The Chargers have found their replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson. (No pressure.)
San Diego traded up all the way up from the No. 28 pick to Miami’s spot at No. 12 to select Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews.
To move up that far, the Chargers must have been convinced that someone was set to take Mathews in the next few picks. Our best guess would be Seattle.
Mathews is a one-cut downhill runner -- just like Norv Turner likes. He’s a three down back that can immediately carry the load, keeping Darren Sproles in a third-down role.
UPDATE: Here are the terms of the trade. The Dolphins traded the No. 12 pick (Mathews), a fourth-round pick, and a sixth-round pick to the Chargers for the No. 28 overall pick, the No. 40 overall pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 126), and linebacker Tim Dobbins.
Not a bad deal for San Diego. It reminds us of when the Chargers gave up a lot to move up for safety Eric Weddle.