged as one of the NFL's elite teams. Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith gets most of the credit. During the last five seasons, he has picked up one of the game's best kickers in Nate Kaeding as well as one of its best outside linebackers in Shawne Merriman. San Diego took cornerback Antonio Cromartie with their first-choice in 2006 and he led the NFL with 10 picks last season. Over the last five seasons, the Chargers have drafted six Pro Bowl players, and 14 draft picks during that span are expected to start this season. Find out where the Bolts will look first in this 2008 San Diego Chargers NFL Draft needs article.

#1 Cornerback

With Drayton Florence moving on to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bolts have a big hole at backup corner. San Diego took Paul Oliver in the fourth round of last summer's supplemental draft, but he appears better suited to play safety in their dime packages. San Diego will likely target Oklahoma's Reggie Smith or Troy's Leodis McKelvin at pick 27 in the first round.

#2 Offensive Tackle

The Chargers could choose to spend their first round pick on Boston College's Gosder Cherilus. Shane Olivea was beat outby Jeromey Clary midway through last season. Neither is a Pro Bowl caliber player and the Bolts have discussed moving Olivea inside to play guard.

#3 Running Back

With Michael Turner heading to the Atlanta Falcons, the Chargers will need to land a backup tailback. Darren Sproles was solid in spot duty, but he doesn't appear to be the type of player who can carry the load if Tomlinson were to go down again this season. I expect the Chargers to try to find a sleeper here, like they did when they found Turner in the fifth round in 2004. Don't be surprised if the Chargers have Tulane's Matt Forte on their draft board.

#4 Defensive Tackle (nose)

Jamal Williams has another Pro Bowl year, but he struggled with knee and ankle injuries. If the Chargers think a guy like North Carolina's Kentwan Balmer is a future star, this would be a good time to take him in the I first round even though it isn't their biggest need.

#5 Safety

With Marlon McCree now with division rival Denver, depth at safety now becomes a major concern. Clinto Hart will be given another opportunity to prove he can perform at strong safety, but don't be surprised if the Bolts are looking for a player which they can develop to step in down the road.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 8th, 2008