*** Official 2013 San Diego Chargers **** (2 Viewers)

[BoltBacker]

It's pretty early to assess the new front office so far but I'm happy they brought in Derek Cox to a multi-year deal. I think they should draft another CB and sign another vet(the market doesn't seem that expensive for CB's) but losing Cason and gaining Cox seems like a big win in the secondary to me. I am disappointed that Bigby is gone though, I thought he was an excellent compliment to Weddle.

Still several OT prospects available and it's critical SD sign a vet even if they draft one(or two) imo. The guards available this year in FA(including Vasquez) are shadows of what were available last year and SD was wise to avoid overpaying for any of them. Definitely need to draft at least two interior lineman.

People have suggested SD should draft a RB but I'm glad they have gone the FA route instead. I was really hoping for Leon Washington as he has very little miles due to the outstanding play of Lynch. Washington only signed a 1yr deal and it seems to me he could have been had for a longer deal. The ST really needs a spark in the return game. I think Hillis is still available and a Mathews/Washington/Hillis/McClain combination is the type of group that could have excelled in a more conservative offense. Brown/Woodhead seem more like roster bubble type players than guys that can be counted on to play even a half time role WHEN Mathews gets hurt in '13. The team really needs to draft 3-4 OL and 1 CB so I don't think they can waste a draft pick on a RB.

 

[BoltBacker]

Well, it looks like Gaither was released just as has been predicted. Getting called out by Weddle was certainly a stake in the heart as he clearly seems to be a team leader. It's not that I wasn't disappointed by his '12 performance, I was, but I simply don't think they can be picky considering what they have right now. Still plenty of guys out there on OL this year but I certainly hope they don't plan on fixing this miss only using draft picks. Vollmer would have been a nice edition, I was disappointed to see him drop off the market. With all the talented CB's floating around the market for not a lot of $ it also would have been nice to see them grab a second starting CB so they wouldn't need to burn a draft pick on a CB.

 

[cstu]

Well, it looks like Gaither was released just as has been predicted. Getting called out by Weddle was certainly a stake in the heart as he clearly seems to be a team leader. It's not that I wasn't disappointed by his '12 performance, I was, but I simply don't think they can be picky considering what they have right now. Still plenty of guys out there on OL this year but I certainly hope they don't plan on fixing this miss only using draft picks. Vollmer would have been a nice edition, I was disappointed to see him drop off the market. With all the talented CB's floating around the market for not a lot of $ it also would have been nice to see them grab a second starting CB so they wouldn't need to burn a draft pick on a CB.

Don't worry, I'm sure they'll bring in some UDFA's as well.

 

[Gr00vus]

When do the Meachem and Royal shoes drop?

They should bubble wrap Rivers for this season.

 

[cstu]

When do the Meachem and Royal shoes drop?They should bubble wrap Rivers for this season.

Can we just put him on IR now?

 

[Gr00vus]

Anyone see Marcus McNeils tweets lately? He makes it seem like he wants to come back, but the Chargers don't want him.

Yeah, heard about that. It's obvious the new regime doesn't want much to do with what's come before so it doesn't surprise me they haven't expressed interest. Maybe the draft will change that (if they don't get enough OL talent), but I doubt it.

 

[cstu]

The Sideline View's Adam Caplan reports there are two to three teams showing some interest in restricted free agent Danario Alexander.
Caplan doesn't specify which teams, but adds that clubs don't want to waste their time if they think San Diego will match any offer sheet. The Chargers tendered Alexander at the original-pick level, leaving themselves vulnerable to being pick-pocketed since DX wasn't drafted. Teams have until April 19 to make offers to restricted free agents. The biggest-name restricted free agent is Victor Cruz, but the Giants tendered him at the first-round level.
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Apr 4 - 11:05 PM

 

[tommyGunZ]

Just four of the 35 players drafted by the Chargers from 2005-2009 remain on the roster.
We don't usually post items like this, but the draft stat was too good to pass up. The four players are backups Charlie Whitehurst and Larry English, free safety Eric Weddle and struggling right tackle Jeromey Clary. If you wanted to know why the Chargers' roster deteriorated so quickly, here is your answer. They drafted incredibly poorly under since-fired general manager A.J. Smith.

Oof.....

