![LaDainian Tomlinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. - [Sean O'Brien / Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/4/5/660x290/b_502x220x82/ladainian-tomlinson-was-inducted-into-the-hall-of-fame-in-2017-image-source-flickr-sean-obrien_2242385.jpg "LaDainian Tomlinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. - [Sean O'Brien / Flickr]")
After looking at the best recent draft picks for 24 teams, it’s now time to look at the Chargers, who have the 28th pick in this April’s draft. Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports has them selecting defensive tackle Jerry Tillery out of Notre Dame with that pick.
The Chargers have reached the postseason seven times since 2000, but they have advanced to the AFC championship game only once in that time. Their successful seasons came when many of these players on the list were at their best.
Note: Only time with the Chargers is considered for this list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this is not a list of the top ten players drafted by the Chargers. While there is a strong likelihood that Derwin James will be deserving of this list rather soon, he currently still needs to put a little more time in. Some late-round draft picks that didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Mike Scifres (fifth round, 2003), Shane Olivea (seventh round, 2004), Darren Sproles (fourth round, 2005), Jeromey Clary (sixth round, 2006), and Jatavis Brown (fifth round, 2016).
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB - first round, fifth overall (2001); time with Chargers: 2001-2009
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, Tomlinson's 28 rushing touchdowns in 2006 are still the most ever in a single season. In nine extraordinary years with the team, he totaled 12,490 yards on the ground, 85 rushing touchdowns, and 15 receiving touchdowns.
Keenan Allen, WR - third round, 76th overall (2013); time with Chargers: 2013-present
Named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2017, Allen has caught 199 passes over the last two years. He was named to the Pro Bowl both seasons and has averaged 74.4 receiving yards per game for his career.
Eric Weddle, S - second round, 37th overall (2007); time with Ravens: 2007-2015
Weddle tied for the league lead with seven interceptions in 2011 and had 19 total in his nine years with the Chargers (three returned for touchdowns). He was named a First Team All-Pro in 2011 and 2014.
Vincent Jackson, WR - second round, 61st overall (2005); time with Chargers: 2005-2011
Going over the 1,000 yard barrier three times with the Chargers, Jackson was named a Pro Bowler in 2009 and 2011. He averaged 17.5 yards per catch on his 272 receptions with the team.
Melvin Ingram, LB - first round, 18th overall (2012); time with Chargers: 2012-present
A Pro Bowler each of the last two seasons, Ingram has played and started every game since 2015. In that time, he has sacked the quarterback 36 times. Scout.com is projecting him to be a solid choice in fantasy football this season.
Shaun Phillips, LB - fourth round, 98th overall (2004); time with Chargers: 2004-2011
Ranking second in franchise history with 69.5 sacks, Phillips earned a Pro Bowl nod in the 2010 season. He forced 20 fumbles in nine seasons with the team, including seven in 2009.
Nick Hardwick, C - third round, 66th overall (2004); time with Chargers: 2004-2014
Hardwick started 136 games at center for the Chargers over 11 seasons. He didn't miss a game from 2010-2013 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006.
Drew Brees, QB - second round, 32nd overall (2001); time with Chargers: 2001-2005
Sometimes it's easy to forget that the record-setting Brees spent his first five seasons with the Chargers. While there, he completed 62.2 percent of his passes, threw 80 touchdown passes, and had a 30-28 record as the starter.
Melvin Gordon, RB - first round, 15th overall (2015); time with Chargers: 2015-present
Showing a nose for the end zone, Gordon has 28 touchdowns on the ground and and another 10 via reception over the last three seasons. He has proven to be one of the true dual-threat backs and has 5,205 yards from scrimmage in his first four years in the league.
Joey Bosa, DE - first round, third overall (2016); time with Chargers: 2016-present
Named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, Bosa has become one of the league's premier pass-rushers. In 35 career games, he has 28.5 sacks.
