Expect Chargers to Draft for Depth

Published: Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:55 PM PDT

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Oh, wouldn't it be nice to see Chargers general manager A.J. Smith work more of his 2004 draft day magic with another heist of an NFL team that nets Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson?

It would require some kind of package deal, but giving up a lot to get Johnson isn't necessary. A team with running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates already has enough weapons to be a Super Bowl contender.

The 2007 NFL draft is deep enough in wide receivers that the Chargers can add a rookie who can make catches and gain yardage underneath coverage. They don't necessarily need to add a speed player to get behind the defense as is commonly thought.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, now entering his third year in 2007, and Malcom Floyd, when healthy, have shown they can get deep.

Look for the Chargers on Saturday to draft a safety first and then a couple of wide receivers with a linebacker mixed in among their first-day picks -- No. 30 in the first round, No. 62 in the second round and Nos. 93 and 96 in the third round.

-- TOM SHANAHAN