Present and Future Holes in the San Diego Chargers Roster
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 7:00 AM PDT
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PrintIt's around this time of year that I find myself constantly giving speeches about A.J. Smith's mindgames come draft time. "Who are the Chargers going to draft?" I have no idea! Or do I? The more I think about it, it's not too difficult to figure out the positions that will be drafted....it's the order and the actual players that are confusing.
Smith is not an idiot, and he's not going to draft a player to sit on the bench for a long time. If he's drafting a player, there's either a hole at that position on the team or there will be soon. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the position groups that are currently a little thin or will be soon.
RB: Let's get the obvious one out of the way. This position consists of Darren Sproles, some guy signed just to fill space in training camp, a failed hybrid RB and a FB from Coastal Carolina. There's an issue with depth here. A running back, and possibly two, will definitely be drafted. As far as future plans go, Sproles and Mike Tolbert are signed for only one season. Jacob Hester is signed for two. I can't find any info on it, but I'm pretty sure Marcus Mason is only signed for the 2010 season (if he makes the team). There's no long-term stability here just yet.
OL: While the Chargers like their mix along the offensive line, they need to think about the future. Scott Mruczkowski is only signed for one more season, and chances are he'll leave for a chance to start somewhere else. Marcus McNeill, Jeromey Clary and Brandyn Dombrowski are also free agents after 2010. Nick Hardwick is signed through 2011, Kris Dielman and Louis Vasquez are signed through 2012. If the team really likes Tyronne Green, I could see just a OT being drafted (and probably not early). If they don't, I'd expect an OT and a C to be drafted at some point.
DB: Quentin Jammer may be a Charger for life, but he probably won't be a CB for that much longer. It'll be two seasons, I think, before he makes the switch to a Safety position. He is signed with the Chargers for three more seasons. Everyone should start accepting Antoine Cason as a member of this secondary, because he's signed just as long as Jammer. With the addition of Nathan Vasher (two years) and Brandon Hughes (three more years) coming back, I can't see the Chargers drafting a CB. In terms of depth, there are plenty of options among the Safeties for years to come as well. I don't expect a DB to be picked by the Chargers unless they find a project in the later rounds.
DL: Here's a shocker: I don't think the Chargers will use either the #28 or #40 pick on a defensive lineman. If you figure the team will carry 7 defensive linemen this season, you need to explain why the team would add to the already-too-high 10 defensive linemen on the roster. Even out of that group, the only two guys that are not signed through the 2011 season are Ryon Bingham, Travis Johnson and Jacques Cesaire. So yes, the Chargers will need to replace the talent that's leaving after 2010, but if they bring somebody on now they're going to end up having to pay a guy just to go play somewhere else. I don't see it happening unless there's nothing good left on the board at #28 or #40. I am convinced that the Chargers are planning on using their first-round pick in 2011 on a defensive tackle, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them pull some sort of draft-day deal (one for Sproles perhaps) to secure a better spot in next year's first round.
So, where do I see the Chargers aiming their most important picks (first 4 rounds)? Running back, obviously. Wide receiver, which is a major need when you start to consider that Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd and only signed through 2010, will need to be addressed early. Offensive line, where there are too many question marks (both in terms of talent and injury), needs to be added to. Middle linebacker, with the upcoming departure of Stephen Cooper and Tim Dobbins (and maybe Kevin Burnett), needs to be addressed this year. This is where I see the Chargers focusing their efforts.
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DL is an interesting DLemma.
Damn, that’s clever. I should patent that.
ANYWAY, the Chargers get rid of a high-profile NT like JWill, yet, as last season progressed, the line seemed to come together without him. So perhaps the right mix does exist, and only minor tweaking and tinkering needs to occur (Btw, “minor tweaking and tinkering” kicks in at round 6 and beyond.)
