Los Angeles Chargers

Philip Rivers gives the Chargers some serious draft flexibility

Published Feb. 2, 2016 8:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Diego Chargers might've had several chances to deal Philip Rivers last offseason -- and seized none of them.

They're far better off for doing so. Even after a 4-12 season, Rivers gives his team some insane flexibility atop the 2016 NFL Draft board come April.

Need an heir to Rivers' throne? The Chargers can grab a premier college passer at No. 3 overall, including North Dakota State's Carson Wentz or Cal's Jared Goff.

Need another star? The team can stay put at No. 3 and grab the best player available, like Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa or Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Need multiple picks? They could swing a deal with a quarterback-needy team to move down the draft board and still pick up a Day 1 starter later on in the draft.

Dealing Rivers last season would've severely limited those options. Where a quarterback pick might've been a must, it's only one avenue in an array of draft possibilities still open in San Diego.