San Diego Chargers: Where Should the Chargers Focus Rebuilding Efforts?

It's been awhile since San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith had a great draft class or a big splash in free agency. This year it looks as if Smith can do both.

The money he'll have available should allow San Diego to retain their top free agents and sign necessary ones as well.

In the draft, the Chargers are positioned at No. 18. Their top priorities are lineman, linebacker and wide receiver.

NFL Draft

In my opinion, the Chargers should trade up for Courtney Upshaw. Most people making mock drafts are predicting San Diego to draft on offensive lineman, but if Upshaw is not picked within the Top 10, I can see them jumping up for him.

San Diego has a couple of positions to fill on the front line, but with Nick Hardwick and Jared Gaither returning, it's not as bad. What the Chargers really lack is intensity. They haven't had that player to light up the defense since Shawne Merriman and Junior Seau.

Shaun Phillips is a very consistent linebacker, but he lacks energy and leadership. Eric Weddle and Takeo Spikes are the two guys who lead the Chargers defense, but they are nowhere close to a Ray Lewis and his energy.

Options in the First Round

1. Trade up and draft Courtney Upshaw around Nos. 10-13
2. Stay put and draft the next best offensive lineman
3. Trade back for more picks and draft a linebacker/lineman
4. Trade up into the Top 10 for either Justin Blackmon or Alshon Jefferey regarding Vincent Jackson's status

Free Agency

This all is according to what the Chargers do in the draft.

San Diego will probably draft for pass-rushers and linemen in the draft and build their secondary in free agency. Eric Weddle needs someone alongside him for the Chargers to become dominant in the pass game.

Another place is wide receiver. If Jackson isn't signed and a wide receiver isn't drafted, the Chargers must add another weapon.

Options in Free Agency

1. Sign either Laron Landry or James Sanders to play alongside Eric Weddle
2. Sign another cornerback for the rotation of Antoine Cason and Quentin Jammer
3. Sign a change-of-pace running back for the relief of Mike Tolbert

If Jackson does indeed leave, San Diego will need to sign a wide receiver like Eddie Royal or Mario Manningham, or another wideout of that caliber who they can afford.

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