However, I’m sure many of us have seen examples when a GM (this team’s included) has picked a player at a position that appears to be stable, in the hopes of lighting a well-placed fire under some butts or supplanting some sedentary ones. I still think that’s more likely.
by Andy (allfield) on Mar 30, 2010 7:35 AM PDT reply actions
another variable in all this
is how much the coaches and front office actually like some of the current players. Do they still think Vaughn Martin has a future as a starter? Do they see Vasher and Strickland as just journeyman backups or do they really think one of them could be a viable long term CB or nickel guy? We’ve heard some positive talk from the team about English, but do they still see him as the future at that position or do they think his ceiling isn’t high enough to consistently pressure the QB in the NFL. For these questions, those of us outside of the building don’t have any real insight, just speculation. Even guys like Acee are reading tea leaves to a large extent.
Personally, I still am leaning towards AJ taking a CB in the first round. I think the FO sees Vasher and Strickland as stop gaps, and I don’t think they see either of the Hughes ceilings as starter. Plus, I think AJ likes to draft for impact (and expensive) positions in the first round. He likes OLBs and CBs on defense and QBs and LTs on offense. I know there are exceptions to this, but if you can get a quality player at those positions in picks 12-32 of the first round, then you can sign them to what will end up being a very affordable contract, especially compared to what their second contract is going to look like.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 30, 2010 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions
If AJ takes a CB in the first round,
I’m going to sh*t bricks.
The last thing I want is a “wtf” position. I want someone who will make an immediate impact and make the chargers that much more exciting to watch for the 2010 season. Therefore, I would be very happy with a RB 1st round.
Gary Potter: Harness in the good energy, block out the bad. Harness. Energy. Block. Bad. It's like a carousel. You put the quarter in, you get on the horse, it goes up and down, and around. Circular, circle. Feel it. Go with the flow.
Happy Gilmore: Psycho.
by tonik on Mar 30, 2010 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Start buying a new toilet
AJ will draft a CB first round.
by Bluelightning on Mar 30, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I will dedicate BFTB to driving AJ insane.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll help.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Mar 30, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
and why is that
Gary Potter: Harness in the good energy, block out the bad. Harness. Energy. Block. Bad. It's like a carousel. You put the quarter in, you get on the horse, it goes up and down, and around. Circular, circle. Feel it. Go with the flow.
Happy Gilmore: Psycho.
This all makes sense.
I’m still hoping they draft an NT. Castillo, Nwagbuo, Johnson, Martin, Boone, Garay or Scott, rookie. That would be a sweet DL. They don’t need to go that way in the top 40, even: the DT rotation isn’t bad even if the rook is inactive, so they could gamble on, say, Linval Joseph at #91. But if Dan Williams falls to #28, or if Terrence Cody falls to #40, I’d hope they go for the guy.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 8:29 AM PDT reply actions
So you’d cut Cesaire and Bingham before the season?
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
There are things to like about
many of the D Linemen but would it really be a huge shocker if somebody like Bingham, Scott, Garay, Boone or Cesaire didn’t make the team. If they can draft a quality D lineman I don’t see a big problem with one of these guys being sent down the road.
Cesaire, yes. Bingham, maybe.
Cesaire was a competent backup for quite awhile. Bingham should definitely be given a training camp to fight for his job against Boone, Garay and Scott.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Baltimore says they'd let Gaither go for a high 2nd.
That would solve our OT issue, dead, cold, done. We could trade Clary for a 5th, or to move way up in the 3rd.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 8:49 AM PDT reply actions
Problem with that is that Gaither would demand to start, and we still don’t know how good Dombrowski is.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Worst case scenario, then, we're totally set.
We don’t owe Dombrowski a start, you know.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Financially, it would make a lot of sense to see if he’s capable of being a starter.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, that makes sense.
But if you have a stud QB and a rookie RB, RT is a pretty damn important position.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny that Gaither
Went in the same supplemental draft that Oliver did, except a round later. I also think that we at least have to give Dombo a shot, he continually was able to improve.
It’ll be an interesting training camp OT wise the with 3 developmental guys Dombo, Clark, and Clary.
