Possible Late-Round Draft Targets: Offensive Line

Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (76) reacts after a play during the second half against the New York Giants at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 37-14. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers are in a crunch next season, as the contracts of 5 offensive linemen are coming to an end. Are you kidding? We just got this straightened out, didn’t we?!!!

All emotions aside, Nick Hardwick is retiring this season, and we should feel blessed that he has agreed to “mount up with the Rough Riders” one more time. Clary’s contract is up in 2015, Rich Ohrnberger’s contract is up in 2015, King Dunlap’s contract is up in 2015, and Mike Harris is a restricted free agent in 2015. That leaves Fluker, Rinehart, Troutman, and that’s it. It would be in the Charger’s best interest to take an offensive lineman (or two) in the draft. OR, maybe Telesco will sign one in free agency, after the draft, if he doesn’t like what he sees.

Here is a list of guys that the Chargers have their eye on. Some players they have merely talked to at a bowl game. Others, they have been in attendance at their pro day, or personally worked them out. They are all possibilities, no matter what the situation. Checking to see who the Bolts have actually taken a look at, is the best way to start to analyze prospective draft picks.

I know there are a few more players that could be included on this list. For example, I will note that Chargers media correspondent Ricky Henne posted a David Yankey draft profile on their site, and he seems to be falling out of the top rounds. So, I encourage you to mention these type of things in the comments section below. The Chargers could possibly select any number of players (especially if they suddenly fall right into their lap). But, realistically, I am not going to include these players on this list. There are hundreds of players in the draft, and trying to post a blurb about all of them is very difficult.

Honestly, we all know which players the Chargers should & could draft in the upper rounds, if they are available. Depending on what those choices end up being, the back end of the draft could be even more important, and equally as exciting!
In this article, let’s see what kind of talent the Chargers are looking at on the offensive line. Try to imagine that the Chargers have already picked an OLB, a DE, a DB, a NT, a S, or a WR in the first two rounds. This could possibly be the next line of attack. Enjoy.