**** OFFICIAL 2010 San Diego Chargers Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[BoltBacker]

Marshall? Where did that come from? Of all of the Chargers' needs, WR is very low on the list. As for Jones, he is primed to fall off a cliff. I'm glad the Chargers are going in a different direction than him. I agree that I wish A.J. would make some improvements via free agency, but I don't agree at all with your examples.

My big frustration is SD simply hasn't added much talent to the roster the past three seasons. Granted, they've been drafting at the end of each round which doesn't help. They've been a contender but their window of opportunity is only getting smaller. If they did choose to tender an offer to Marshall it would have several benefits imo....- Marshall could fit in and contribute big immediately. It really seems to me the NFL is moving toward creating mismatches in the passing game and a trio of Gates/Marshall/VJax would be next to impossible to match up with.- Is there anyone that honestly thinks he ISN'T worth the #28 pick in the draft? Most of the mock drafts I see have SD drafting a 2nd/3rd round RB talent with the 1st round pick anyway. Just how much of a loss is the #28th pick in the draft?- Marshall may be less likely to reach statistical contract incentives with other probowl receivers like Gates/VJax. In a way that could almost be like a poison pill. He could play like a probowler but he'd be much, much less likely to catch 100 balls in SD than he did in DEN.- Is OAK really a threat to win the division? KC? I don't think so. By forcing DEN's hand one way or the other you are weakening your only divisional rival. They either match the huge contract offer to a guy that hasn't been happy there in the past or let him walk for the #28 pick. Even if they match the offer, that makes him less marketable for a trade to another team. I guess I don't see the downside to pursuing Marshall? What do you think the downside is? What "different direction" do you think the Chargers are going in? Paying Sproles nearly as much as they'd have to pay Marshall?

 

[Tau837]

Marshall? Where did that come from? Of all of the Chargers' needs, WR is very low on the list. As for Jones, he is primed to fall off a cliff. I'm glad the Chargers are going in a different direction than him. I agree that I wish A.J. would make some improvements via free agency, but I don't agree at all with your examples.

My big frustration is SD simply hasn't added much talent to the roster the past three seasons. Granted, they've been drafting at the end of each round which doesn't help. They've been a contender but their window of opportunity is only getting smaller. If they did choose to tender an offer to Marshall it would have several benefits imo....- Marshall could fit in and contribute big immediately. It really seems to me the NFL is moving toward creating mismatches in the passing game and a trio of Gates/Marshall/VJax would be next to impossible to match up with.- Is there anyone that honestly thinks he ISN'T worth the #28 pick in the draft? Most of the mock drafts I see have SD drafting a 2nd/3rd round RB talent with the 1st round pick anyway. Just how much of a loss is the #28th pick in the draft?- Marshall may be less likely to reach statistical contract incentives with other probowl receivers like Gates/VJax. In a way that could almost be like a poison pill. He could play like a probowler but he'd be much, much less likely to catch 100 balls in SD than he did in DEN.- Is OAK really a threat to win the division? KC? I don't think so. By forcing DEN's hand one way or the other you are weakening your only divisional rival. They either match the huge contract offer to a guy that hasn't been happy there in the past or let him walk for the #28 pick. Even if they match the offer, that makes him less marketable for a trade to another team. I guess I don't see the downside to pursuing Marshall? What do you think the downside is? What "different direction" do you think the Chargers are going in? Paying Sproles nearly as much as they'd have to pay Marshall?

Floyd + 1st round pick used to draft position other than WR > Marshall. It's that simple.

 

[BoltBacker]

Floyd + 1st round pick used to draft position other than WR > Marshall. It's that simple.

Ah, that's where we disagree. Not that I completely agree with your premise anyway.I think VJax/Marshall/Floyd >>> VJax/Floyd/28th pick

 

[Tau837]

Floyd + 1st round pick used to draft position other than WR > Marshall. It's that simple.

