The Chargers are one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL.  A year after a 14-2 regular season and another early playoff exit, head coach Marty Schottenheimer and much of his staff are long gone.  But much of the team is still in place.  There's sure to be a slide as the new coaching staff gets acclimated to the roster, and even if all of the needs are met in the draft it could be a long year for the Chargers and their fans.

But, hey, at least they got new uniforms.

The team's first need is that they need to trade running back Michael Turner for some extra draft picks.  Turner is the team's fall-back plan in the even that MVP LaDainian Tomlinson gets hurt.  But Turner is no L.T.; so why not move him on (and move him out) and replace him with a rookie?  Besides, Turner will be gone by next year at this time.  It makes more sense to get value for him now.

So if the Chargers trade Turner, they need a running back in the draft.  Here are the needs with or without Turner on the team:

1.  Receiver:  This is the weakest position on the roster, especially in the wake of the release of Keenan McCardell.  Vincent Jackson could be a future star, but beyond him there isn't much there.  Ideally, Eric Parker would be a No. 3 receiver.  In round one, a guy like Anthony Gonzalez could be had at No. 30.  Others will be there -- including (most likely) USC's Dwayne Jarrett.  The Chargers should return to the position on day two of the draft for depth purposes.

2.  Inside linebacker:  Donnie Edwards is gone, so the Chargers will be on the lookout for a replacement.  It's a thin spot in this year's draft class, and we think it's more important for the team to focus in round one on the receiver position.

3.  Safety:  Terrence Kiel was cut, and Bhawoh Jue (gesundheit) and Marlon McCree are just okay.  Then again, with a solid front seven putting constant pressure on the quarterback, the Chargers might be just okay with "just okay" at safety.

4.  Guard:  The Chargers almost lost Kris Dielman via free agency, and it would be wise to add a guy who can provide short-term depth and long-term insurance against a guy deciding to bolt from the blue.

5.  Cornerback:  The group of corners is currently very good, but it never hurts to add depth.  Especially since the salary cap and the open market will make it hard to keep Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence and Antonio Cromartie over the long haul.
 

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