NFL Mock Draft, Pick 28: Chargers Select Ryan Mathews, RB Fresno State

The 28th pick is in and SB Nation’s Chargers community, Bolts from the Blue, has selected...

Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews

From Bolts from the Blue:

The Chargers do look for the RBs to help out in their passing, and while Mathews didn’t do much of that in college, the scouts say that his receiving skills are good. The Chargers may have to work with him on his upright running style, but he’s not expected to be a workhorse, and the ball probably will be in Philip Rivers’ hand in key situations, so hopefully fumbles won’t be a big issue. He does come with injury concerns, and the Chargers will either need to draft a backup in later rounds or hold onto Darren Sproles for one more year.

From Mocking the Draft:

After getting rid of LaDanian Tomlinson, the need for a running back is immense. Sproles is a real talent, but can’t handle a full load. Mathews could start his career playing alongside Sproles before eventually becoming the team’s lead runner. Great pick.

This is another one of those no-brainer picks. There would be an argument against a running back if one of the nose tackles were available but that’s not the case. With Tomlinson out and the future of Sproles anything but secure, the Chargers can take Mathews and quickly plug him in.

Read the full write-up at Mocking the Draft.