Ah, that's where we disagree. Not that I completely agree with your premise anyway.I think VJax/Marshall/Floyd >>> VJax/Floyd/28th pick

There are only so many passes to go around. After VJax, Gates, and Sproles, there isn't any upside in upgrading Floyd and Naanee to Marshall, Floyd, and Naanee unless you think the Chargers are going Broncos 2008 and throwing 600+ times... and even then there is the opportunity cost of upgrading elsewhere. There would be a much greater benefit in using the picks/money on other positions like OL and DL.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

- Is there anyone that honestly thinks [brandon Marshall] ISN'T worth the #28 pick in the draft?

I don't think he's worth a sixth-round pick. There are different philosophies regarding how much character and effort matter in comparison to physical talent. My opinion is that, on teams with Super Bowl aspirations, they matter quite a bit. One guy with a terrible attitude can bring the whole team down with him.

 

[Tau837]

- Is there anyone that honestly thinks [brandon Marshall] ISN'T worth the #28 pick in the draft?

I don't think he's worth a sixth-round pick. There are different philosophies regarding how much character and effort matter in comparison to physical talent. My opinion is that, on teams with Super Bowl aspirations, they matter quite a bit. One guy with a terrible attitude can bring the whole team down with him.

 

[BoltBacker]

- Is there anyone that honestly thinks [brandon Marshall] ISN'T worth the #28 pick in the draft?

I don't think he's worth a sixth-round pick. There are different philosophies regarding how much character and effort matter in comparison to physical talent. My opinion is that, on teams with Super Bowl aspirations, they matter quite a bit. One guy with a terrible attitude can bring the whole team down with him.

While I think you make a valid point it seems to me you have to way the potential reward against the potential risk.We're not talking about a RB that will likely only be a probowl caliber player to the age of 30. WR's have a longer window of productivity and Marshall may have 6-7 years left playing at this level. When Randy Moss was traded from the raiders there were plenty of teams that didn't want any part of him... and NE got a great deal. He was much closer to the end than Marshall is. This is definitely a buy-low opportunity in my mind. Wherever he plays I'm sure Marshalls next multi-year contract will have language in it that minimizes the risk of the team because of his reputation. The effort is there but would admit there are certainly character issues. My view is probably in the minority but it seems to me there are questionable character issues on every team in the league. If I was a Steeler fan I wouldn't enjoy any of the rings Big Ben won any less because his character is now called into question.

 

[BoltBacker]

Floyd + 1st round pick used to draft position other than WR > Marshall. It's that simple.

Ah, that's where we disagree. Not that I completely agree with your premise anyway.I think VJax/Marshall/Floyd >>> VJax/Floyd/28th pick

There are only so many passes to go around. After VJax, Gates, and Sproles, there isn't any upside in upgrading Floyd and Naanee to Marshall, Floyd, and Naanee unless you think the Chargers are going Broncos 2008 and throwing 600+ times... and even then there is the opportunity cost of upgrading elsewhere. There would be a much greater benefit in using the picks/money on other positions like OL and DL.

Sounds great. Would have sounded great the past three seasons as well. How many OL/DL have we signed in the past three years? What are the players you hope we sign this year?The team has had a significant downgrade at DB/DL/RB since the end of last year. There's a great chance that SD has 500-600 pass attempts next season. That's plenty of balls to go around to Gates/Marshall/Jackson even if all three played 16 games which I doubt.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

My view is probably in the minority but it seems to me there are questionable character issues on every team in the league. If I was a Steeler fan I wouldn't enjoy any of the rings Big Ben won any less because his character is now called into question.

Well, there's football character and then there's real life character. I don't think Big Ben's football character has ever been questioned. He might be a horrible person off the field, but on it he'll do whatever it takes to help his team win. I don't think the same can be said about Marshall.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

My view is probably in the minority but it seems to me there are questionable character issues on every team in the league. If I was a Steeler fan I wouldn't enjoy any of the rings Big Ben won any less because his character is now called into question.

