National Football League

San Diego Chargers draft preview: Time to take down the Broncos

Published Apr. 9, 2015 11:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The San Diego Chargers hold the No. 17 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Entering a pivotal third season in San Diego, general manager Tom Telesco looks to get over the hump.

Finishing 9-7 in back-to-back seasons, the Chargers appear to be a piece or two away from annually contending in a deep AFC.

Though the Chargers played above average last season, injuries chewed away at top-line talent. One example includes quarterback Philip Rivers playing behind five different centers last season. The revolving door on the offensive line and lack of a workhorse running back dropped the Chargers to 30th in the league on the ground.

Adding to the challenge, two longtime Chargers offensive linemen -- Nick Hardwick and Jeromey Clary -- announced their retirements this offseason. Fortunately, the offensive line is spearheaded by one of the best position coaches in the league via Joe D'Alessandris.

The Chargers made it a priority to give offensive tackle King Dunlap an extension this offseason and signed 6-foot-7, 320-pound offensive tackle/guard Orlando Franklin to a five-year deal in free agency. Franklin has familiarity with head coach Mike McCoy from their days with the Denver Broncos and he knows how to stay healthy, playing in all but one game in his four-year career.

The Chargers, however, could improve two-fold if they address the right tackle position early in the draft. D.J. Fluker, a 2013 first-round pick, often gets beat by speed rushers and it could help if he moved inside to guard.

The Chargers let veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal sign with Chicago, but added vertical threat Stevie Johnson and a multi-dimensional option in Jacoby Jones.

The void at running back is still there, however, with Ryan Mathews gone to Philly. Telesco has said he feels comfortable with the current situation, but in a running back-heavy draft, expect San Diego to get one in the first three rounds.

Defensively, the key is availability. Since Jamal Williams retired and stopped plugging the middle four years ago, San Diego has yearned for a run-stuffer up front. Over the last four years, the Chargers have invested in the front-7, spending five top-50 picks ('14: Jeremiah Attaochu, '13: Manti Te'o, '12 Melvin Ingram and Kendall Reyes, '11 Corey Liuget) and giving a lucrative extension to linebacker Donald Brown. Bringing all the pieces together could be helped with a space-eating lineman. The back end of the defense appears to be set, re-signing cornerback Brandon Flowers and signing Patrick Robinson in free agency.

Positions of need: NT, OT, RB

Three options to consider at No. 17

Malcolm Brown, DT: The 6-foot-4, 320-pound run stuffer could be the missing piece in John Pagano's defense. Washington's Danny Shelton will likely be long gone and Florida State's Eddie Goldman doesn't possess the first step that Brown does.

T.J. Clemmings, OT: Some may have Miami's Ereck Flowers rated higher than Clemmings, but the latter is much more athletic, beginning his career playing defensive end. If San Diego were to select Clemmings, they'd be able to kick Fluker inside to create a very formidable line. On paper, Dunlap, Fluker, Chris Watt, Franklin and Clemmings are pretty stout.

Melvin Gordon, RB: While Todd Gurley might have the higher ceiling, Gordon is ready to roll right now. The former Wisconsin running back has home run hitting ability, but can also run between the tackles. With a deep crop of running backs, though, the Chargers could wait until the later rounds to get a productive player.