This article is part of our NFL Draft series.
Areas of Need
1. Cornerback
San Diego ranked among the bottom four teams in the league against the pass in 2013 and finished with just 11 interceptions, fifth-fewest in the NFL. Shareece Wright and Richard Marshall, who combined for one interception and 15 pass defensed, are both borderline NFL starters and likely won't cut it on a team that intends to make the playoffs for a second year in a row. If the Chargers want to stay in games and give their offense a chance, they'll need to grab a corner by Day 2 of the draft.
2. Guard
Jeromey Clary, while above-average in pass protection, is such a liability in the run game that the Chargers will likely target an upgrade this offseason. Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews showed some restored confidence in 2013, and with the team seemingly right on the verge of seriously competing, management figures to go out and get an interior line piece to reinforce an already strong offensive foundation.
3. Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen was a revelation as a rookie, but he can't do it alone. The likes of Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal aren't going to get it done, and Danario Alexander's likely on his way out. Antonio Gates is going to be 34 at the start of next season, so while the Chargers have more pressing needs to address on draft day, wide receiver is one position that should not be overlooked.
Potential Targets
1. Cornerback
First round
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Areas of Need
1. Cornerback
San Diego ranked among the bottom four teams in the league against the pass in 2013 and finished with just 11 interceptions, fifth-fewest in the NFL. Shareece Wright and Richard Marshall, who combined for one interception and 15 pass defensed, are both borderline NFL starters and likely won't cut it on a team that intends to make the playoffs for a second year in a row. If the Chargers want to stay in games and give their offense a chance, they'll need to grab a corner by Day 2 of the draft.
2. Guard
Jeromey Clary, while above-average in pass protection, is such a liability in the run game that the Chargers will likely target an upgrade this offseason. Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews showed some restored confidence in 2013, and with the team seemingly right on the verge of seriously competing, management figures to go out and get an interior line piece to reinforce an already strong offensive foundation.
3. Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen was a revelation as a rookie, but he can't do it alone. The likes of Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal aren't going to get it done, and Danario Alexander's likely on his way out. Antonio Gates is going to be 34 at the start of next season, so while the Chargers have more pressing needs to address on draft day, wide receiver is one position that should not be overlooked.
Potential Targets
1. Cornerback
First round
-Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200)
-Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State (5-11, 200)
-Bradley Roby, Ohio State (5-11, 190)
-Pierre Desir, Lindenwood (6-1, 195)
Second and third rounds
-Marcus Roberson, Florida (6-0, 195)
-Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech (6-0, 195)
-Bashaud Breeland, Clemson (6-0, 185)
-Terrance Mitchell, Oregon (6-0, 190)
-Jason Verrett, TCU (5-10, 180)
Fourth round and later
-Louchiez Purifoy, Florida (6-0, 190)
-Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon State (5-10, 191)
-Chris Davis, Auburn (5-10, 200)
-Nevin Lawson, Utah State (5-10, 184)
-Deion Belue, Alabama (5-11, 183)
2. Guard
First round
-David Yankey, Stanford (6-5, 314)
-Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA (6-3, 305)
Second and third rounds
-Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State (6-3, 340)
-Brandon Thomas, Clemson (6-4, 316)
-Jon Halapio, Florida (6-3, 320)
-Dakota Dozier, Furman (6-4, 312)
-Anthony Steen, Alabama (6-2, 310)
Fourth round and later
-Cyril Richardson, Baylor (6-4, 310)
-Chris Watt, Notre Dame (6-3, 320)
-Brandon Linder, Miami (6-6, 316)
3. Wide Receiver
First round
-Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State (6-5, 235)
-Odell Beckham, LSU (5-11, 1935
-Jarvis Landry, LSU (6-0, 195)
-Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (6-3, 205)
Second and third rounds
-Allen Robinson, Penn State (6-3, 210)
-Bruce Ellington, South Carolina (5-9, 195)
-Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin (6-1, 190)
-Martavis Bryant, Clemson (6-4, 200)
-Paul Richardson, Colorado (6-1, 170)
Fourth round and later
-Devin Street, Pittsburgh (6-3, 195)
-Jalen Saunders, Fresno State (5-9, 160)
-Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest (5-10, 190)