Well, there's football character and then there's real life character. I don't think Big Ben's football character has ever been questioned. He might be a horrible person off the field, but on it he'll do whatever it takes to help his team win. I don't think the same can be said about Marshall.

If they did sign Marshall, maybe Norv could coordinate his tantrum suspensions with VJax's DUIs and we would always have a stud number one receiver on the field.

 

[Gr00vus]

My view is probably in the minority but it seems to me there are questionable character issues on every team in the league. If I was a Steeler fan I wouldn't enjoy any of the rings Big Ben won any less because his character is now called into question.

Well, there's football character and then there's real life character. I don't think Big Ben's football character has ever been questioned. He might be a horrible person off the field, but on it he'll do whatever it takes to help his team win. I don't think the same can be said about Marshall.

Yeah they just shipped off Cromartie, I don't see how A.J. would want a guy like Marshall on the squad.Sorry BoltBacker but the Marshall idea just doesn't make sense in any way for this team. I can't imagine A.J. getting out of the 1st round with so many quality DTs that could possibly slip to them.

 

[BoltBacker]

Let's not forget according to Acee there's no guarantee that Jackson is even on the team next season....

(link from the blog)

" I am also hearing that there is interest in some of the Chargers' first-and-third tender players, particularly Shawne Merriman. Whether that means teams are willing to part with a first- and third-round draft pick is not known, but according to numerous sources, there are several teams discussing going after Merriman and Vincent Jackson."

http://www.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/bolt...other-rfa-news/

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Jim Trotter tweeting that there's "another big departure coming very soon". Message boards abuzz - speculation is that it's Sproles or Merriman. My guess is a Sproles trade is in the works.

So was Whitehurst the subject of this tweeting or do you expect some more trades here?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Jim Trotter tweeting that there's "another big departure coming very soon". Message boards abuzz - speculation is that it's Sproles or Merriman. My guess is a Sproles trade is in the works.

So was Whitehurst the subject of this tweeting or do you expect some more trades here?

I think the big departure was that COO that left, who I never herd ofwho cares?

 

[BoltBacker]

I'm curious what other Charger fans would grade AJ's job this offseason so far? Of course there's still the draft but some people suggest you can't really grade a draft performance until years later.

After the Whitehurst trade I'd raise it to a D+. This roster, which many still think is a SB contender, has more holes in it right now than anytime I can think of since about the middle of Martys time here. It's not nearly as good as the roster was when Marty left. If the front office thinks they can sit back and let this team roll through the playoffs they are seriously mistaken.

What say you? Show me your lightning boltzzzz!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I'm curious what other Charger fans would grade AJ's job this offseason so far? Of course there's still the draft but some people suggest you can't really grade a draft performance until years later. After the Whitehurst trade I'd raise it to a D+. This roster, which many still think is a SB contender, has more holes in it right now than anytime I can think of since about the middle of Martys time here. It's not nearly as good as the roster was when Marty left. If the front office thinks they can sit back and let this team roll through the playoffs they are seriously mistaken. What say you? Show me your lightning boltzzzz!

F+He hasnt done anything. I think they happen to have a commodity that a couple teams were willing to take a flier on in Whitehurst. Strickland? Trading Cro for a Pick next year? Letting Jamal and LT go without even addressing the positions in FA.Resigning a bunch of no-name bums they picked of the street to play DLine. AJ better hit a home run with the 28 & 40 pick or its gonna be one and done in the playoffs again. Are they better than Baltimore? NYJ? NEPats? Indy? a healthy Pitt team?? would they beat any of them in a playoff game? maybe the colts. Very disappointed. A cake walk schedule will hide alot of this NFC West and AFC South = probably 6 wins out of the divison. And the Bengals wont be as good either.

