2009 B/R NFL Mock Draft, You Make the Call: San Diego Chargers

1. Detroit Lions: Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

5. Cleveland Browns: Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State

6. Cincinnati Bengals: B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor

9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo; Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas

10. San Francisco 49ers: Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin; Defensive End, Penn State

12. Denver Broncos: Alphonso Smith; Cornerback, Wake Forest

13. Washington Redskins: Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

14. New Orleans Saints: James Laurinaitis; Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

With the 15th pick in the 2009 B/R NFL Mock Draft, the Houston Texans have selected...Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC. The San Diego Chargers are now on the clock.

A phenomenal pick by the Houston Texans. Adding Cushing to the mix of elite young talent of Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Amobi Okoye, and Dunta Robinson automatically gives Houston's defense a huge boost. He will be a great fit for the Texans.

Now we head west to San Diego, where the Chargers capped off a brilliant late season run in 2008, erasing a three-game lead of the Denver Broncos with three games to play. Still, the Chargers underachieved in 2008, and it seemed they sorely missed the presence of Shawne Merriman on their defense. 

The offense, led by Philip Rivers, was simply astounding. Near the end of the season, it seemed like nothing could stop the Chargers. Darren Sproles was a huge factor, and Vincent Jackson emerged as a star receiver for this team. Still, the defensive unit ranked near the bottom in pass defense, and the Chargers have some needs up front on offense as well.

Here are what I feel are San Diego's top needs heading into draft day.

1.  Middle Linebacker

2.  Offensive Tackle

3.  Guard

4.  Strong Safety

5.  Running Back

You make the call, Chargers fans! Vote in the poll for the player you think San Diego should select with the 16th overall pick in this year's draft.

1. Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

Moreno has established himself as one of the top running backs in this year's draft. He is elusive, versatile, and has a similar game to that of Saints running back Reggie Bush. San Diego may cut LaDainian Tomlinson, and he would be a great compliment if he takes a pay cut to stay.

2. Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State

In the same vein of Moreno, Wells would help fill any holes left by LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a very powerful back who actually reminds me a lot of former Charger Michael Turner. 

3. Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Word on the street is that San Diego is going to be in the market for an offensive lineman early in the upcoming draft. Oher had a great college career, and thanks to the mysterious drop in his stock, the Chargers may be able to pick him up at this point in the draft.

4. William Beatty; Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

Beatty's stock is fast on the rise, and since the Chargers don't own a second round pick at the moment, this could be a nice position for Beatty. He has had a great offseason and would fill a great need up front for San Diego.

5. Louis Delmas; Safety, Western Michigan

Again, this may be a bit too high for Delmas, but without a second round pick, San Diego may not be able to obtain his services. A likely situation could have the Chargers trading down and getting either Delmas or Beatty, but given the situation, this is not a bad pick at all.

There you have it, Chargers fans! Vote in the poll for the player you think your team should take with the 16th overall pick in this year's draft.