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The positive drug test by Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer will surely catch the attention of the San Diego Chargers.

Dwyer is one of several running backs the Chargers are seriously considering drafting this week. He has talked to the Chargers and he seems to fit their system well.

I wouldn’t expect the positive test to alter San Diego’s (or any other team’s interest in Dwyer). He tested positive for amphetamines. Dwyer's agent said teams were aware of his client's medical history. Dwyer told ESPN the medication is for an attention deficit disorder. The NFL calls Dwyer's situation a "therapeutic use exemption.”

If teams feel comfortable about Dwyer, this positive test will likely be understood. I expect him to stay on San Diego’s draft board.

Tom from Kansas City wants to know if the Chiefs could look at Texas safety Earl Thomas ahead of Tennessee safety Eric Berry at No. 5.

Bill Williamson: Thomas is making a push up the draft boards. I think some teams may like him more than Berry. At least one draft expert thinks Thomas is better than Berry. I think there is a decent chance Kansas City could draft a safety. I still think the Chiefs would take Berry over Thomas. But it seems like Thomas is making a charge. Both players should have excellent NFL careers.

Ben Ford from Ramona, Calif., wants to know if Chargers could package their two 2011 third-round picks acquired in trades this offseason to move up into the first round next week.

BW: The picks were acquired from the Jets (Antonio Cromartie) and the Seahawks (Charlie Whitehurst). I think the Chargers have a lot of firepower and general manager A.J. Smith likes being in this position. Smith loves moving up and down the draft board. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers get a second first-round pick, perhaps using No. 40 this year (acquired in the Whitehurst deal) to get there.

Jordan wants to know if the Chargers could draft California running back Jahvid Best.

BW: Best is a fine running back. But I think he may be a bit smaller than what San Diego is looking for. If the draft class wasn’t so deep with big, strong running backs, I’d think Best would be a sure thing for San Diego. But I do think the Chargers will look at bigger backs such as Ryan Mathews, Jonathan Dwyer and Toby Gerhart first. Plus, Dwyer and Gerhart may require a lesser draft picks than Best.

Weekend mail call:

Jon from Fort Collins, Colo. wants to know what college running backs is San Diego coach Norv Turner targeting.

Bill Williamson: At the NFL owners meetings this week, Turner discussed several of the top running backs available. The players he mentioned by name were Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, Cal’s Jahvid Best, USC’s Joe McKnight, Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews and Stanford’s Toby Gerhart. There are other players San Diego will look at including Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer. I wouldn’t be surprised if San Diego ends up with one of these players.

Spencer from Oakland wants know to if Oakland could pursue Philadelphia quarterbacks Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick.

BW: It has been reported that Oakland has interest in McNabb. But McNabb would rather go to a contender. I think Vick could be interesting. No quarterback on Oakland’s roster is far and away better than Vick. He’d also come fairly cheaply, but still I’m not sure Oakland is ready to make such a move. But it is important to know that the Raiders are looking at options other than Bruce Gradkowski and JaMarcus Russell.

Tyson W. from Denver wants to know if free-agent receiver Kevin Curtis could fit in with the Chiefs.

BW: Curtis has been available for more than week and the Chiefs have not shown any interest. They brought in Arizona free agent Jerheme Urban. He played for Kansas City head coach Todd Haley in Arizona. The Chiefs think Urban can be a very solid No. 3 player, so there may not be much room for Curtis. Plus, Kansas City will likely draft a receiver fairly high.

The Contra Costa Times reported that several players said JaMarcus Russell looked to be in much better physical shape than he was at the end of last season when he showed up at the team’s offseason conditioning program Tuesday. This is a good start for Russell who is entering a huge season.

The Jets won’t talk about the possibility of pursuing Brandon Marshall. That doesn’t mean they are or they aren’t interested. They just aren’t talking. ESPN’s John Clayton suggested receiver Braylon Edwards would be part of a potential Jets package if they pursue Marshall.

Former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil has high hopes for former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson in Washington.

The Broncos are looking closely at some of the best interior offensive linemen available in the draft.

It didn’t take Andra Davis long to bounce back from his surprise release from Denver. He signed with Buffalo on Tuesday. I still say he would have fit in with the Chiefs,

Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer ran better at his pro day than he did at the combine. Dwyer has met with the Chargers and he could be a target of the team in the first or second round.

Tampa Bay signed free agent safety Sean Jones. Perhaps that will lessen the chances of it taking Tennessee safety Eric Berry at No. 3 and allow him to slip to Kansas City at No. 5.

This is our first mock draft since Feb.10. We will run mock drafts periodically after developments occur, leading up to the first round, which will be held April 22. We are conducting this mock draft after attending the NFL combine in Indianapolis during the weekend:

No. 5 Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, tackle, Oklahoma State. If Okung gets by Detroit at No. 2, and at this point I think he does, Kansas City needs to grab him. He looked great at the combine. He’d help the Chiefs’ line.