 

[tommyGunZ]

On a more substantive note, what are we happy with on Thursday? Pretty sure we're all in agreement that the gaping hole that is the OL should be addressed with the pick. Top OL talent according to most "experts" appears to be:

Joeckel (undoubtedly gone before 11)

Fisher (undoubtedly gone before 11)

Lane Johnson?
Jonathan Cooper?

Chance Warmack?
DJ Fluker?

If there is a run on OL and all 6 are gone before pick 11 (unlikely), perhaps that means we'll have a shot at Milliner.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Just four of the 35 players drafted by the Chargers from 2005-2009 remain on the roster.
We don't usually post items like this, but the draft stat was too good to pass up. The four players are backups Charlie Whitehurst and Larry English, free safety Eric Weddle and struggling right tackle Jeromey Clary. If you wanted to know why the Chargers' roster deteriorated so quickly, here is your answer. They drafted incredibly poorly under since-fired general manager A.J. Smith.

Oof.....

plenty of good players from those drafts still in the league, AJ just let em walk. Moron.

maybe now people will quit saying stuff like "most talented roster in the league"

total rebuild, lets see how the new staff gets it done

 

[Raiderfan32904]

On a more substantive note, what are we happy with on Thursday? Pretty sure we're all in agreement that the gaping hole that is the OL should be addressed with the pick. Top OL talent according to most "experts" appears to be:

Joeckel (undoubtedly gone before 11)

Fisher (undoubtedly gone before 11)

Lane Johnson?

Jonathan Cooper?

Chance Warmack?

DJ Fluker?

If there is a run on OL and all 6 are gone before pick 11 (unlikely), perhaps that means we'll have a shot at Milliner.

I think you are in a good spot to take OL. Probably no shot at Johnson. Fluker should be there, but I'd pass on him for Cooper or Warmack. At #11, I think your best value is Cooper.

 

[Beerguzzler]

The team has to go with the BPA. I understand that we need O line, but you don't reach at 11. Stick to the board and take the guy that's gonna turn into an All Pro. I don't care what position that is at. We can't afford another 1st round bust. There's plenty of holes to be filled on the roster.

 

[Sabertooth]

What is the outlook on Mathews? I think he's primed for a bounceback season

 

[Beerguzzler]

What is the outlook on Mathews? I think he's primed for a bounceback season

####ty. Till he shows otherwise on the field, I would stay away. To begin with, he's all but been relegated to 2 downs with the acquisition of Woodhead and resigning Brown.

 

[FF Ninja]

What is the outlook on Mathews? I think he's primed for a bounceback season

####ty. Till he shows otherwise on the field, I would stay away. To begin with, he's all but been relegated to 2 downs with the acquisition of Woodhead and resigning Brown.

That doesn't hurt him as much as people seem to think. He's a talented pass catcher, so there will still be designed plays to get him receptions. He'll miss out on a handful of cheap 8 yard runs on 3rd and 20 and some dump offs, but if he plays 16 games he could easily eclipse 40 receptions. There's a big difference between 1st and 2nd down backs who don't catch passes and guys who come out for a 3rd down specialist. I assume that is a package that they practice separately, so that's not all that surprising. The biggest f*** up last year was Norv taking him out of the 2 minute drill. That was stupid and it cost a lot of cheap fantasy points. I don't think there are any other teams that take out their playmaker in the 2 minute drill (and no, LeShoure/Bell does not apply - LeShoure could not manage a single 20 yard run, so not a playmaker). So I expect Mathews back in the 2 minute drill this year, which could yield a s***-ton of points because they could be playing from behind a lot.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

sells mathews in dyno now while he still retains some value. I've never seena rb break both collarbones before.

I wouldnt be surprised if SD takes a RB in round 3 or 4 this year.

 

[Gr00vus]

 

[tommyGunZ]

love Love LOVE the pick. Grand slam IMO.

 

[Gr00vus]

I hope he's in great shape because they've got nearly nobody in front of him and nobody outside of him at this point. He and Butler are going to be very, very busy.

 

[ldizzle]

heres to hoping armstead falls to them and they draft him...

edit: spoke to soon!

 

[ldizzle]

I wanted Armstead but Keenan Allen in the 3rd is a steal I think...

