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2015 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

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San Diego Chargers' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Chargers
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The San Diego Chargers entered the final week of the 2014 regular season needing a win to secure the final playoff spot in the AFC. Even against a Kansas City Chiefs team led by backup QB Chase Daniel, the Chargers couldn't get the job done. A complete collapse by the team down the stretch has created speculation about QB situation. While Marcus Mariota may be targeted in the draft, these are the five biggest needs that must be addressed.

5. Strong Safety

Jahleel Addae Chargers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Strong Safety

Jahleel Addae Chargers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Unless a player is added in the draft, Jahleel Addae and Jimmy Wilson will compete for the starting strong safety position. Addae is an undrafted free agent who has seen increased playing time in his first two seasons with the team, while Wilson was brought over from the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Addae is the favorite to win the job, but his injury history may concern the Chargers enough to draft a backup just in case.

4. Inside Linebacker

Manti Te'o Chargers
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4. Inside Linebacker

Manti Te'o Chargers
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Current starters Donald Butler and Manti Te'o cannot be counted on to play a full 16-game season. Both were hampered by injuries last year, and neither played well when they were on the field. Butler at least as earned his starting spot. Te'o has been a disappointment ever since his NFL career began. There will be a few potential starters the Chargers can target on Day 2 of the draft.

3. Outside Linebacker

Melvin Ingram Chargers
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3. Outside Linebacker

Melvin Ingram Chargers
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With Dwight Freeney unsigned, the Chargers must add a starting pass rusher to the roster. Jeremiah Attaochu and Tourek Williams are set to compete for the starting job, but there are so many talented pass rushers in this draft that it's hard to imagine the Chargers not making it a three-man battle for the starting job opposite Melvin Ingram.

2. Interior Offensive Line

Orlando Franklin Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Interior Offensive Line

Orlando Franklin Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers could go in multiple directions with the offensive line, but one thing is for certain -- the unit must improve in order for the Chargers to make a playoff run. The easiest solution would be for the team to draft a tackle in Round 1 and move D.J. Fluker inside to guard. If that doesn't happen, expect the Chargers to target a guard such as Laken Tomlinson or Arie Kouandjio in Round 2 or 3.

1. Running Back

Ryan Mathews Chargers
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Running Back

Ryan Mathews Chargers
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Ryan Mathews now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the running back position is the most glaring weakness on the roster. Branden Oliver was a great story last year, but he's not an every-down back in this league. The Chargers have been linked to Todd Gurley (likely won't be there at No. 17) and Melvin Gordon (not worth a first-round pick) this offseason, but it's more likely the Chargers add a workhorse RB on Day 2 of the draft.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos’ 5 Biggest Needs

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.
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