Last mock: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

No. 8 Oakland: OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland. Campbell was a combine star. Oakland loves combine stars. He fits a need. I could see this pairing although Campbell has been inconsistent on the field and he has some character questions.

Last mock: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama.

No. 11 Denver: McClain. The middle linebacker would change Denver’s defense. He’d be a perfect fit

Last mock: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State.

No. 28 San Diego: DT Terrence Cody, Alabama. Cody arrived at the combine slimmed down 16 pounds from the 370 he weighed at the Senior Bowl in January. Cody would be a great fit as San Diego’s nose tackle. Yes, the Chargers really need a running back, but the running back class is deep. I could see San Diego taking Cody in the first round and a running back such as Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer, Stanford’s Toby Gerhart or Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon in the second round.

Last mock: Dwyer.

With the NFL combine wrapping up in Indianapolis, each AFC West team is preparing for the NFL draft in full force.

Here are five players each team in the division may be studying for various reasons as the combine concludes:

Denver

Dez Bryant, receiver, Oklahoma State: Bryant did not run at the combine due to a hamstring injury. Still, Denver is keeping a close eye on this game-breaker. If Brandon Marshall is traded, Bryant, the jewel of the receiver class, could be heading to Denver at No. 11. But there are some off-field concerns that could make Bryant a risk.

Jimmy Clausen, quarterback, Notre Dame: Clausen is a long shot. However, he fits coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Denver has other needs, but if Clausen slips past Washington (No. 4) and Buffalo (No. 9), Denver could be tempted to answer its long-term needs at quarterback.

Terrence Cody, defensive tackle, Alabama: The Broncos need a sturdy nose tackle as they enter the second season of using the 3-4 defense. Cody, who slimmed down 16 pounds from the Senior Bowl, has a chance to be a dominant force. If he is available in the second round, Denver could make a run at him.

Mike Iupati, guard, Idaho: Denver is looking to get bigger on the offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 331-pound Iupati would do the trick. He is rising up draft boards. He may not be on the board in the second round, but if he is, Denver could snatch him up.

Rolando McClain, linebacker, Alabama: This is a legitimate option at No. 11. McClain was impressive in his meetings with teams at the combine. He is a leader and would be a perfect middle linebacker in Denver.

Kansas City

Eric Berry, safety, Tennessee: The Chiefs would love to get the chance to draft Berry with the No. 5 pick, but they will need some help. If St. Louis drafts a quarterback, Berry could fall to Kansas City, but that could be a long shot. If not, Tampa Bay may take him at No. 3.

Clausen: This is another long-shot scenario. However, you have to think Clausen intrigues Kansas City. He played for new Kansas City offensive coordinator Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Although Kansas City likes quarterback Matt Cassel, a Clausen-Weis pairing could be intriguing. Clausen said at the combine that he wants to prove to NFL coaches that he does not have a bad attitude. He would not have to win over Weis, whom already believes in his former player.

Russell Okung, offensive line, Oklahoma State: Okung is a favorite to be drafted by Kansas City. He would be an instant starter at left tackle and would enable the team to move 2008 pick Branden Albert to right tackle. Okung was impressive in his interviews at the combine and he looks the part. A hamstring injury should not hurt his draft status.

Anthony Davis, tackle, Rutgers: Davis is a player Kansas City could be eying at No. 5 if Okung is off the board. Davis may be a bit of a reach at No. 5, but Kansas City has to be paying attention to him.

Golden Tate, receiver, Notre Dame: Tate helped his cause very much at the combine. He ran great and won over teams in his interviews. It is not out of the question that he worked his way into the bottom part of the first round. If he sticks around to the second round, Tate could be reunited with Weis.

Oakland

Bruce Campbell, tackle, Maryland: Campbell has the look of a player Oakland will seriously consider taking. Campbell was one of the stars of the combine. He tested well, and at 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, Campbell ran a 4.85 40-yard dash. He did not always play well in college, and there are some attitude concerns. However, his combine test and his great size and speed may help him skyrocket up draft boards. Oakland loves combine stars and it really needs a tackle. This could be a pairing.

Davis: Oakland will also look at Davis. The Raiders will study several tackles. It is the most likely position the Raiders will choose from at No. 8. Davis should still be available.

Dan LeFevour, quarterback, Central Michigan: There was talk that Oakland could target LeFevour in the mid rounds. Oakland will be looking for a quarterback in the draft and many scouts thought LeFevour would be an excellent prospect to consider in the third through fifth rounds. However, he struggled at the combine and showed a lack of arm strength. That could turn off Oakland. Owner Al Davis likes strong-armed quarterbacks.

