Chargers Could Draft RB in Round 1

I'm generally of the opinion that selecting a running back in the first round is a waste of money. Players of similar talent can be found later in the draft for a fraction of the salary-cap space, and it allows teams to address other, less fungible needs in the meantime.

There are exceptions, of course -- the Vikings and Adrian Peterson, the Rams and Steven Jackson, and the Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson. But as we're constantly reminded, the NFL is a business with no room for sentimentality. Last offseason, the Seahawks dumped Shaun Alexander two years after he rushed for 1,880 yards, 27 touchdowns and was named league MVP.

And earlier this month, there was speculation that LdT could suffer a similar fate. Beset with injuries for parts of the previous two seasons, and set to make nearly $7 million in 2009, Tomlinson finally agreed to a re-worked contract that will keep him in San Diego for another season. Beyond that, who knows.

Which is why it wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Chargers look for his replacement with the 16th overall pick in this month's draft. Via the San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee:

I know there has been much consternation over the thought the Chargers will draft a running back in the first round.

But they're considering it. Face it. They might not have an immediate "need" at the position, but they will soon. And they like the quality available on the first day of this draft.

Acee mentions the usual suspects -- Beanie Wells and Knowshon Moreno -- but also throws out a name that casual fans may not know and most draftniks didn't start pimping until recently: UConn's Donald Brown.

Also, I believe very strongly that [Chargers GM A.J.] Smith is going to work his way back into the second round. And there is a faction in the Chargers' front office that believes Connecticut's Donald Brown is the best value for the Chargers. A projected second-round pick, Brown is in San Diego now, a week after Smith attended his Pro Day.

Brown could be this year's Matt Forte, and if the Chargers could grab him in the second round, all the better. He'd make things easier for Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, and San Diego would still have the 16th-overall selection to bolster the defense, draft an offensive lineman, or make a play for Jay Cutler.