The San Diego Chargers Replacing Greatness: NOT in the First Round

The popular thought is that the Chargers need to use the 28th overall pick in this year's 2010 NFL draft to replace LaDainian Tomlinson. But that really isn't the case. There are too many decent options available via free agency, restricted free agency, and trades—and I'll prove it.

1. Free Agents: This year's veteran RB class is healthy, led by Thomas Jones, Brian Westbrook, Willie Parker, Chester Taylor (Bears), and LaDainian Tomlinson. One of these players can contribute right away both on and off the field to a handful of teams, including the Chargers. Thomas Jones or Willie Parker could make a great fit in San Diego alongside Sproles.

2. Restricted Free Agents: New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas is currently tendered at a second-round level. The Chargers could make him an offer and if the Saints choose not to match it, the Chargers would lose just their second-round pick as compensation to the Saints, leaving the Chargers with their first-round pick still available. Thomas is still just 25 years old, and is a solid back.

3. Trade: Tashard Choice is unhappy in Dallas, LenDale White wants out of Tennessee, the Giants are rumored to be shopping one of their backs, Brandon Jacobs or Amhad Bradshaw, and Jerious Norwood has been mentioned. There are just too many decent options via trade for the Chargers without giving up their first-round pick this year.

4. The Draft: I said not in the first round, but there are many options in the later rounds. Jonathan Dwyer and Ryan Matthews are not clear cut first-round backs, and could fall to the mid- to late-second round, where the Chargers could trade up or take them at 28. Names like Toby Gerhart, Stafon Johnson, Lagarrette Blount, or Joe McKnight are all solid talent in the later rounds. And thats just to name a few.

If the Chargers wanted to draft a first-round running back, they should have done it last year by selecting Chris "Beanie" Wells. There is just not enough talent at running back in this star-filled draft class. And let's face it, the Chargers need to use their first-round pick to address their biggest need: defense.

Philip Rivers and company will score at will no matter whos watching Rivers throw from the backfield. Now without Antonio Cromartie and Jamal Williams, the defense lacks too many playmakers. They are a solid defensive unit, but they don't make the big play. They bend and don't break, but they don't snap back when they need to. I would put the team's needs as follows:

1. Defensive line/Pass rush
2. Running Back
3. Right Tackle
4. Secondary (SS & CB)

The priority is NOT a first-round running back. Terrence Cody and Taylor Mays are officially on my wish list.