The San Diego Chargers barely missed out on the playoffs with a 9-7 record, but still have some areas they need to address to become a consistent playoff team. Here’s where the Chargers are most likely to go with their first pick in the draft:
1) RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
Ryan Mathews is now on the Philadelphia Eagles, and the quartet of Donald Brown, Danny Woodhead, Ronnie Brown, and Branden Oliver won't get it done. Gurley is recovering from a torn ACL, but his combination of size, speed, and power give him the potential to be one of the elite backs in the league for a long time.
2) RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
If Gurley is off the board - or if the Chargers are scared off by his injury - it wouldn't be a surprise to see them go after Gordon. He ran for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns last year for Wisconsin, and he fell just a few yards short of Barry Sanders’ record for most all-purpose yards in a single season. He doesn't have the same physical tools Gurley does, but all signs point to him having a very successful career.
3) DE Bud Dupree, Kentucky
San Diego was the fourth-worst team at rushing the quarterback in the NFL, and team sack leader Melvin Ingram had a ground-breaking 4.0 sacks. The Chargers haven't re-signed Dwight Freeney, so finding an elite pass rusher for their 3-4 defense has to be the top priority. Dupree had the athleticism to play either outside linebacker or defensive end, and has the skills to make an immediate impact.
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