We continue our examination of positional needs on the San Diego Chargers' roster with ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson by focusing on the wide receiver group.
Williamson likes second-year pro Keenan Allen as a foundation at receiver, but believes the Chargers need to add more speed and depth at this position.
Chargers receiver depth: Projected starters -- SE Keenan Allen, FL Vincent Brown, slot receiver Eddie Royal. Reserves -- Seyi Ajirotutu, Malcom Floyd, Dontrelle Inman, Tobais Palmer.
What's your evaluation of San Diego's talent level at receiver?
Williamson: "As much as I like Allen, to ask him to improve dramatically in one season may be asking too much.
"He's a really good receiver, but he does not have the athletic ability of an A.J. Green or a Julio Jones. He could be close to his ceiling already.
"He uses his body really well. He's an ad*****d route runner, has good hands and is physical. But he's not fast. Teams will have another year to study him, and they're not afraid of the deep ball against him."
Williamson said that Royal had a good year in 2013, but is disappointed so far in Brown's development, whom he thought could have an impact like former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason.
Williamson added the development of speedy tight end Ladarius Green helps to mask some of the San Diego's deficiencies at receiver.
What do they need to accomplish this offseason to improve?
Williamson: "This is a really deep receiver draft, so there is help on the horizon. A guy with size and speed would be great."
Williamson said LSU's Odell Beckham would be an ideal fit for the Chargers, but is not sure if he will be available at the end of the first round. He also pointed to Indiana receiver Cody Latimer and Mississippi's Donte Moncrief as Day 2 possibilities.
Williamson likes second-year pro Keenan Allen as a foundation at receiver, but believes the Chargers need to add more speed and depth at this position.
Chargers receiver depth: Projected starters -- SE Keenan Allen, FL Vincent Brown, slot receiver Eddie Royal. Reserves -- Seyi Ajirotutu, Malcom Floyd, Dontrelle Inman, Tobais Palmer.
What's your evaluation of San Diego's talent level at receiver?
Williamson: "As much as I like Allen, to ask him to improve dramatically in one season may be asking too much.
"He's a really good receiver, but he does not have the athletic ability of an A.J. Green or a Julio Jones. He could be close to his ceiling already.
"He uses his body really well. He's an ad*****d route runner, has good hands and is physical. But he's not fast. Teams will have another year to study him, and they're not afraid of the deep ball against him."
Williamson said that Royal had a good year in 2013, but is disappointed so far in Brown's development, whom he thought could have an impact like former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason.
Williamson added the development of speedy tight end Ladarius Green helps to mask some of the San Diego's deficiencies at receiver.
What do they need to accomplish this offseason to improve?
Williamson: "This is a really deep receiver draft, so there is help on the horizon. A guy with size and speed would be great."
Williamson said LSU's Odell Beckham would be an ideal fit for the Chargers, but is not sure if he will be available at the end of the first round. He also pointed to Indiana receiver Cody Latimer and Mississippi's Donte Moncrief as Day 2 possibilities.
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