 

[Beerguzzler]

Keenan Allen was too good to pass up in the 3rd IMO. They had to take him even if we didn't have an immediate need. Really like his playmaking ability. Our WR group just got a lot better.

Manti....oh where to start. To start I hate the circus that's going to follow him. The guy is a ##### IMO, but I won't care as long as he's productive on the field. He has great instinct's but needs to get stronger and learn to shed blocks more effectively. He is a clear upgrade on that defense though. We will have such a good front 7 this season.

 

[Gr00vus]

We will have such a good front 7 this season.

I'm not seeing it. Outside of Ingram and Butler it's a bunch of ??? and meh.

 

[tommyGunZ]

We will have such a good front 7 this season.

I'm not seeing it. Outside of Ingram and Butler it's a bunch of ??? and meh.

Kendall Reyes is a monster and Liuget started coming into his own last season. Adding Te'o and hopefully seeing growth from Cam Thomas could make the front 7 pretty good.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

^I agree with TGunZ.

 

[cstu]

What's up with throwing away a 7th on a horrible QB?

And Zac Dysert was still on the board.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I'm not going to judge the manti pick. But I just don't think he's gonna be good. I hope I'm wrong

 

[cstu]

Look who the Chargers signed:

Courtney Gardner, WR Sierra College

4.51 40
37" Vertical
10' Broad Jump
16 reps

https://twitter.com/drocksthaparty/status/313726152122458112

 

[tommyGunZ]

John Clayton says that the Chargers had the best draft in the NFL:

Winners

1. San Diego Chargers: It was a nice scene when the San Diego Chargers had their top three choices -- tackle D.J. Fluker, linebacker Manti Te'o and wide receiver Keenan Allen -- standing on a podium holding up their new uniforms. This draft might not be as memorable as the 2005 draft, but it was a good one. That draft produced Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles. Once Philip Rivers took over the starting job in 2006, the 2005 class provided enough of a lift to turn the Chargers into a perennial playoff team and a Super Bowl contender. Merriman and Castillo provided power and explosiveness to the defense. Sproles offered big plays to the offense and special teams. Call the Chargers 2013 draft class serviceable -- and their best class in years. Fluker should immediately become one of the most powerful right tackles as a rookie. Te'o isn't to be confused with Junior Seau, but his play should make him a fan favorite. In the 3-4, Te'o might not be the all-everything like Seau, but he could be more like Zach Thomas, the former great linebacker of the Miami Dolphins. Takeo Spikes is gone, so starting inside linebacker is Te'o's job to lose. Linebackers are usually favorites for defensive rookie of the year, and it's not out of the question for Te'o to end up as a good candidate. Allen could put this class over the top. He's a big receiver, although he doesn't have Vincent Jackson's deep speed. For a third-round choice, though, the Chargers couldn't go wrong.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Adam Schefter answers reader questions in his mailbag once a week during the NFL season. Got a query of your own? Submit it here.


Q: Adam, which were a couple teams you thought had the best drafts? I thought the St. Louis Rams did very well, as did the Cincinnati Bengals.

-- Jerry (Connecticut)

A: Actually liked a handful of teams, Jerry. Really liked what all the NFC West teams did, especially the Rams and Cardinals. St. Louis positioned itself to get the best wide receiver in this draft, and the Cardinals filled a lot of needs with eight different players who were captains of their college teams. I was a big fan of the Jaguars' draft -- thought new Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley crushed it. The Chargers, with their new GM Tom Telesco and head coach Mike McCoy, also managed to land three first-round-caliber picks, so they did well. And of course the Packers and Ravens do what they always do -- an overall really good job. But the truth is, it's easy to judge drafts today; we'll be a whole lot smarter about it in December.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Todd McShay:

San Diego Chargers

Best pick: WR Keenan Allen (No. 76 overall) -- Before the draft, there were several teams that considered Allen to be one of the top 40 prospects in this draft class, and the Chargers were fortunate enough to get him in the third round. The pre-draft process did not go well for Allen, which is why he fell to this spot. Ultimately, Allen has the ability to come in and contribute right away because of size, speed and ball skills. He can be a very good No. 2 receiver in the NFL. So, at the end of the third round, the Chargers got a starting tackle (D.J. Fluker), a starting linebacker (Manti Te'o) and a starting wide receiver all while addressing needs.