IMO
Clark is not development
Clark is filler.
IMO.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Tolbert
Is hardly a “failed” hybrid FB/HB, and he’s signed for two more season considering he’s a ERA this season. The new CBA would have to allow players to go with UFA after only 3 accrued to mean he was signed one more season.
IMO
Hester is "failed hybrid RB"
Tolbert was the FB from Coastal Carolina.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
There's no comma their
“a failed hybrid RB and a FB from Coastal Carolina.”
So you can imagine how I could make that mistake.
IMO
Commas are not required
before an “and” when you are making a list. However the use of the article “a” before “failed hybrid RB” and another one before “FB from Coastal Carolina” shows that he is referencing to two different things.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Now you're lecturing me
about the usage of a serial comma. ROFL
IMO
by Foilhat on Mar 30, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You started it.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
by Wonko on Mar 30, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd for childishness.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Mar 30, 2010 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Well that, too.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Mar 30, 2010 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Its worth mentioning all the ILBs should go UFA
In 2011, assuming the CBA goes with four accrued. No other position except maybe RB has no one signed beyond this year. I also do not think we will draft a DL at 28 or 40, which I know is akin to blasphemy considering the names we have on the roster.
On paper its a fairly pathetic group, hopefully on the field its different
IMO
Middle linebacker, with the upcoming departure of Stephen Cooper and Tim Dobbins (and maybe Kevin Burnett), needs to be addressed this year.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Yeah I read that Wonko
There’s no mention of Siler their, so I figured I would point out that everyone at ILB is on a proverbial one year deal. You dont need to defend Johns post Im not trying to tear it down.
IMO
Don't mind him
He’s a little grouchy because the draft is taking too long to get here.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
by John Gennaro on Mar 30, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
So that explains the hoarding of 2011 2nd/3rd-round picks.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree with you for the most part
But I don’t feel nearly as comfortable with the D Line or Safeties. We may have a lot of guys on the roster at both positions but not a lot of quality in my opinion. I would not be surprised to see both a D lineman and safety taken in the draft.
question
when you say sproles and tolbert are only signed for one reason, while hester is signed for two, what do you mean?
Tolbert is on a one year deal just signed his EFA tender. Sproles assuming he plays on his RFA will also be on a one year deal too.
Consider that Tolbert if there’s some sort of continuity of the CBA will be a RFA in 2011, so the Chargers should have his rights for two more years.
Hester and Tolbert should get to UFA at the same time assuming if they both arent resigned, when that will be depends on the new CBA.
IMO
they have to have a good rb
inorder for rivers to have his time to do his thing back there it don’t matter how a qb is if you have no running game to keep the defense honest plus you need to keep they’re defense off the field
good points
I think we end up signing MF80 and probably trading up to get Dez Bryant…but thats just me.He didn’t awe at his workout today cuz of unfinished drills but I think he can and WILL be a beast in the NFL…but I’m no Mayock or Lacanfora so my opinion is minimal in grading talent.
Noooooo!!!
We can’t trade jackson because that would mean I would have retired all three of my jerseys in one off-season! The other two are LT and Williams’ jerseys. Oh well that’s my own damn fault for buying Jackson’s jersey before he was re-signed.
by SoCalBoltFan on Mar 30, 2010 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, if they trade Jackson...
… who’s to say they wouldn’t use the pick on Dan Williams and give him #76?
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 30, 2010 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
i read that
Garay could actually be the starting NT when the season starts..
Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance, you must keep moving.-Einstein
Two points that should be discussed
1. This is all assuming that no FA’s are re-signed. If VJ, Cooper and McNeil are re-signed, for example, this could dictate which positions are given higher priority in the draft.
2. This year’s draft is deep in every position, with the possible exception of QB. Next year – ? They may take a NT now instead of taking a chance of getting a quality tackle next year. This has been the problem the past couple of years looking for a good OL early in the draft.
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