 

[BoltBacker]

I'm curious what other Charger fans would grade AJ's job this offseason so far? Of course there's still the draft but some people suggest you can't really grade a draft performance until years later. After the Whitehurst trade I'd raise it to a D+. This roster, which many still think is a SB contender, has more holes in it right now than anytime I can think of since about the middle of Martys time here. It's not nearly as good as the roster was when Marty left. If the front office thinks they can sit back and let this team roll through the playoffs they are seriously mistaken. What say you? Show me your lightning boltzzzz!

F+He hasnt done anything. I think they happen to have a commodity that a couple teams were willing to take a flier on in Whitehurst. Strickland? Trading Cro for a Pick next year? Letting Jamal and LT go without even addressing the positions in FA.Resigning a bunch of no-name bums they picked of the street to play DLine. AJ better hit a home run with the 28 & 40 pick or its gonna be one and done in the playoffs again. Are they better than Baltimore? NYJ? NEPats? Indy? a healthy Pitt team?? would they beat any of them in a playoff game? maybe the colts. Very disappointed. A cake walk schedule will hide alot of this NFC West and AFC South = probably 6 wins out of the divison. And the Bengals wont be as good either.

That's cool, I kind of got the feeling I was the only one wondering WTF was going on. This is NOT the way to get a stadium built. I don't blame them for parting with Tomlinson but the Williams/Cromartie moves are head scratchers that will probably come back to haunt them. I'm not even saying Williams is great.... they just simply haven't groomed anyone to replace him and it was purely a salary cap move for a team that was supposedly trying to win a title this season. Makes absolutely no sense. It feels like the goal of this franchise is to win the AFC West.

 

[Gr00vus]

I like what he's doing so far. He's managing the team's salary structure and he's put the team in a position to improve themselves significantly through the draft. He's let some malcontents and just plain used up players go. I don't know if there's a replacement level concept for football like there is for baseball, but I'd be surprised if either LaDainian or Williams were at (much less above) replacement level players at their positions last year, maybe the last two years. And they're probably going to be declining further from there going forward. I actually anticipate the team will perform better in those areas next year. The retreads and misfits on the DLine played better than the "starters" did last year down the stretch. Cromartie was becoming a distraction and wasn't compensating for it on the field. I'm nervous about Cason starting, but we'll see. Replacing the gunner on special teams isn't easy, but it's also not one of the most critical positions on the team.

You don't win championships by being reactionary, and you don't win championships by overpaying. I think A.J. is trying to get out ahead of things here - though he did wait too long on LaDainian and Williams. I can't really blame him for that, it was worth a chance that they'd regain their form somehow, but now that it's abundantly apparent that they won't, moving on is absolutely the right thing to do.

Trying to judge this offseason prior to the draft is silly. I imagine he might have another move or two up his sleeve around draft day as well. I'm still thinking Sproles gets dealt if the opportunity arises.

 

[Gr00vus]

a team that was supposedly trying to win a title this season. Makes absolutely no sense. It feels like the goal of this franchise is to win the AFC West.

I think the goal is to remain consistently competitive over the long term. To me his moves make sense in that context.

 

[TS Garp]

I'm curious what other Charger fans would grade AJ's job this offseason so far? Of course there's still the draft but some people suggest you can't really grade a draft performance until years later. After the Whitehurst trade I'd raise it to a D+. This roster, which many still think is a SB contender, has more holes in it right now than anytime I can think of since about the middle of Martys time here. It's not nearly as good as the roster was when Marty left. If the front office thinks they can sit back and let this team roll through the playoffs they are seriously mistaken. What say you? Show me your lightning boltzzzz!

