The No. 1 receiver will be Vincent Jackson, who unofficially assumed that role midway through last season. His 2006 numbers included 27 catches for 453 yards and six touchdowns. He has the speed to make plays downfield and the size to be a factor in the red zone. All that is missing is the consistency.
“(Jackson) was told both directly and indirectly, ‘You need to be the guy,’” Philip Rivers said. “You could see it in the game plan, there were more and more things in there for him and it showed during the last five or six weeks of the season with the big catches and big plays he made.”
Opposite of Jackson will be Eric Parker, whose suddenness and work ethic have quickly won over Coach Turner. After a disappointing performance in the playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Parker has come back with a vengeance this offseason.
“Eric is really important to us because he’s different than the other receivers…He’s sudden; he’s quick; he runs excellent routes; and Philip has a great feel for throwing him the ball. (Eric) gives us that change-up guy in terms of style of routes,” Turner said.
The No. 3 receiver will likely be Craig Davis. The Chargers’ first-round pick in this year’s draft, Davis has been slowed by a nagging groin injury for much of the offseason. However, he has still managed to make a positive impression on the coaching staff.
“He’s a little behind in terms of learning the offense,” said Turner of Davis. “It’s easy when you’re looking at a board or a tape. All of the sudden you are out there doing it and it speeds up. He’s making the kind of progress that I’d hoped for.”
No. 4 receiver Malcom Floyd gained a lot of confidence last season after catching 15 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns before missing the final six games with an ankle injury.
“If I can stay healthy, I’m capable of making the Pro Bowl,” Floyd said.
