The San Diego Chargers finished the 2009 regular season as a favorite to win the Super Bowl, and two weeks later they were out, falling at home to the New York Jets. The offseason brought a number of changes, most prominent the release of LaDanian Tomlinson, the face of the franchise since 2001. Tomlinson signed with the Jets, who also traded with San Diego to acquire Antonio Cromartie. Jamal Williams leaves a big hole in the middle of the defense, signing as a free agent with Denver.
San Diego made a bold move in the 2010 NFL Draft by trading up from #28 to #12 and selecting Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State. Mathews will be expected to carry the ball and provide the power running to an offense that has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
Defense was the focus for the rest of the draft. Donald Butler and Darrell Stuckey were selected in the second and third rounds. Butler can play inside or outside linebacker. Stuckey gives the Chargers depth in the secondary.
The sleeper pick for the Chargers is Cam Thomas, a nose tackle from North Carolina. The departure of Jamal Williams gives Thomas a chance to start right away at nose tackle. If he can stop up the middle the Chargers defense should be solid again.
Draft Grade: B+
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