I'd give it an incomplete until we see what he does with the draft picks that he's been accumulating, but, like you, I'm very concerned. It almost seems as if AJ is starting to quietly rebuild -- casting off veterans. But losing guys like Williams, Osgood, and even Manu (great run-blocker) will hurt more than people think. I'm guessing that his logic might be that it's better to do this now rather than to go all in and make a serious run at the title, only to have to completely rebuild later and suffer through a couple of very bad seasons. He also probably feels that the AFC West will still be soft for another year, so hopefully they can coast into the playoffs. Maybe he's not wrong, but my concern here is that Gates has -- what -- maybe 2 peak seasons left? Once he's in clear decline, it will really change the complexion of this offense. The Chargers didn't close the deal with LT in his prime, and if they can't do it with Gates in his prime, they could be in for some tough years. But my biggest concern is AJ's recent draft history. I just worry that he's not the talent evaluator that he used to be. He clearly believes in building almost exclusively through the draft, but if you look at his drafts of the past three years, it's hard to be very hopeful about where this team is headed.

 

[BoltBacker]

I like what he's doing so far. He's managing the team's salary structure and he's put the team in a position to improve themselves significantly through the draft. He's let some malcontents and just plain used up players go. I don't know if there's a replacement level concept for football like there is for baseball, but I'd be surprised if either LaDainian or Williams were at (much less above) replacement level players at their positions last year, maybe the last two years. And they're probably going to be declining further from there going forward. I actually anticipate the team will perform better in those areas next year. The retreads and misfits on the DLine played better than the "starters" did last year down the stretch. Cromartie was becoming a distraction and wasn't compensating for it on the field. I'm nervous about Cason starting, but we'll see. Replacing the gunner on special teams isn't easy, but it's also not one of the most critical positions on the team.

You don't win championships by being reactionary, and you don't win championships by overpaying. I think A.J. is trying to get out ahead of things here - though he did wait too long on LaDainian and Williams. I can't really blame him for that, it was worth a chance that they'd regain their form somehow, but now that it's abundantly apparent that they won't, moving on is absolutely the right thing to do.

Trying to judge this offseason prior to the draft is silly. I imagine he might have another move or two up his sleeve around draft day as well. I'm still thinking Sproles gets dealt if the opportunity arises.

- You didN'T win a championship by overpaying when the NFL had a salary cap. The NFL has no salary cap this year. Ever hear of the lakers? The Yankees?- Isn't trying to judge a draft until a couple of years after the draft kind of silly?

 

[TS Garp]

I like what he's doing so far. He's managing the team's salary structure and he's put the team in a position to improve themselves significantly through the draft. He's let some malcontents and just plain used up players go. I don't know if there's a replacement level concept for football like there is for baseball, but I'd be surprised if either LaDainian or Williams were at (much less above) replacement level players at their positions last year, maybe the last two years. And they're probably going to be declining further from there going forward. I actually anticipate the team will perform better in those areas next year. The retreads and misfits on the DLine played better than the "starters" did last year down the stretch. Cromartie was becoming a distraction and wasn't compensating for it on the field. I'm nervous about Cason starting, but we'll see. Replacing the gunner on special teams isn't easy, but it's also not one of the most critical positions on the team.

You don't win championships by being reactionary, and you don't win championships by overpaying. I think A.J. is trying to get out ahead of things here - though he did wait too long on LaDainian and Williams. I can't really blame him for that, it was worth a chance that they'd regain their form somehow, but now that it's abundantly apparent that they won't, moving on is absolutely the right thing to do.

Trying to judge this offseason prior to the draft is silly. I imagine he might have another move or two up his sleeve around draft day as well. I'm still thinking Sproles gets dealt if the opportunity arises.

- Isn't trying to judge a draft until a couple of years after the draft kind of silly?

I don't think he's saying to wait for a couple of years later -- he's saying that AJ might use some of these picks to swing a deal of some sort. It's too early to judge.

 

[Gr00vus]

- You didN'T win a championship by overpaying when the NFL had a salary cap. The NFL has no salary cap this year. Ever hear of the lakers? The Yankees?- Isn't trying to judge a draft until a couple of years after the draft kind of silly?

