Daily Links 1/16: Keenan’s cryptic message, Gates’ Hall of Fame bid, and mock drafts

Onto the links!

Why a Joey Bosa holdout is likely, and what it might mean for the Chargers - The Athletic

Philip Rivers’ future is the most pressing concern for the Chargers entering this offseason. But a different kind of storm is brewing on the horizon, one that could make a landfall at any point in the coming months and have a significant impact on the organization both in the short and long term: Joey Bosa’s contract situation.

Keenan Allen posts cryptic message on social media

Antonio Gates Has Heard Tom Brady to Chargers Buzz: ‘Would Be a Great Sight’ - Bleacher Report

“If he comes here, I’m gonna be a big fan,” Gates told TMZ Sports. “I heard that he might come out here and bless us with his presence, and if he does that, it would be a great sight to see in L.A.”

A marriage between Brady and the Chargers could make sense. For one, Brady is from California. For another, the Los Angeles market wouldn’t be bad for his brand. And the Chargers would offer an upgrade at wide receiver, with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on the roster.

The highest-graded NFL players, rookies and surprises at every position during the 2019 season - PFF

Biggest surprise: Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers — 85.2

Ekeler singlehandedly torpedoed any bargaining power that Melvin Gordon had in his holdout by not only producing in Gordon’s stead, but arguably out-producing him. Ekeler finished with the eighth-best elusive rating of any back in the NFL, and more importantly, he earned the highest receiving grade at the position (93.6).

Why Colin Cowherd Doesn’t View Chargers As Good Fit For Tom Brady - NESN

“I’ll tell you why the Chargers doesn’t work,” Cowherd said Wednesday on FS1’s “The Herd.” “Everybody thinks it’s LA. They have a dubious offensive line. I would say Spanoses have never been big spenders. Is Anthony Lynn a good coach? Who knows. Tom’s not gonna give up his career to a coach who might be good. Tom beat him by 30 last time he faced them. By the way, do you want to face Patrick Mahomes twice a year? I don’t. I mean, Tom’s had the luxury of facing a lot of average quarterbacks. At 43 he wants to face Mahomes twice a year? I don’t think it works. The Spanoses historically have been a little frugal. We don’t know if Anthony Lynn’s good. Offensive line is an issue. It’s the only part of the team I don’t love, especially guard, center, guard. I don’t think it works, and it’s a new stadium. They don’t really have a fan base much in Los Angeles.”

ESPN Predicts Chargers Tight End To Interest Patriots In Free Agency - NESN

“Henry returned to full strength after a torn ACL cost him the 2018 season, catching 55 passes for 652 yards — both career-highs,” Seifert wrote. “The dynamic role of tight ends in today’s offenses suggests he will be highly sought-after if he reaches the market. The Patriots, in particular, seem like an obvious team of interest.”

Los Angeles Chargers end of season mock draft - BoltsBeat

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Simmons might be the best defensive player in this draft, including Chase Young. Add in the rumors that he runs a 4.31 40-yard dash at the size he is, and I’m sold.

With the regression of Desmond King this season, and the question mark at linebacker continuing, this pick would be what the Chargers desperately need. A playmaker. Not a solid guy, not a good run stuffer, but a playmaker. Drue Tranquill has been a nice surprise, but he is not anywhere near the level of Simmons.

Column: Sure, Antonio Gates belongs in Hall of Fame, but Super Bowls missed still hurt - San Diego Tribune

Wednesday, he mentioned the 2007 team’s defeat, at New England, with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

“That’s a game that haunts me to this day,” he said, “because we never got back to the AFC Championship Game. I thought it was routine because it was so early in my career.

“Now, years later, never to get back to that, that’s disheartening.”

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