McClain: If some of Oakland’s top options are gone, it could make a run at McClain. He should be available at No. 8. He would help the Raiders, who could use a spark on the defensive front seven.

Okung: The Raiders were surely reviewing Okung in Indianapolis. Drafting him may be wishful thinking. Okung is the best player at Oakland’s biggest area of need. If he is available at No. 8, Oakland has to take this star.

San Diego

Jahvid Best, running back, California: Best may have been too good at the combine for San Diego’s liking. He was the fastest running back at the combine. That could move him up the draft board dramatically. He was considered a late first-round talent prior to the combine. Now, Best could move into the top 15 along with Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. San Diego picks No. 28 and would likely love to get a shot at Best.

Cody: Along with running back, nose tackle is San Diego’s biggest need. Cody is the type of player who could help San Diego. With his improved effort at the combine, San Diego has to consider him a decent option at No. 28.

Jonathan Dwyer, running back, Georgia Tech: Dwyer said he had a great meeting at the combine with San Diego. He said he thought the team was interested in him and said he is interested in the Chargers. However, he did not have a great performance at the combine. He ran a pedestrian 4.64 40-yard dash. He could be available in the second round. If San Diego feels comfortable with Dwyer’s game film and are not swayed by his slow 40 time, perhaps it could consider taking Cody in the first round and Dwyer in the second round.

Toby Gerhart, running back, Stanford: Although Dwyer had a less-than-stellar combine, Gerhart performed very well. He ran better than expected and showed his versatility by ranking near the top of several combine tests. Gerhart may now be a sure second-round pick. The Southern California native looks like a good fit for the Chargers’ system. He did not hurt his chances in Indianapolis.

Trindon Holliday, receiver/returner, LSU: Holliday could be a decent replacement if Darren Sproles leaves San Diego through free agency. Like Sproles, Holliday is a tiny speedster. Holliday is 5-foot-5 and is awfully quick. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine. What better way to replace Sproles than with a Sproles clone?

INDIANAPOLIS – Jonathan Dwyer believes he was the first running back San Diego interviewed at the NFL combine this week.


The Georgia Tech running back hopes he is the first player San Diego selects in the NFL draft.

San Diego will be looking for at least one running back as it moves away from the LaDainian Tomlinson era. With backup Darren Sproles headed to free agency, San Diego may have to totally revamp. The Chargers will certainly look at running back with the No. 28 pick.

Dwyer is a real possibility.

He said he had a terrific meeting with several of the Chargers’ brass here. He said he had other meetings but none were as involved and as productive as his meeting with San Diego.

“I think they like me and I know I like them,” Dwyer said. “ I really like coach (Norv) Turner. I think it’d be a great fit … They are a power team and I think it really fits what I do.”

San Diego is clearly talking to several running backs this week, but it may be hard pressed to find a player more individually impressive as Dwyer.

One of the top story lines of the NFL offseason will be what San Diego does at running back.

The Chargers probably will bring in at least two new running backs. The team released legend LaDainian Tomlinson this week after he showed -- in his ninth NFL season -- that he could no longer be a reliable lead running back. San Diego may need another tailback to replace change-of-pace standout Darren Sproles, who appears headed to free agency.

San Diego was 31st in rushing last season. It has to find a new spark. Watch for the Chargers -- who are at the NFL scouting combine this week working on improving the position -- to explore trades, free agency and the draft. Expect the draft to be a major option because the current list of available veteran talent is fairly unimpressive.

Here's a list of running backs who could be headed to San Diego:

Jahvid Best, California

How: Draft

The skinny: Best will be closely looked at by San Diego. If he checks out medically --- he had head and neck issues at the end of last season --- the dynamic Best should be available late in the first round. San Diego has the No. 28 pick and may be able to get in on Best. He is a fast, game-breaker type and would work well if San Diego grabbed a big back. But Best also could fit well if the Chargers kept Sproles.

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

How: Trade

The skinny: There has been some thought that the Giants could dangle either Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs in a trade for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who is being shopped. Bradshaw could be the more likely of the two to be dealt. He’d be a decent rotational option.


Reggie Bush, New Orleans

How: Free agency

The skinny: If Bush is cut, the only way San Diego would be interested in this native son is if Sproles left. This is a long shot.

Tashard Choice, Dallas:

How: Trade

The skinny: I get the feeling Choice is the Chargers' top choice among the veteran lot. San Diego inquired about the Cowboys’ backup in the Cromartie conversations. However, Dallas is reluctant to give up Choice. If that changes, San Diego may pounce on him.

Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

How: Draft

The skinny: Dwyer is a big, strong back. The combine is important for him. If he does well, he could sneak into the first round. If he is average, Dwyer could be had in the second or third round, where San Diego would consider him if it also gets a veteran back.

