/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46440312/usa-today-8582562.0.jpg)
Chargers young pros must emerge - Tom Krasovic (UT$)
Let's put Ladarius Green in the mix, too. The tight end is in his fourth year. Though his rare combination of long speed and size have perhaps led some Chargers fans and pundits to overstate his potential, Green knows the system and what's expected of him. Antonio Gates creates nice matchups for him when the two are on the field together, and Philip Rivers is a top-10 quarterback.
Chris Watt looks part as Chargers center - Michael Gehlken (UT$)
There is something different about Chris Watt. His quarterback can sense it. The Chargers center has been around the team facility since early April. In that time, Philip Rivers has watched how he carries himself, a quiet confidence discernibly different from what the 24-year-old had even months ago during his rookie season.
Seahawks, Jets and Eagles among NFL's most talented teams - Bucky Brooks
The recent emphasis on the quarterback position has led many to believe the presence of a franchise signal-caller is the only thing that matters when it comes to building a championship team in today's game. While it certainly is easier to make a run at the brass ring with one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks on your roster, the overwhelming majority of championship teams feature lineups that are chock-full of blue-chip players who don't play the game's most important position.
A Transformative Offseason for Tourek Williams - Ricky Henne
"I feel like more than anything, I need to prove to the coaches that they can trust me. For me, it was obvious more than anything they felt they couldn’t trust me last year. That’s why I didn’t play much on defense. I also feel like I didn’t have all the skills I have now because I worked so hard this offseason. So if I am being honest with myself, I feel much better this year. I am going to get these coaches to trust me."
QB Rettig Relishing Chance to Learn from Rivers - Ricky Henne
"I used to watch Chargers, and there is a huge tradition here. I watched a lot of college football more as a kid, especially the Pac-10, but I rooted for the Chargers and watched Philip Rivers and LT. So obviously, how cool is it that I am pretty much home? The high school I went to is an hour from here, so I am grateful and fortunate for this opportunity. I’ve just go to show them what I have with my work ethic and what I can do on the field. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity."
David Johnson Takes Pride in the Dirty Work - Ricky Henne
The physical 6-2, 260-pound tight end arrived in San Diego last year after playing just five games over the previous two seasons due to a multitude of injuries. Johnson admits in hindsight it took longer than expected to get his legs under him. Now with a full season under his belt, he feels more like his old self as he hopes to build off what he called a "mediocre" first season in America’s Finest City.