Like most general managers the Chargers Tom Telesco plays it close to the vest when discussing draft possibilities. He has, however, offered a few clues about which direction the team may go in this weekend's draft.
"The more weapons we can get Philip (Rivers) the better," said Telesco at a recent press conference. Does this mean the Chargers will use their first round pick (25th overall) on a receiver? "The receiver class, with a lot of juniors declaring, is good and deep," Telesco stated. Indeed it is and it is conceivable a top-flight wideout will still be available.
However, many draftnicks think the more glaring need for the Bolts is on defense. The Chargers secondary had their issues in 2013, ranking 29th out of 32 teams in pass defense. Like the wide receiver position, there are a handful of cornerbacks that are projected first rounders. Surely a couple will be there at 25. "Defensively we have to do better at getting off the field on third down and creating some turnovers," said Telesco. A shut-down corner makes sense to achieve both of those goals.
Another possibility is that the Chargers trade down. The 25th pick could be attractive to a team in need of a quarterback, especially if a couple of the big names slide down the draft board. In this scenario the Chargers could give up their first-rounder for additional picks later in the draft. For a team that has so many needs, this option also seems plausible.
Trying to figure out what the other 24 teams ahead of the Chargers do is an inexact science according to the Chargers GM, "We go through team needs for everybody, where we think they need players and where that may match up with a player, but in the end it is hard, it really is."
Currently the Chargers have pick numbers 25, 57, 89, 125, 165, 201, 240. The first round of the draft is Thursday night beginning at 5:00 pm. Rounds two and three are Friday with four through seven on Saturday.