We don't know what will happen with the salary cap. It would suck to cozy up to some big contracts that you get stuck with after a cap is reinstated. Apart from that, the Chargers aren't exactly a big market team like the Lakers or Yankees (yet, maybe that changes if they move - is that a good thing?). You've got to have some fiscal responsibility in their situation.I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

- You didN'T win a championship by overpaying when the NFL had a salary cap. The NFL has no salary cap this year. Ever hear of the lakers? The Yankees?- Isn't trying to judge a draft until a couple of years after the draft kind of silly?

We don't know what will happen with the salary cap. It would suck to cozy up to some big contracts that you get stuck with after a cap is reinstated. Apart from that, the Chargers aren't exactly a big market team like the Lakers or Yankees (yet, maybe that changes if they move - is that a good thing?). You've got to have some fiscal responsibility in their situation.I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

what about RG, or RT?both spots need upgrades.this team just isnt as good as the one that took the field 3 years ago. Its a bummer. I feel like the bolts let a major opportunity to win a title slide by. There is still hope with Rivers. We need Merriman 100% heck Ill buy him some HGH.

 

[Gr00vus]

what about RG, or RT?both spots need upgrades.this team just isnt as good as the one that took the field 3 years ago. Its a bummer. I feel like the bolts let a major opportunity to win a title slide by. There is still hope with Rivers. We need Merriman 100% heck Ill buy him some HGH.

I think you have to give Vasquez another year or two. RT yeah probably, but for me I think the rest of the line needs to take some of the blame as well - they weren't exactly opening up huge holes on the left side either. I think we'll see even more focus on passing this year, so the important thing is keeping jersey #17 clean and they've been doing well at that at least.I think Merriman is done and that we'll see English get more snaps to see what he can do. I also think we'll see more 4-3 if not a complete transition to a 4-3 most of the time. They seemed to be more effective in that scheme last year when they were rotating all those guys through up front. Maybe they get a truly dominant DT in the draft, but those guys don't come along that often and without that the 3-4 doesn't work so well - especially when your DEs aren't that great (I'm looking at you captain salsa dancer).

 

[Tau837]

Just a small point on Manu, since he was mentioned. He played 457 snaps last season; I think there were 1037 offensive snaps, so he played about 44% of them.

I'm not sure how much stock to put into ProFootballFocus Ratings. They are accumulated numbers rather than rate statistics, despite the fact that they call them ratings.

That said, they rated Manu poorly across the board last season, including run blocking. They rated Kris Wilson higher in every category, though I suppose Wilson could have been worse but didn't play enough snaps to accumulate a worse rating.

Run blocking seems to be what Manu is most valued for, so consider his PFF run blocking ratings over the past few seasons:

2007: 12.1 (2nd in NFL among TEs)

2008: 7.7 (9th in NFL among TEs)

2009: -3.0 (78th in NFL among TEs)

One could probably debate PFF's methods, but I suspect the general trend/dropoff here is probably valid. I suppose he could rebound, but presumably A.J. was aware of this and it factored into his decision to resign Wilson and let Manu walk.

 

[Tau837]

I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

I'm not sure what people were expecting. Looking at each of the moves he has made thus far, I don't see much to take issue with. To me, the main thing to question is moves he hasn't made, like signing free agents to fill some holes. But I'm not sure how many free agents were available that would have been both good fits for the Chargers' needs and good value in terms of likely production for the price.If he drafts well and at least a couple of those players make an early impact, it will have been a good offseason IMO. Yes, the team will still have holes... did anyone expect that it wouldn't have any holes going into the 2010 season?

 

[TS Garp]

- You didN'T win a championship by overpaying when the NFL had a salary cap. The NFL has no salary cap this year. Ever hear of the lakers? The Yankees?- Isn't trying to judge a draft until a couple of years after the draft kind of silly?