Questionable pick: QB Brad Sorensen (No. 221 overall) -- The vast majority of the Chargers' draft was so strong that it takes me all the way to the seventh round before I find a questionable pick. It's a personal preference but there were a handful of QBs I would have selected before Sorensen: Matt Scott, Tyler Bray (though he comes with baggage) and Ryan Griffin.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I'm also excited to see if Kwame Geathers and/or Courtney Gardner can make the team.

 

[Gr00vus]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

Really? You want Mike Harris at LT?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

Really? You want Mike Harris at LT?

It wouldn't be Mike Harris. It would be King Dunlop if they don't bring anyone else in. Or it could be Max Starks, or Branden Albert . . .

It's a tough situation. McKinnie seems like the best option. But last year, Gaither seemed like the best option, and the situations are kind of similar. McKinnie is coming off a great 4-5 game stretch at the end of last season, same as Gaither the year before. But part of the reason he played only 4-5 games last year is that he's an unmotivated slug, same as Gaither.

I'm not saying that signing McKinnie will end up the same way as signing Gaither did. But it's a risk . . .

 

[Beerguzzler]

King Dunlop is a swing tackle at best. He can start a game in a pinch, but no way he should be starting week 1.

McKinnie is by far the best option right now. Yea he comes with warts, but at least he'll be on the field. McKinnie got into Harbaugh's dog house and didn't get out because they were happy playing their 2 highly drafted OT's. Eventually injury forced him to make the change and poof the line improved drastically.

It's no coincidence that Flacco had a ridiculous run in the playoff's with a virtually clean pocket every game.

Chargers need to take the risk and get him signed. Obviously they shouldn't make the mistake they did with Gaither's contract though.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

Really? You want Mike Harris at LT?

It wouldn't be Mike Harris. It would be King Dunlop if they don't bring anyone else in. Or it could be Max Starks, or Branden Albert . . .

It's a tough situation. McKinnie seems like the best option. But last year, Gaither seemed like the best option, and the situations are kind of similar. McKinnie is coming off a great 4-5 game stretch at the end of last season, same as Gaither the year before. But part of the reason he played only 4-5 games last year is that he's an unmotivated slug, same as Gaither.

I'm not saying that signing McKinnie will end up the same way as signing Gaither did. But it's a risk . . .

McKinnie obviously has warts - otherwise he wouldn't be available. And I agree that Gaither is a reminder that we should proceed with caution.

How did Dunlop grade out per some of the advanced metrics sites you use MT? (FtBall Outsiders and others)

I'm an optimist by nature, so signing McKinnie along with the additions of 3 starters from the draft plugs a LOT of the holes we had.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers need to take the risk and get him signed. Obviously they shouldn't make the mistake they did with Gaither's contract though.

Anyone know what McKinney is looking for contract wise? I'd hate to see the Chargers make a big commitment to the guy.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I don't think any Charger fan who pays attention and knows how Gaither robbed us wants a big commitment to another guy with motivation issues. Of course that has to be balanced against the risk of not signing him, and going into a season with King Dunlap and Mike Harris as our LTs. I'm sure you know Mike Harris was an undrafted FA rookie last year. Here is Dulap's writeup from Wikipedia:

Philadelphia Eagles

Dunlap was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 230th pick overall in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.[11] He signed a four-year contract with the team on June 17, 2008.[12] He suffered an ankle injury in the 2008 preseason and was placed on injured reserve on August 30, ending his season.[13]

Dunlap played in twelve games in the 2009 season and saw significant playing time in a game against the Oakland Raiders after starting left tackle Jason Peters suffered a knee injury during the first quarter.[14][15]

Dunlap took over for Peters in week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers in 2010 after Peters suffered a knee injury. Dunlap gave up three sacks in the game.[16] He made his first NFL start on October 17, 2010 in a week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to Peters' injury. His main assignment was to block defensive end John Abraham, who made zero sacks in the game.[17] With Peters out again for a week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans, Dunlap again started in place of him. Dunlap, however, suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextension of his knee during the game, and was replaced by left guard Todd Herremans.[18][19] Dunlap was did not play in weeks 9 and 10 due to his injuries.[20][21] In a week 13 game against theHouston Texans on December 2, starting right tackle Winston Justice hyperextended his knee and Dunlap took over for him. Dunlap started his first game at right tackle in place of Justice in a week 14 game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 12.[22] He started again in week 15 against the New York Giants in place of Justice at right tackle.[23] Dunlap started in a week 17 matchup against the Cowboys due to the Eagles' decision to rest starters before their playoff run. During the wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Dunlap was inserted at right tackle to replace Justice, who had three penalties and ineffective play.[24]

