2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Chargers could take in Round 1

Philip Rivers can’t play like a Pro Bowler forever so the Chargers need to make sure they hit it big with their first round draft pick this season.

The Chargers’ 2018 season ended at the hands of the Patriots, but there’s no shame in losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions. The loss to New England does show that Los Angeles still needs to add significant talent to their roster if they want to get Philip Rivers a ring.

If they want to improve in 2019 they’ll need to find an impact player with the No. 28 pick. The Chargers are pretty set at the skill positions, but they could use some help along the offensive line. Keeping interior pass rushers away from Rivers was an issue for the team last year.

Last year’s first round pick, Derwin James, really galvanized the team’s secondary, but the front seven could use some help. Specifically, an interior defensive lineman or a playmaker at linebacker could really help the Chargers shut down the best offenses in the AFC. Overall, expect the team’s front office to lean heavily towards picking the best player available regardless of need. The following five players have a real shot at becoming the Chargers’ first round pick this season.

5. Greedy Williams

NFL executives continue to believe Williams is a prime candidate to fall in the first round. Teams love his measurables and athleticism, but his questionable technique in coverage combined with his aversion to tackling have his draft stock tumbling.

If someone how he falls this low, the Chargers need to be the team to scoop him up. Putting an athlete like him in the same secondary with James would be downright unfair to opponents trying to find space in the secondary. Williams might not be ready to play a huge role Week 1, but it’s easy to envision a scenario where he blossoms into a Pro Bowler with the right coaching.