Toby Gerhart, Stanford

How: Draft

The skinny: Gerhart seems like a player who would intrigue San Diego general manager A.J. Smith. He was a very productive college player and has a big upside. He could be a steal in the third or fourth round. The Southern California native is big and rugged. If he and a veteran were brought in, and Sproles was kept, it could be an exciting time in San Diego.


Thomas Jones, New York Jets

How: Free agency

The skinny: Jones is not free yet, but he is expected to be cut. If so, put him at the top of San Diego’s veteran wish list. Even though he is 31 and past his prime, Jones is a tough runner who could help for a year or two. Add Jones with a rookie and Sproles, and San Diego’s run offense would surely improve in 2010.

Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

How: Draft

The skinny: Mathews had a productive season and is one to keep an eye on. He will surely be in San Diego’s mix along with Mississippi State’s Anthony Dixon and USC’s Joe McKnight.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh

How: Free agency

The skinny: He shouldn’t be high on the list. Parker is on the decline, but there aren’t many high-quality running backs on the market yet. He could be a backup plan.

C.J. Spiller, Clemson

How: Draft

The skinny: He is expected to be the class of the rookie crop. If he does what is expected of him in the next two months, Spiller could be a top-15 pick, which would be difficult for San Diego to get to. If for some reason he fell into the 20s, expect the Chargers to make a draft-day run at this potential difference-maker.


Chester Taylor, Minnesota

How: Free agency

The skinny: Taylor is 30, but he has fairly low mileage. The most carries he's had in a season was in 2006 when he had 303 and ran for 1,216 yards. He hasn't had more than 160 carries in any of his other seven seasons. It's unclear how he would do if given the opportunity to carry the ball 20-25 times a game.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans

How: Free agency

The skinny: The restricted free agent would be intriguing if he hit the open market. Thomas may not be the answer as the primary back, but he’d help as a rotational back.

LenDale White, Tennessee

How: Trade

The skinny: If the Titans were to let go of White at a decent price, San Diego might be tempted. He's big and strong and he can get the job done if not too much is asked of him. Add him to a backfield that included a rookie and Sproles and San Diego would be able to get by nicely.

This is our sixth week doing the AFC West mock draft project. However, after this week, we will go to a periodic schedule on this feature. It will be updated after major events, injuries, trades and signings that will affect draft boards. However, we will fill your draft appetite on a weekly basis with a weekly project that looks at different aspects of the draft. It will appear every Wednesday starting next week.

No. 5 Kansas City: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. It’s starting to look like Detroit could take Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung at No.2. So, Kansas City may have to turn to Davis to address its big need at left tackle.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8 Oakland: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. With Davis headed to Kansas City, Oakland could look to defense and immediately upgrade its linebacking crew.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11 Denver*: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be an instant contributor in Denver.

Last week: Bryant.

No. 28 San Diego: RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would take pressure off the passing game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

This is our fifth week doing the AFC West mock draft project.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. It’s starting to look like Detroit could take Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung at No.2. So, Kansas City may have to turn to Davis to revamp its offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. With Davis headed to Kansas City, Oakland could look to defense and take this sure star-in-the-making.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be a perfect fit in Denver in a post-Brandon Marshall world.

Last week: Bryant.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would give San Diego renewed life in the run game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

This is our fourth week doing the AFC West mock draft project. We’re sticking with choices from last week for all but one team.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State. With Okung at left tackle, the Chiefs will start reloading this once proud offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. Davis could step right in and make an impact for Oakland.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State. The game-breaker would be a perfect fit in Denver in a post-Brandon Marshall world.

Last week: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new primary back. Dwyer would give San Diego renewed life in the run game.

Last week: Dwyer.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.

We’re continuing our weekly AFC West mock draft.

This is our third week doing the project. This is the first week we’re including the Chargers, whose season ended with a playoff loss to the Jets on Sunday. San Diego will pick at No. 28 in the first round.

No. 5, Kansas City: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State. With Okung at left tackle, the Chiefs will start reloading this once proud offensive line.

Last week: Okung.

No. 8, Oakland: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers. Davis could step right in and make an impact for Oakland.

Last week: Davis.

No. 10 or No. 11*, Denver: LB Rolando McClain, Alabama. Oakland could also look at McClain, who seems destined to be an NFL star.

Last week: McClain.

No. 28, San Diego: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech. Dwyer would be perfect for the Chargers. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely on his way out, the Chargers need a new workhorse. Dwyer could give this offense the balance it missed this season.

* There will be a coin flip at the NFL combine in late February between Jacksonville and Chicago for the No. 10 pick. The Broncos own Chicago’s first-round pick from the Jay Cutler trade.