"Back at work" by Chargers Blog (Kevin Acee)

-- Antonio Cromartie had an excellent practice. It wasn't that he intercepted any passes, but he was consistently in the right place. The guy is so phenomenally gifted. If he can show the aptitude he did today, this will be a bounce-back season.

-- Vaughn Martin looks to have already shed some weight, and he's more cut than he was in minicamp just a month ago. Raw still, the kid is physical and fast.

-- Luis Vasquez played with the ones at left guard. He's pretty physical himself. This is going to be a tough cut on the offensive line. There are some decent players.

-- Shawne Merriman attended his first OTA, working on the side with Marcus McNeill and Buster Davis.

5 months ago John (obviousman) 4 comments 0 recs |

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I know that they have Martin slotted for RDE, but I hope that he doesn’t shed too much weight. We could well need him at NT in the future.

As for the competition at RG – Forney may start the season due to his experience, but I fully expect Vasquez to overtake him by mid-season if not earlier. If you watched him at Texas Tech, you see a pretty accomplished pass blocker due to their spread offense, but what you may miss is the nasty attitude, strength, & determination to overwhelm the opponent & finish blocks. My concern for the OL is at RT – and that McNeill returns to form.

Cro’s confidence, or lack thereof, seemed to take a big hit last year. It was most probably due to the injury & not being able to perform the way he is used to doing, but I also think that some of Cottrell’s schemes left Cro confused & out of position. The kid is an athletic freak – let’s all hope that he learns how to study film, fits well in RR’s schemes, understands his roles, & remains healthy.

Can’t wait for TC!!!

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jun 2, 2009 8:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Martin

3-4 DEs don’t necessarily need to be big. We think they do because teams look for defensive tackles in the draft, but there’s a different of probably 50lbs or more between nose tackles and defensive tackles/3-4 defensive ends. Castillo a little bit bigger than most 3-4 DEs, but has great speed for his size. If Vaughn Martin turns some fat into muscle and ends up at 315 instead of 327 (where he is now), he’ll probably look something like this…

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John (obviousman) on Jun 2, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that a 3-4 DE is a different beast than a 4-3 DE

But, I think Buck was making the point that he’d like to see Martin maintain some bulk so that they may move him to NT (or have the option to) in the future.

by 'Eaters on Jun 2, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

IMO, Martin could well be the replacement that we are going to sooner than later need at NT for Jamal. Play him at RDE now if need be, but long-term I think he could well be the guy in the middle.

IMO, to try to turn him into a Seymour would be working against his strengths – man-handling blockers, collapsing the pocket, & plugging the middle.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jun 2, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs