Analyzing Kevin Acee's Roster breakdown
by TJBOLT on Jan 15, 2011 1:27 AM PST
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PrintKevin Acee recently did a very interesting analysis of the Chargers' roster, and the possible decisions the front office need to make, broken down by position. To make it more interesting to discuss, instead of grouping the players by position, I list them based on their future status with the Chargers.
Acee has been accused of being a mouthpiece for AJ Smith, which makes his article quite interesting, since Acee doesn't seem to be used for much disinformation. Merriman did not get a long term deal like he predicted, and Vincent Jackson has not gotten his long term deal, so lets analyze the info he sent the Charger fans. I added a few of my personal thought so bear with me.
Likely gone (out of price range)
- Darren Sproles: The Chargers anticipate there will be other teams that will offer more.
- Stephen Cooper: They would like to keep him or Burnett, since Burnett is younger expect him to be priority, the chargers expect Cooper to get a serious offer from Carolina to get together with Ron Rivera. If they can't sign Burnett then Cooper's chances of staying go up.
Likely cut
- Craig "Buster" Davis: I agree with Jim Trotter, staying healthy its not all luck, it can be considered a skill, and Buster just doesn't have the skill to stay healthy.
- Donald Strickland: Same problem as Buster, and Donte Hughes played really well as a slot corner in his place. Plus, Hughes is younger and cheaper.
Possible Cuts
- Kris Wilson: If the chargers re-sign Randy McMichael, it's very possible Wilson gets cut so Kory Sperry gets more playing time.
Priority Free Agents (They will get solid money offers)
- Eric Weddle: Unlike some ill-informed fans, the Chargers front office has an extremely high opinion of Weddle, and he seems to be highest priority free agent in their class.
- Kevin Burnett: Will have serious competition for his services. Burnett is a Southern California guy and probably would be willing to let the Chargers match any offer for his services.
- Malcom Floyd: It seems the Chargers will make a push to sign him, but they expect competition.
- Brandon Siler: Will get offered starter money elsewhere, will require the same from the Chargers to stay.
Franchise Tag
- Vincent Jackson will probably be franchised if he can be. If he can't be franchised he will most likely be playing elsewhere.
- Eric Weddle will get tagged, if Vincent Jackson cannot.
Chargers are willing to re-sign at a reasonable price
- Billy Volek: Acee mentions something around 3 years – $9 million, for him to stay. If he doesn't stay here, does Alex Smith sign here?
- Kelley Washington: Has 2 skills that make him interesting to keep, good slot receiver and special teamer.
- Jeromey Clary: Played every single offensive snap and had his best season. The Chargers will make a reasonable offer to keep him, but the team has cheaper options at their disposal: like moving Brandyn Dombrowski or drafting a tackle with one their 5 high picks.
- Randy McMichael: Was the Chargers starter while Gates was hurt and was a productive Tight End, but was not good as a Special Teams player. If he's willing to sign a reasonable deal, there's a good chance he could be back.
- Antwan Barnes: Productive pass rusher, not much of a run defender. That makes him very much a spot player, but he'll be back if the price is reasonable.
- Scott Mruczkowski: Will get offered backup center money.
- Jacques Cesaire: Will get offered backup money, if get offered starter money elsewhere, he will probably leave.
Restricted Free Agents that will be tendered
- Antwan Applewhite: Not a star but a very solid player.
Situation Unmentioned
- Legedu Naanee: Played well in final game against Denver, flexible player than can play inside or outside, and brings options as wildcat QB, probably wont get more than 3-4 WR money by other teams.
- Paul Oliver: the fact he is a free agent is mentioned, but the level of interest is not. Since the Chargers want Darrell Stuckey to have more playing time, sounds like Oliver will not be back.
- Mike Tolbert: If I remember right Tolbert is a free agent, and the Chargers have expressed strong interest in having him back in other articles, Acee makes no mention of him in this article.
General Observations
- Reading between the lines, it sound like they want to sign 2 of 3 ILBs (Siler, Burnett & Cooper), expect Siler and Burnett to be the priority, being the younger of the bunch.
- The Chargers front office is still hopeful for Larry English to have a big 2011, and doesn't sound like the team is in a hurry to bring in a pass–rushing OLB as their first–round pick.
- Expect the first pick to be 5–technique DE, and to be the starter opposite Luis Castillo.
- Will make an offer for Nnamdi Asomugha, but they don't sound optimistic to land his services. If Asomugha would sign, they sound more willing to move Cason to free safety than to move Jammer to Safety. Strange choice, but still unlikely scenario either way.
- Donald Butler was impressive before he tore his Achilles, probably will have him in a position to make an impact in 2011.
Draft observations
- Sounds like the position of choice for the first round pick is 5–technique DE, so lets keep an eye on Cameron Jordan (Cal) and Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) as possible Chargers.
- One of the Chargers' first five picks will be a Safety.
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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Good breakdown
I’ll be sad to see Coop leave, but keeping Burnett and hopefully Siler is the right choice. I think Cooper’s leadership will be badly missed though.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see McMichael leave. He showed that he can be a #1 TE last year and some other team will offer him the chance, I think.
I agree it sounds like we’re looking for a DE early. I still want an ILB and a CB with one of the first 5.
"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"
ILB will be the buzz worthy position
With all 3 main ILB as free agents, it seems unlikely all will be back, I hope Burnett and Siler are back. A name to keep attention to Takeo Spikes from the 49ers.
I’m curious if Akeem Ayers of UCLA could move to ILB, if he could he would be interesting option as the first round pick.
Why move him? He is a natural olb, just what we need.
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, then you will be fired with enthusiasm. Vince Lombardi
by Bolt Brother on Jan 16, 2011 9:25 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I like Ayers as well
I believe he’s the type of guy who could fit at either OLB or ILB for us. DE is a deep position in this year’s draft. Unless a guy who looks to be an immediate impact player is there at DE at 18, I’d take Ayers there & wait for the DE with our 2nd.
Manusky should get the nod on choosing our first 3 picks this year.
And definitely Burnett/Siler over any combo with Cooper.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jan 17, 2011 4:56 AM PST up reply actions
I would
I wouldn’t be surprised to see McMichael leave.
McMichael languished in St. Louis and he must know he only has a year or two left in the tank. He’s getting reps and having sucess in San Diego. He’s not going to be the front line guy anywhere else.
Why not stay with a good thing? … a sure thing?
by Trendsearcher on Jan 17, 2011 9:33 AM PST up reply actions
If you want to save 4 million or give that amount to Siler,
cut that top heavy stiff Luis Castillo and promote some of that so called D line depth. Martin Ngwabuo etc.
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, then you will be fired with enthusiasm. Vince Lombardi
sigh...
while we’re at it lets go ahead and cut rivers and promote billy volek to starter.
by Michaelt817 on Jan 16, 2011 10:23 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
now you've got it
and we can give the money to VJ and Nnamdi.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
Cutting Rivers? Oh I see, your displaying your ability for sarcasm.
your like my wife.
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, then you will be fired with enthusiasm. Vince Lombardi
by Bolt Brother on Jan 17, 2011 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
Or they could elect not to do anything stupid.
Bolts from the Blue // "It's a league game, Smokey." - Walter Sobchak
Bloody Elbow // "Mongo only pawn in game of life." - Mongo
by Richard Wade on Jan 17, 2011 6:27 PM PST up reply actions
Cason to FS
makes no sense to me. Remember what happened when he played the nickel?
I wouldn't get to stressed by it
That is only if they can sign Asomugha, and AJ tends to be rather responsible with Spanos’ money, somebody will offer Nnamdi more. They only way he comes here, is if he takes less money, when athletes do that I’m thoroughly impressed, because the truth they rarely if ever do so.
Yeah
I’m aware of the longshot that it is. But for them to even throw Cason out there for that role really confuses me. I know Ron’s gone, but Norv played a part in benching Cason last year.
by Cake or Death on Jan 17, 2011 11:25 AM PST up reply actions
I'm surprised to see Cesaire on the block
This gives support to SuperDuperBoltman’s D-line analysis. He’s had Cesaire at average to above average for most games. I guess the team sees things the same way.
Me, I see equivalence in stats between Cesaire and Castillo and I think equivalence in play. Well it will be interesting to see what a high round draft choice DE can do in the 3-4. Castillo fits that bill and to me he’s been good but not worth the money. Maybe bookend high dollar DEs prevent teams from explioting a weakness.
I don't think that an intent to see English blossom
is also an indicator that they won’t draft an OLB. Just because they’re not ready to give up on a first-round pick going into his third season doesn’t mean they won’t go for another OLB. Pass-rushers are like CBs in that having two good ones isn’t really enough.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 17, 2011 10:21 AM PST reply actions
I would also take a pass rusher in the first round
Its not me making the decision, if it were me the chargers first rounder would either Robert Quinn, Von Miller or Aldon Smith. In the case of Quinn I would put a package together to go up about 8-10 picks to secure him. That’s my thought process, my reading in between the lines of Acee’s is reporting, is that the number one priority is getting an impact DE.
Hopefully I’m wrong and they take a pass rusher, but last year they made it very clear they wanted a RB, and they got one. So don’t be surprised a DE is their pick.
I hope English
doesn’t become AJ’s next Bust Davis -won’t let him go because it would mean a blow to the ego. Chargers could still use a quick slot receiver who runs great routes for third down to put with Gates. who hasn’t turned in a 16 game season in a while, would make it harder to get them off the field ala ole practice squader Wes Welker from Texas Tech (pretty much any receiver from Tech). I still think Philip misses Eric Parker.
Thoughts? "I have none. If there are any other developments, we will let you know." Charger GM - AJ Smith.
by bringbackbuddytrees on Jan 17, 2011 4:52 PM PST up reply actions
HUH?
Rivers and Parker only played together for one season and
before this year Gates played in every game of the last 4 seasons.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
Naw you missed the point....
Eric Parker was the ONLY guy AJ didn’t call in as a substitute WR last season. So Rivers missed reconnecting with Eric. A QB can get lonely… Just ask Big Ben.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 18, 2011 3:11 PM PST up reply actions
Isn't Eric Parker on the coaching staff?
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 18, 2011 7:03 PM PST up reply actions
Nice write up.
I’m all for bringing in a DE in the first round. And the team should definitely think about using a high pick on ILB with Coop most likely leaving as a FA. Although, I can’t wait to see what Donald Butler brings to the table in 2011.
DE
I find the emphasis on a DE being the pass rusher in a 3-4 odd. It may be that I am just used to LeBeau’s 3-4 where the D-line’s #1 priority is to tie up blockers, open lanes for the linebackers and stop the run. It is always a shock when one of them gets the QB.
If you draft a DE first round, who is the first one out the door?
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:49 AM PST reply actions
If Harrison gets doubled
then a DE has a favorable 1 on 1. With the Chargers, the most double teamed players are: Castillo, Garay, and Cesaire, in that order. So most of the sacks came from LB’s and DB’s
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 19, 2011 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
They want an impact DE, not specifically a pass rushing one
If you observe your Steelers, Aaron Smith has penetration and tends to be a difference maker, a functional pass rusher, and a terror against the run. They are looking for the same type of player, Jacques Cesaire their current starter is undersized and not much more than a solid player, that can be overpowered as he was against the Raiders.
Or more appropriately
You could point to Manusky’s old DE Justin Smith and look at how many he sacks he gets out of the position.
The Steelers also got a fair amount of sacks from Keisel this year and the Packers got good numbers from, a nearly always banged up, Cullen Jenkins.
The National League West title was all but a lock,
Then they lost 10 in a row, ‘twas like a punch in the jock!
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Aaron Smith
Smith is a rare beast but I agree a good DE in a 3-4 will get sacks if the LB is getting double teamed. With Woodley and Harrison on the outside that does happen a lot.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 8:20 AM PST up reply actions
Me too
I find the emphasis on a DE being the pass rusher in a 3-4 odd.
I thought the DE in the 3-4 was supposed to be more of a Cow than a Cheetah.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 19, 2011 11:58 AM PST up reply actions
From what I've seen
The best are both. They hold the point of attack and open up lanes for LBs. However, there are times when you rush 3 or 4 and play coverage and it is HUGE is the DE can get to the QB some of the time in that situation.
The National League West title was all but a lock,
Then they lost 10 in a row, ‘twas like a punch in the jock!
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Coverage
I love when the DE is agile enough to drop into coverage. Obviously this can’t be a regular occurrence but it is fun.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
defensive backs
not Douche bags.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 19, 2011 11:16 AM PST reply actions
Breakdown
I hope we do not draft a DE with the first pick (Larry English anyone?). In the 3-4, a pass rush OLB is more of a need then an edge contain player. The LB corps needs to get younger and more athletic. The defensive schemes and blitz packages would be more diverse also.
Cooper
There is no chance they let Cooper walk. Did you see the Defense without him? They were lost. Without Cooper, the Chargers lost all four games. They were 0-4 without Cooper playing the majority of the game. Plus Burnett played well, but there is a reason why Dallas let him go. Cooper has led the team in tackles for the second year in a row, no way they let him go.
by Steven Polok Wieczorek on Feb 15, 2011 12:24 AM PST reply actions
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