The San Diego Chargers have a major need at running back this season and while there has been talk about a Philip Rivers trade heading into the draft, GM Tom Telesco is focused on the RBs and names like Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson, Todd Gurley and Ameer Abdullah could be targets whether Rivers is traded or not.
The Chargers let Ryan Mathews leave in free agency this offseason and while they have Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown, the team could look at adding depth. According to Eric D. Williams at ESPN.com, Telesco spoke with the media ahead of the draft and he said that the running back class is a "good group" and that he likes the "bigger backs" available this year. The team has a solid pass catcher in Woodhead, but they need more up the middle running for the offense.
The running back class is deeper this season than in many previous years and names like Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson and Ameer Abdullah could go over the first few rounds. There has not been a first round running back taken in a couple years, but that is expected to change this season. Gurley and Melvin Gordon are considered first round targets for teams and there is a chance Tevin Coleman also could slide into the first round.
The Chargers have the number 17 pick and let's say that Rivers is not traded, could that be a spot for Gurley or Gordon? Williams writes that "several mock drafts" have the Chargers looking at Gurley or Gordon and if they are on the board at that time, the team could make the pick. According to ESPN.com, the team has looked into a number of players already, including checking out Ajayi's pro day and bringing in Coleman for a visit.
The Chargers also were at the pro day for Gordon and he is a player to watch, as he has been getting more and more attention as the draft gets closer. The Ravens reportedly are interested and the Lions also could be in the mix for a running back. Gurley comes in after rushing for over 900 yards despite playing in just six games and while he had an ACL injury, he has been checked out and all reports on his knee have been positive. Gurley could be a steal for a team if he drops because of that, but the Chargers should be well suited with the deep class coming in.
Ajayi has been very productive in his career and he had over 50 touchdowns at Boise State. Last season he had over 2000 total yards and he has been a solid receiver out of the backfield and that is something that the Chargers like. Tevin Coleman is an option as well and he comes in under the radar a bit after putting up strong numbers last season. Coleman set records and had over seven yards per carry while rushing for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns at Indiana.
