So we sign Marcus Mason?
by LA310CHARGERS on Mar 8, 2010 11:10 PM PST
19 comments
Every year leading up to the official start of the new trading season, I allow myself to get carried away into this fantasy world where all of my hopes and dreams come true.
In this fantasy world, the Chargers hit the ground running, pursuing all of the best free agents on the market. Usually, my hopes are let down as the Chargers are never too active in the offseason. As we all know, A.J. tends to focus more on rebuilding our team via the draft. This year though, I really thought I had a chance to see my fantasies come true. With all of the people we have been letting go, and all the spots we are going to need to fill up before the season begins, I thought for sure we were going to make some major moves in the offseason.
With the release of LT and then Bennett, it seemed like a Godsend when the Jets released Thomas Jones right before trading began. In the midst of reading rumor after rumor of many other free agents planning trips to see teams after once trading started, I googled Chargers rumors all the time in hopes of finding something on Jones and the Chargers. It made perfect sense for us to go after someone like Jones, a tough veteran who can stand to carry a full load, with enough experience and leadership to school whoever we take in the draft. Jones would be a perfect fit in San Diego.
But the Friday when all our hopes and dreams were supposed to come true came and went, and nothing happened. I didn't hear of any moves the Chargers were making, and to make matters worse, I was still getting over the fact that the Chargers got rid of Cromartie for a third rounder that won't even be in this year's draft. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to get rid of Cro as much as the next guy. I just feel like when it comes to trades, we're almost always on the losing end of the stick. All the players we're losing, with a draft deeper than it's been in years, and we get nothing to help us in the short-run. Then we lose Osgood to Jacksonville for practically nothing, while we place a tender on Sproles that's gonna cost us over $7 million for one year?
As I was signing on Bolts in the Blue earier, I glanced at a post that said something about us losing Jamal Williams to Denver. When I read that I almost pulled my hair out! I just don't understand the decision making in this organization. If we are releasing Jamal, fine. But don't do so without already having an immediate replacement lined up. Someone that can come in right now and be ready to go. Not a rookie, and not someone that is going to get run over, because Jamal is nothing to sneeze at. I heard that Shaun Rogers might be on the chopping block in Cleveland, why not pursue him?
So today I find out we finally sign a back, and I'm hoping to read something about Thomas Jones, and instead read we signed Marcus Mason. Now I'm not dissing Mason, because although I read whatever I could find on him, I don't know all that much about him. I do know that he hasn't had that much playing time in the last few years, and even though he did well in college, I would have rather had a Thomas Jones in my backfield with all the new things going on, than a Marcus Mason.
I hope someone in the Spanos family is paying attention to the voices of the San Diego Chargers fans. Every year we suffer the same emotions. Every year we enter the playoffs on a run, defending the team that is the focus of so match smack talking. Every year we have such high expectations, thinking we're destined to be in the Super Bowl. And every year we are let down. When the same thing happens year after year, one needs to realize that if you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done. So why not we consider going after players like Shaun Rogers and Thomas Jones, instead of always trying to find the next diamond in the rough.
This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.
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I voted no
Because Shawn Rogers isnt going anywhere he’s under contract and Tomas Jones is overrated imo. I might have had a 100 yard game in 2009 behind the Jets offensive line.
Count me as one of the people who want a young backfield in 2010, Im tired of seeing other teams abuse use with first and second year backs. Football is a young mans game and RB is THE young mans position. I know what you’re going to say. You could sign Jones to rotate with a rookie right?
Id say well, not really. The Chargers typically carry only 4 total backs on gameday; which means the two FBs, Sproles, and someone else. And I want that someone else to be a rookie, and I want the back inactive on gameday to at least be young; because otherwise its LT and Bennett all over again.
Just bad short term fixes for a longterm debacle.
by AirNorval on Mar 9, 2010 1:37 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
agree on both
Everything LA310Chargers said about Thomas is being said by fans of other teams in the league about LT. They are both old and very well used (in RB terms). Both are done or close to it.
