Eric D. Williams 9y

Chargers position outlook: Wide receiver

SAN DIEGO -- Keenan Allen is a talented, young receiver who continued to blossom in his second season, but the San Diego Chargers need to add more speed and depth at the position.

Lock: Keenan Allen

Looking good: Malcom Floyd, Dontrelle Inman

On the bubble: Javontee Herndon, Torrence Allen, Austin Pettis

Free agents: Seyi Ajirotutu, Eddie Royal

The good: San Diego finished as the only team in the league with four players who totaled at least 778 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. Floyd topped the Chargers with 856 yards and six scores. Gates had 821 yards and 12 touchdowns. Allen totaled 783 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while Royal had 778 receiving yards and seven TDs. Those same four receivers also finished 2014 with more than 50 catches (Allen 77, Gates 69, Royal 62 and Floyd 52). Last year was the first time in franchise history that four different players finished with at least 778 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

The bad: Floyd provided a consistent vertical threat, as the Chargers finished with 57 passing plays of 20-plus yards, tied for No. 7 in the NFL. However, the Chargers could still use another explosive receiver who creates plays in space. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Chargers averaged just 5.1 yards after the catch, which was No. 20 in the NFL.

The money: Allen heads into the third year of a rookie contract that will pay him $600,000 in total compensation in 2015, so the Cal product is an excellent value compared to his production. Inman flashed at the end of the season, and will make $510,000 in base salary for the upcoming season. Floyd is set to make $3.55 million in total compensation heading into the final year of his contract. However, Floyd’s money is not guaranteed. He turns 34 years old in September and wants to play one more year, so Floyd’s contract could be restructured.

Draft priority: Necessary. The Chargers could look to free agency to add another speedy receiver like Torrey Smith of the Baltimore Ravens or Jeremy Maclin of the Philadelphia Eagles. It also would be a prudent move to bring back a veteran like Royal at the right price, considering his production and comfort level with Philip Rivers. Players who make some sense in this year’s draft include Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett, Miami’s Phillip Dorsett and Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong. Developmental players like Herndon, Allen and Pettis could compete for spots on the back end of the roster.

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