So unless the Bolts sign McKinnie or someone else who has more warts than McKinnie, we're going into 2013 with a 2008 7th round pick who was released after starting 20 games in 4 years with his team and a 2012 undrafted FA who did not impress when he was forced into action last year.

How can the Chargers NOT afford to sign McKinnie? LT is a pretty important position, especially since our QB is a statue.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

Really? You want Mike Harris at LT?

It wouldn't be Mike Harris. It would be King Dunlop if they don't bring anyone else in. Or it could be Max Starks, or Branden Albert . . .

It's a tough situation. McKinnie seems like the best option. But last year, Gaither seemed like the best option, and the situations are kind of similar. McKinnie is coming off a great 4-5 game stretch at the end of last season, same as Gaither the year before. But part of the reason he played only 4-5 games last year is that he's an unmotivated slug, same as Gaither.

I'm not saying that signing McKinnie will end up the same way as signing Gaither did. But it's a risk . . .

McKinnie obviously has warts - otherwise he wouldn't be available. And I agree that Gaither is a reminder that we should proceed with caution.

How did Dunlop grade out per some of the advanced metrics sites you use MT? (FtBall Outsiders and others)

I'm an optimist by nature, so signing McKinnie along with the additions of 3 starters from the draft plugs a LOT of the holes we had.

Dunlap graded out better than McKinnie last year at ProFootballFocus.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Lot's of talk about Brian McKinney today on the radio. Seems like a situation to avoid.

Really? You want Mike Harris at LT?

It wouldn't be Mike Harris. It would be King Dunlop if they don't bring anyone else in. Or it could be Max Starks, or Branden Albert . . .

It's a tough situation. McKinnie seems like the best option. But last year, Gaither seemed like the best option, and the situations are kind of similar. McKinnie is coming off a great 4-5 game stretch at the end of last season, same as Gaither the year before. But part of the reason he played only 4-5 games last year is that he's an unmotivated slug, same as Gaither.

I'm not saying that signing McKinnie will end up the same way as signing Gaither did. But it's a risk . . .

McKinnie obviously has warts - otherwise he wouldn't be available. And I agree that Gaither is a reminder that we should proceed with caution.

How did Dunlop grade out per some of the advanced metrics sites you use MT? (FtBall Outsiders and others)

I'm an optimist by nature, so signing McKinnie along with the additions of 3 starters from the draft plugs a LOT of the holes we had.

Dunlap graded out better than McKinnie last year at ProFootballFocus.

Wow. Good thing, since it looks like he may be the starting LT.

 

[BoltBacker]

How can the Chargers NOT afford to sign McKinnie? LT is a pretty important position, especially since our QB is a statue.

The stranger question is how can the Chargers afford to release their best blocker even if they get no significant cap savings for doing so? I assume it's because that guy is really talented, but has bounced around due to a questionable work ethic... so they offer a contract to McKinnie. Am I missing something? If they think they are willing to gamble on the fact they can motivate McKinnie to reach his potential than why wouldn't they make the same gamble on the guy under contract already and they have to pay if he's on the roster or not?

Maybe I'm still a little bent about "he's not a team guy". Remember when SD was 13-3 and lost a playoff game so they dumped Cromartie because he was a bad guy(and had a horrible replay on youtube of tackling like D.Sanders)? They haven't won more than 9 games in a season since chasing "high character" guys and it seems like the new regime might be bitten by the same bug. These guys aren't going to babysit my kids... I only care about what they do for three hours a week as long as they aren't endangering the lives of others when they are off the field. I could care less how many kids Cromartie has. He's making enough money to take care of all of them. People say Gaither was faking his injury. He deserves an academy award if that's true last season because he looked like he was hurt while he was on the field to me. Either way you are paying him, why not have him on the roster?

