NFL Draft 2011: San Diego Chargers' Most Pressing Needs

Coming into the 2010 season, the San Diego Chargers were the prohibitive favorite to win the AFC West.

However, once again, they stumbled out of the starting gate and could never get on track to win their fifth-straight divisional title.

Their special teams play was atrocious and they received very little production from the running game all season long.

Let’s take a look at the Chargers’ most pressing needs from the upcoming 2011 NFL draft.

7) Safety

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Chargers' top priority this offseason is to resign S Eric Weddle to a long-term contract, but no move is set in stone until a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is agreed upon.

Don’t read too much into them selecting a safety with one of their five picks in the first three rounds of the draft.

Iowa S Tyler Sash is a great fit for their style of defense.

6) Cornerback

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SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Steve Gregory #28 and Quentin Jammer #23 of the San Diego Chargers forces a fumble by Runningback Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the NFL game on November 29, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Califo

Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason are one of the best cornerback combinations in the NFL, but the Chargers lack a true nickelback to shut down receivers in obvious passing situations.

The coaching staff has toyed with the idea of moving Jammer to safety and utilizing his ferocious tackling ability. However, before any position changes can occur in the starting lineup, a replacement cornerback will need to be groomed.

5) Wide Receiver

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers dives into the endzone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Pho

Depth at this position has been an issue for the last two seasons.

Vincent Jackson was franchise tagged in 2011, but signing him to long-term deal will be a difficult task for Chargers GM AJ Smith.

Currently, the other starting wideout Malcolm Floyd is a free agent and the next receiver down, Legedu Naanee, has been waived, so the team will add a quality receiver at some point in this draft. 

4) Offensive Tackle

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers is sacked by Kamerion Wimbley #96 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/

Jeromey Clary has been a disaster at the right tackle position, whether it’s blown blocking assignments or an excessive amount of penalties being called on him, a change needs to be made at the position.

Philip Rivers had a spectacular season throwing the football, but he was also sacked 38 times.

The Chargers did, however, tender a contract to Brandyn Dombrowski. He will compete for the right tackle position during training camp.

Either way, adding depth to the offensive line is a top priority in this upcoming draft.

3) Inside Linebacker

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Pierre Garcon #85 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by A

This position could end up with huge holes in it, which would need to be filled.

Kevin Burnett, Stephen Cooper and Brandon Siler are all eligible to become free agents once the league gets back to business.

North Carolina LB Quan Sturdivant is a viable option with one of their two picks in the second round.

2) Defensive End

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Donald Brown #31 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Luis Castillo #93 of the San Diego Chargers during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

There's a definite need for an impact player to line up on the opposite side from Luis Castillo on the defensive line.

Last season, Jacques Cesaire couldn’t stop the run or consistently get to the QB.

However, this draft is well-stocked with defensive linemen suited to play in the 3-4 scheme.

The Chargers could select Adrian Clayborn or Cameron Heyward in the second round and have them immediately compete for a starting position.

1) Pass Rushing Outside Linebacker

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Linebackers Shawne Merriman #56 and Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers celebrate a defensive play against the New York Jets during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, Ca

There is an obvious need to put pressure on the QB and create turnovers.

The Chargers need an impact player to compliment Shaun Phillips and harass the backfield on every down.

This organization has a strong history of developing OLBs, and the departure of Shawne Merriman has left a huge void to fill. You can expect the Chargers to select either Cameron Jordan, JJ Watt or Akeem Ayers with their first pick in the draft.