If the San Diego Chargers draft a running back in the first few rounds of the April 2010 NFL Draft, he will become the clear #1 fantasy football rookie and an instant top 50 player overall in keeper league rankings, almost no matter who he is. The surrounding offensive players in San Diego are exceptional (Rivers, Gates, V.Jax) and the offensive line is above average, so it’s an ideal situation to allow a rookie RB to produce immediately, and for years. LaDanian Tomlinson, is nearing the end of his hall-of-fame career and Sproles is probably too small to be an every down back. The situation is perfect for a rookie (or free agent acquisition) to make a big impact at RB for San Diego in 2010 and beyond.
The idea that San Diego would draft an RB is not out of the question either. BOLTHYPE calls RB the Chargers #1 “draft need” in 2010.
As much as it pains me to admit it, the future looks bleak for Ladainian Tomlinson’s days as a San Diego Charger. LT will finish the 2009 season with career lows across the board. It’s clear his best days are behind him, and it looks like the Chargers will part ways with the future Hall of Famer at the end of the 2009 season. Couple that with Darren Sproles’ one-year, franchise-player contract and it is crystal clear that the Chargers will be looking to draft their Running Back of the future. Assuming the Chargers extend Head Coach Norv Turner, they’re approach towards drafting a running back will be to identify a guy who will fit Turner’s scheme; Excellent in pass protection, catches the ball well out of the backfield, and can run hard between the tackles. They’ll be looking for a well-rounded, tough player with speed, and will likely spend a high draft pick on Tomlinson’s replacement.
Many mock drafts have San Diego addressing defense in the first round, but at least one predicts San Diego takes RB Jonathan Dwyer with the 28th overall pick. If the DraftSite 2010 NFL mock draft came true, here’s what the top-5  fantasy football rookie rankings might look like:
- Jonathan Dwyer, RB – Â #28th pick by San Diego
- CJ Spiller, RBÂ – #12 Miami
- Jahvid Best, RBÂ – #48 New England
- Joe McKnight, RBÂ – #40 Seattle
- Dez Bryant, WR – #21 Cincinnati
This would be a dream scenario for owners of the #1 pick in a rookie-only draft. But even if the Chargers wait until the second round, as WalterFootball predicts in their 2010 NFL mock draft, the RB could arguably still be the #1 rookie prospect. If the WalterFootball 2010 NFL mock draft came true, here’s what the top-5 fantasy football rookie rankings might look like:
- Anthony Dixon, RB – #60th pick by San Diego
- Jonathan Dwyer, RB – #52 New England
- Jahvid Best, RB – #34 Detroit
- CJ Spiller, RB – #13 San Fran
- Dez Bryant, WR – #11 Denver
It might be hard for some teams to take Dixon over Dwyer in New England in this scenario, but I would argue that Dwyer is less attractive due to Belichick’s penchant for never running the ball and their already crowded backfield. Based on offensive line alone though, New England is better.