Here at Sports World News we will countdown each NFL teams’ 2014 draft needs and perfect fits. At the end of every team we will make a pick on who the team could take at their position. The San Diego Chargers shocked everyone by making the playoffs and knocking off the Bengals. Can they repeat in 2014?
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Part One
2013 Review: The Chargers surprised some teams by making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC. The resurgence of Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews will do that to a team. Mike McCoy was successful in his first season as head coach and showed he could compete with the Broncos by beating them twice before losing the third time in the playoffs. Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is coaching the Titans now so will the Chargers repeat there efforts or regress?
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Needs:
Nose Tackle: The Chargers can improve their nose tackle play with their first pick due to the projected players around No. 25. San Diego can use some line help and nose tackles are like oxygen in the NFL. They aren't a big deal unless you don't have any.
Outside Linebacker: Dwight Freeney looks like he is on his last legs and took a pay cut to stay in San Diego. The Chargers will be trying to replace Shaun Phillips for the second season and it’s time for a true replacement that isn't an over the hill bandaid. A younger playmaker at OLB could go a long way toward giving the Chargers a fearful pass rush.
Cornerback: San Diego has Richard Marshall, but would love to improve that for the long term. If a top cornerback falls to the Chargers at 25 they need to consider the idea of upgrading the secondary. The trend here is that the offense is good to go for the Chargers, but the defense can always use upgrades.
Targets: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri
Best First Round Fit: Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
The Patriots and Nix are also a nice match as I have noted in their preview, but it makes sense for the Chargers too. Nix is a physical specimen and great at taking on double teams. If Nix pans out for whoever selects him he will become a Vince Wilfork type of presence. That is something that the Chargers sorely need and would benefit greatly from considering they have to play the Broncos, Colts, Patriots among others to get to a Super Bowl.
NFL Draft Team Previews:
Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos
Seattle Seahawks
What should the Chargers target at no. 25? Tell us @SportsWN
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