Dunlap

Ohrnberger

Hardwick

Rinehart

Fluker

'Gunz, I agree with you that it would have been crazy to trade away Rivers but if they were going to put that in front of him they should have simply blown the whole thing up and started over. If that's the starting line they may as well sign Tebow because only a FB has a chance to stay healthy behind that group.

 

[BoltBacker]

All the draft geeks are giving SD a good draft grade, but keep in mind that's at least in part because "I projected <player> to be drafted 20 slots higher so that was a great draft!". Most of those grades don't take into account the SD situation very well imo. How SD came out of a draft loaded with OL talent with ONE offensive lineman is beyond disappointing.

1st - I was really hoping for Warmack/Millner/Johnson but since they were all gone SD did a good job by simply taking the best OLman on the board.

2nd - These are the type of moves that got this roster in its current condition. When you have as many holes as this roster has there's no way you can afford to package picks to move up. People seem effusive with praise because SD got a starter in the 2nd round!? Are they kidding? They could have gotten starters in both the 2nd and 4th round without much difficulty. I would have stayed put and either drafted Jamar Taylor or Larry Warford. Either of those guys starts from the first game of the season. I'm not a Te'o hater(and don't even know the story behind the soap opera) but how many people really thought SD was a .500 team last year because of ILB play? Too many other glaring needs.

3rd - I think I'm the only one on the planet that thinks Gates/Alexander/Floyd/Brown/Meacham/Royal/Green is NOT a bad set of receivers. It certainly isn't the weakness on this team. If you sign two FA CB's, or a T/G then you don't have to draft for need and can afford to take best player available. This is why you don't go into the draft needing FOUR starting OLmen! If a value like Allen falls in your lap you can take best player available. I'm not hating on the Allen pick, just pointing out it's not a slam-dunk because of their inactivity filling holes before the draft. It seems like everyone is saying Allen is "a starter" but I doubt it, not this year. After SD has cleaned house how do you not get a starter in the top of the 3rd round?

4th - The pick that should have been. Somebody convince me that Barrett Jones wouldn't have been the perfect pick here. Please.Would have started week one and has experience all across the line when the inevitable injuries start. Nobody is going to convince me that Warford/Jones wouldn't have made a bigger difference than Te'o even if he is a 3 down player(which is still up for debate).

5th - I would have liked to see the team gamble on a Quessenberry(T) here. Reports from the Senior Bowl were he held up well against the top senior DLman. Maybe a T, maybe a G. Again, versatility and depth the team sorely needs.

6th - Jordan Poyer at CB seemed like great value to me, especially if you went G instead of CB in round 2. Sounds like he would have been a nice addition to special teams and hopefully we'd never need to see the best Charger player(Weddle) risking getting injured on ST's again.

7th - Reid Fragel at T. I have no idea how this guy fell. Not enough experience? Maybe they would have been in the same boat as they are now with Dunlap as starting LT week one but I think there's a good chance Fragel may have won the job by the end of the season. If nothing else he has a high ceiling and if he just pushed Clary off the roster he'd by my MVP. Another possibility would have been a trade to get Blount from TB with some package involving the 7th rounder. NE didn't give up much more than a 7th rounder to get him and he would be a nice compliment to Woodhead WHEN Mathews gets hurt in '13. Full disclosure, I've wanted Blount since the year he wasn't drafted and would love to see him running behind Fluker/Warford.

I don't live in the state of CA anymore, so can some of you Charger fans tell me if Matt Summers-Gavin's knees are really that bad? Seems to me he could have been a UFA that challenged for a staring spot in SD.

Maybe I'm crazy but this seems like "meet the new boss, same as the old boss" with regard to the OL. Fluker may be better than (Gaither+Vasquez) but by how much? Seems to me the OL is just treading water at the bottom of the league and I thought that every Charger fan agreed at the end of last year that the single biggest reason SD isn't a winning team is because of the OL? Am I missing something?

 

[Tau837]

I was surprised they drafted only one OL, and further surprised that they really haven't been criticized for it. And I completely agree about trading up being a bad move for this team with all of its needs.