In terms of Jamal, let’s not forget that he was out all last year and we went 13-3. And we didn’t lose that playoff game because our defense sucked, we lost it because of the immaturity of players, some missed tackles, and we ran into a hot team.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 9, 2010 8:17 AM PST up reply actions
Osgood, JWall, and Cro
Osgood wasnt going to resign with us, even if the Chargers wanted him too. So him coming back wasnt really an option, AJ couldnt have forced the guy to sign a deal here. And would have been lying if he said he had a shot at WR.
With the Cro debacle, I’ll also defend AJ on. Whether you think the Chargers could have received more is debatable. What they did potentially get is a 2nd in 2011. So they could trade their 2011 2nd to get into the 3rd this year.
And a 3rd in 2010 was about mid way between what I figured the best case (and 2nd) and worst case (and 4th) situation.
Is he worth more as a player that a 2011 2nd/3rd, yes for sure. But considering we were going to have to cut the guy if we didnt move him, it could have been much worse value wise.
Taking into account the Jets had to front Cro some coin for his half dozen baby mommas because he is so broke he cant pay a parking ticket; and you see what I mean when I say it could have been worse.
Now with Jwall, I’m very upset. I just got done posting that AJ handled that situation all wrong. Releasing him at the last minute was punk and disrespectful to a guy like Jwall who has done nothing but be a solid Charger for so long I forget if there’s anyone on the squad that came be him.
(Binn I suppose, sigh)
I will him all the best where ever he ends up.
Repeat after me
The Chargers don’t sign high priced free agents. We never have under AJ and we never will. History has shown that the teams that sign the high priced FAs on the first weekend of free agency are usually worse off for it. For every successful high end FA signing there are probably 10 crippling ones.
Don’t get your hopes up for something that will never, and should never happen.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 9, 2010 8:20 AM PST reply actions
I think we should trade up and draft CJ Spiller
The torch has been passed, and Henne has added fuel to the fire!
Jahvid Best
I want to see him as a Charger… but I admit I’m biased because I went to Cal. The kid ran one of the fastest 40 times and I see him as a versatile Brian Westbrook type player, i.e. a smaller L.T. Maybe we can find a bruiser running back in the later rounds.
Concussion(s?) and Shoulder injuries
I like the kids natural speed and quickness too but he won’t be on the field that long with a history of injuries like this. Not in the Big Boys League.
totally agree
Best had concussions in back to back weeks this last season. He’s fast and has the ability to make the big play…..but he is undersized at 5’10" / 195. We’ve already got a scat back who can get to the outside in Sproles. We need a work horse and Best is not going to get it done.
Jones just signed with KC...
to ride out the his career on the down swing like Marcus Allen did. He may be good for 170 carries (tough ones at that).
Whitehurst may be traded so extra pick in the draft (3rd) will help.
There was no way they were gonna pay JWall that money for being a rotational guy coming into this season. We better PRAY some of the younger guys from last year will mature and get better. And draft a huge NT. It will be by committee like last year. Yup same story different year. Bottom line: AJ will have to have one of his best drafts.
great
I believe AJ so far has been making good decisions, I think first three rounds pick will be on a RB, DT, S or CB, and LB. yes, I know that’s 4 picks I believe they’ll trade whitehurst. I’m excited for the new young team :)
NT in the first
It has to be. RB is the second need and it is deep in rounds 2 and 3. Dwyer and Matthews should be our focus, not Spiller and Best. They aren’t much different from Sproles, just taller. I love Sproles, but he isn’t an every down back. NT has to be #1 priority. I just read Greg Ellis of Dallas is still unsigned. He would be a great upgrade at RDE. He and Castillo could protect a rookie NT. Please sign just one FA this year? Please? Too bad Richard Seymor is such a PR!CK. He is a gamer, but everyone hates him cause he is dirty. Raiders would probably take a 2nd for him,even though they gave up a first. I almost wish Sproles would be signed by another team, to get the 1st and 3rd round picks. $7 million is WAY too high for him.
No trading with the Raiders.
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 11, 2010 5:40 AM PST up reply actions
I 2nd that!
I hope so to. but just like we think he is not worth it other teams are thinking the same which is why for the life of me I dont Understand what the hell AJ is doing somtimes.
