Quarterback
Ryan Leaf went from the penthouse to the outhouse in short order and all on his own merit. The Chargers mortgaged the future on the young quarterback's rifle arm and physical skills but his immaturity both on and off the field forced a short-term bankruptcy situation for San Diego. Backup Craig Whelihan was awful in trying to salvage the season in relief of the rookie. This has forced the Chargers to sign Jim Harbaugh to hold down the fort while the organization tries to develop Leaf both physically and mentally. Harbaugh is an adequate player and a strong leader for the time being, but he is not the long-term answer.

Running Backs
Until a foot injury in Week 10, powerhouse running back Natrone Means was the only offensive weapon. Means had nearly 900 yards prior to his injury, and with six games remaining, he surely would have had a 1,000+yard season and may have made the difference in some of the games down the stretch. It was 3rd down back Terrell Fletcher who stepped in fulltime in the last six games finishing with 543 yards including a pair of 100+yard performances. The Chargers are hurting for depth, so expect San Diego to look for a solid backup.

Tight Ends
Starter Freddie Jones has a huge upside but needs to play more consistently eliminating dropped balls and getting better technically in regards to blocking. Both reserve tight ends were exposed to the Cleveland expansion draft but neither was selected. John Burke and Wendell Davis are expendable so look for an upgrade in the depth and to challenge Jones.

Wide Receivers
The biggest disappointment in this unit was Bryan Still. San Diego traded a first round pick for Still but he just couldn't get the job done, despite being given every chance to succeed. Mikhael Ricks is still a raw talent but the 6'5" receiver is a huge target that showed flashes late in the season as his playing time increased. The surprise was that backup Charlie Jones earned the starting job and the smurf (5'8") was the teams leading receiver with almost 700 yards. Backup Ryan Thelwell is moving up the depth chart. The addition of former Eagle Jeff Graham is a step in the right direction but this group must still be upgraded for the passing offense to be successful.

Offensive Line
This unit was dramatically upgraded through free agency last year after the Chargers committed to their quarterback of the future in Ryan Leaf. San Diego brought in LOG Aaron Taylor (Green Bay), LOT John Jackson (Pittsburgh) and Center Roman Fortin (Atlanta). The line improved and jelled each week and proved to have solid depth after starting ROT Vaughn Parker went down and the group shuffled without much drop off. Veteran Raleigh McKenzie was lost to the Packers in free agency and Denver signed Tony Berti to deplete the depth of what was a solid unit. Developing Raleigh Roundtree, who showed flashes late in the season playing ROG in the shuffled lineup, now becomes a key player.

Defensive Line
Outstanding effort was received from this group, paving the way for the NFL's top run defense. The excellent run stopping started inside with DTs Norman Hand and John Parrella, who were forces. Hand was not only a tough run defender but he also pressured the quarterback up the middle, recording six sacks in his breakout season. Backups used in the rotation were Jamal Williams and Mike Mohring. Although excellent on the edges against the run, the Chargers DEs did not do a good job rushing the passer. Reserves include Raylee Johnson and Chris Mims along with injured rookie Cedric Harden can only offer short-term help. Starting RDE Marco Coleman could be lost in free agency, so defensive end might be an area of need.

Linebackers
Junior Seau was tremendous this season and the inside run game was shut down by MLB Kurt Gouveia until he was slowed by a torn biceps muscle. Steve Tovar was lost to Carolina, so the team needs to add depth at the position. OLB Lew Bush was solid until his knee injury and should be fine for nest season. Reserve OLBs Gerald Dixon and Michael Hamilton are adequate backups and good special teamers. The team braced itself for the loss of Gouveia by signing former-Ram Eric Hill.

Defensive Backs
Another good group but injuries decimated it as the season progressed and vulnerabilities surfaced in pass defense. SS Rodney Harrison had a breakout season earning Pro Bowl honors while shaking his "underrated" label. DC Dwayne Harper sustained a neck injury in the season opener and his replacement, Charles Dimry, was the team's most dependable cover guy. The team committed to Dimry this off-season by signing him to a two year contract extension. Terrance Shaw proved susceptible to giving up the big play and needs to be challenged by another quality cover guy. The team addressed the FS need by signing Darren Perry. Coming off of knee surgery, FS Michael Dumas will challenge Greg Jackson for the backup spot but his speed is a question. Reserve DCs Jimmy Spencer and Scott Turner offer special teams help. Another cover guy would really solidify this unit.