 

[FF Ninja]

I feel like this is one of the dumbest articles I've read in a while. Posted only for humor value: http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/4/2/4175492/san-diego-chargers-rb-ryan-mathews-lifting-weights-muscles

Mathews broke his clavicle simply by landing on the inside of his arm. Had he done enough yoga to stretch out his shoulder, and if he didn't have muscles in the way of that arm stretching that direction, the bone may not have broken.

I'm no orthopedic specialist, but this sounds like uninformed conjecture to me.

 

[cstu]

I feel like this is one of the dumbest articles I've read in a while. Posted only for humor value: http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/4/2/4175492/san-diego-chargers-rb-ryan-mathews-lifting-weights-muscles

Mathews broke his clavicle simply by landing on the inside of his arm. Had he done enough yoga to stretch out his shoulder, and if he didn't have muscles in the way of that arm stretching that direction, the bone may not have broken.

I'm no orthopedic specialist, but this sounds like uninformed conjecture to me.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers are taking a long look at LT Max Starks.

The free agent left tackle had what people familiar with the situation have described as a positive Wednesday visit with the Chargers. Although no deal had been reached as of Friday morning, Starks is still considered in the mix for San Diego. In 2012, the 31-year-old started all 16 games at left tackle for the Steelers. He projects as the Chargers' starting left tackle if he was to join the team. King Dunlap, 27, is the top option on the current roster. Added competition would be nothing to irk Dunlap, a source close to the veteran said this week, as the former Eagle was not promised anything upon signing a two-year contract in March. Regardless of what may occur with Starks, the Chargers figure to have more experience at left tackle this year than last. Michael Harris, as an undrafted rookie, and Kevin Haslam combined for 12 left-tackle starts in 2012. They previously had four offensive snaps of NFL regular-season experience between them. Both remain on the roster after taking a combined 896 reps at left and right tackle in 2012. Starks spent the first nine seasons of his career in Pittsburgh, starting 96 of the 123 games in which he was active.

 

[cstu]

Chargers are taking a long look at LT Max Starks.

The free agent left tackle had what people familiar with the situation have described as a positive Wednesday visit with the Chargers. Although no deal had been reached as of Friday morning, Starks is still considered in the mix for San Diego. In 2012, the 31-year-old started all 16 games at left tackle for the Steelers. He projects as the Chargers' starting left tackle if he was to join the team. King Dunlap, 27, is the top option on the current roster. Added competition would be nothing to irk Dunlap, a source close to the veteran said this week, as the former Eagle was not promised anything upon signing a two-year contract in March. Regardless of what may occur with Starks, the Chargers figure to have more experience at left tackle this year than last. Michael Harris, as an undrafted rookie, and Kevin Haslam combined for 12 left-tackle starts in 2012. They previously had four offensive snaps of NFL regular-season experience between them. Both remain on the roster after taking a combined 896 reps at left and right tackle in 2012. Starks spent the first nine seasons of his career in Pittsburgh, starting 96 of the 123 games in which he was active.

Don't get my hopes up, Gr00vus.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers are taking a long look at LT Max Starks.

The free agent left tackle had what people familiar with the situation have described as a positive Wednesday visit with the Chargers. Although no deal had been reached as of Friday morning, Starks is still considered in the mix for San Diego. In 2012, the 31-year-old started all 16 games at left tackle for the Steelers. He projects as the Chargers' starting left tackle if he was to join the team. King Dunlap, 27, is the top option on the current roster. Added competition would be nothing to irk Dunlap, a source close to the veteran said this week, as the former Eagle was not promised anything upon signing a two-year contract in March. Regardless of what may occur with Starks, the Chargers figure to have more experience at left tackle this year than last. Michael Harris, as an undrafted rookie, and Kevin Haslam combined for 12 left-tackle starts in 2012. They previously had four offensive snaps of NFL regular-season experience between them. Both remain on the roster after taking a combined 896 reps at left and right tackle in 2012. Starks spent the first nine seasons of his career in Pittsburgh, starting 96 of the 123 games in which he was active.

Don't get my hopes up, Gr00vus.

I hear you. But they have to know Rivers won't make it through the season with the junk they're throwing right now.

In other news the Chargers signed 4 of their 6 draftees - of course Fluker isn't one of the ones signed yet.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I'd like to sign Starks for competition and depth, but I'd expect Dunlap to beat him out for the starting spot.