I agree.
If the top NT (not DT) is there in the 1st round then that’s who we should pick. The 3-4 relies heavily on the man in the middle to hold his one. If the top NT is not there, then move on to the RB. Our D-line wasn’t horrible so no need to reach and get somebody who can’t handle the position this early in the draft.
Here's a list of potentials before the combine:
1) Terrence Cody, Alabama – Scouting Report
Height: 6-4. Weight: 349.
Projected 40 Time: 5.50.
Combine 40 Time: 5.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.62.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
3/10/10: Terrence Cody trimmed yet another five pounds off his massive figure, weighing in at 349 pounds at his Pro Day. So much for not being able to control his weight.
2/28/10: After showing up to the Senior Bowl in the 370s, Terrence Cody slimmed down and weighed in at 354 at the Combine. It might be easy for someone as large as Cody to drop a few pounds, but the fact remains that he did what he was supposed to do, while others like Greg Hardy and Andre Smith (a year ago) didn’t put any effort into being in shape for this job interview.
1/26/10: Terrence Cody weighed in at 370 at the Senior Bowl. This is a concern, but with quality nose tackles being so rare, Cody still has a shot at the first round.
2) Dan Williams, Tennessee – Scouting Report
Height: 6-2. Weight: 327.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Combine 40 Time: 5.17.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
11/28/09: Dominant at the line of scrimmage this season, Dan Williams has 56 tackles, 8.5 TFL and two sacks in 11 games. With more teams switching to the 3-4, nose tackles are in high demand, so Williams could sneak into the first round.
2/14/09: Dan Williams registered 48 tackle, 8.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks in 2008.
8/1/08: Dan Williams started 10 games as a sophomore, and collected 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
3) Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
Combine 40 Time: 5.27.
Benchx225: 31. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
1/31/10: Cam Thomas had a great Senior Bowl performance, prompting Mike Mayock to say that Thomas may not escape out of the second round.
1/28/10: In a weak nose tackle draft, the rankings can be pretty fluid. With a great week, Cam Thomas may have established himself as the No. 3 nose in the 2010 NFL Draft. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
1/26/10: Had 23 tackles and 2.5 TFL.
4) Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 328.
Projected 40 Time: 5.27.
Combine 40 Time: 5.09.
Benchx225: 39. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
3/2/10: I know 40 times don’t mean much for nose tackles, but a 5.09 at 328 pounds is damn impressive. Also, 39 reps shows that Joseph is in good shape.
1/24/10: Linval Joseph has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Joseph had 60 tackles, 13 TFL and three sacks as a junior.
5) Torrell Troup, Central Florida Height: 6-3. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
Combine 40 Time: 5.10.
Benchx225: 34. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
1/24/10: A member of the All-Conference USA Second Team, Torrell Troup has moved into the No. 3 nose tackle slot behind Dan Williams and Terrence Cody. Troup dominated the opposition during East-West Shrine practices.
11/28/09: Has 27 tackles, five TFL and two sacks in 11 games. Some 3-4 team needing nose tackle depth will take him late.
2/14/09: A member of the All-Conference USA Second Team, Torrell Troup registered 52 tackles, 12.5 TFL and two sacks.
6) Jay Ross, East Carolina
Height: 6-3. Weight: 313.
Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
Combine 40 Time: 5.11.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
1/24/10: Finished the year with 4.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks. Your basic mid-round nose tackle.
11/28/09: Has 35 tackles, three TFL, 1.5 sacks and a 49-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Jay Ross didn’t look too bad running that one back on national TV.
2/14/09: Once again an All-Conference USA honorable mention, Jay Ross accumulated 48 tackles, 9.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks.
I have them ranked differently
Here’s a link to the article I wrote on the subject for this blog.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I like your rankings
I especially like the comments about Troup. To me this means that we can spend the 1st and 2nd round picks on a RB and then another playmaker on either side of the ball with a good chance of still getting Troup in the 3rd. Heck we could even spend one of those picks (1st or 2nd) on the best available offensive linemen – you can NEVER have too many good offensive linemen.
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