We don't know what will happen with the salary cap. It would suck to cozy up to some big contracts that you get stuck with after a cap is reinstated. Apart from that, the Chargers aren't exactly a big market team like the Lakers or Yankees (yet, maybe that changes if they move - is that a good thing?). You've got to have some fiscal responsibility in their situation.I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

Agree on RB, as it won't be hard to replace LT's anemic production from 2009, but I think that it's unrealistic to expect AJ to pick up both a great run stuffer (Williams -- old, but still very effective against the run) and a good pass rusher in the draft. You're basically saying that we'll get three immediately effective starters in the draft, which would be a hard task for anyone, but given AJ's last three drafts, seems even more unlikely. Maybe you're saying that one of the pieces will come via trade, which is more plausible, but I think there are very real holes that won't all be simple to fill.

 

[BoltBacker]

Agree on RB, as it won't be hard to replace LT's anemic production from 2009, but I think that it's unrealistic to expect AJ to pick up both a great run stuffer (Williams -- old, but still very effective against the run) and a good pass rusher in the draft. You're basically saying that we'll get three immediately effective starters in the draft, which would be a hard task for anyone, but given AJ's last three drafts, seems even more unlikely. Maybe you're saying that one of the pieces will come via trade, which is more plausible, but I think there are very real holes that won't all be simple to fill.

That's what I'm saying. Let's not forget we're not talking about a 'Niners situation either where we have two mid-1st rounders to fill these holes. We have a very late 1st and a fairly early 2nd rounder to find a starting RB(preferably one that actually RUNS the ball unlike our "franchise RB"), a starting RT, a starting DT, a CB at least high enough quality to play nickel back this year assuming Cason is ready to start. If not, you need to find a rookie CB ready to start in the NFL... good luck with that. It seems to me if the coaching staff was having so much of a problem with Cromartie and Cason was ready to start he'd have been starting already.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think that it's unrealistic to expect AJ to pick up both a great run stuffer (Williams -- old, but still very effective against the run) and a good pass rusher in the draft. You're basically saying that we'll get three immediately effective starters in the draft, which would be a hard task for anyone, but given AJ's last three drafts, seems even more unlikely. Maybe you're saying that one of the pieces will come via trade, which is more plausible, but I think there are very real holes that won't all be simple to fill.

Note I said address (not necessarily successfully) the pass rush. I could see him using the 1st and 2nd round picks on the D line, 3rd rounder on an RB, 4th on a CB, etc. The RB could happen sooner if the right guy is there.

 

[BoltBacker]

I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

I'm not sure what people were expecting. Looking at each of the moves he has made thus far, I don't see much to take issue with. To me, the main thing to question is moves he hasn't made, like signing free agents to fill some holes. But I'm not sure how many free agents were available that would have been both good fits for the Chargers' needs and good value in terms of likely production for the price.If he drafts well and at least a couple of those players make an early impact, it will have been a good offseason IMO. Yes, the team will still have holes... did anyone expect that it wouldn't have any holes going into the 2010 season?

I was expecting for the Chargers to at the very least bring in either a Thomas Jones or a Chester Taylor in and have a conversation with them. Neither of those contracts will be salary cap prohibitive in the future. In the absence of that I was expecting to hear rumors they have some interest in a vet that may be on the way out like a M.Lynch or a M.Forte. I was expecting the team to go into the draft with a vet, maybe two that can share the load. When I say share the load I mean carry the ball 150-200 times a season.... not the double digit carries of a "franchise" RB like Sproles.If their plan is to give any of the backs in the draft 275+ carries I think it's a poor plan. Several of them look like they could be effective as part of a RBBC but the way it looks right now SD needs to draft the entire committee. I'm not even sure why teams take a RBBC back in the top 40 picks. I'm not talking about guys like J.Steward or D.Williams that are both starters sharing a job, I'm talking about RB's that don't have a well rounded enough game to be a three down back and carry the load for 275+ carries.As far as holes go I certainly wasn't expecting to lose a staring NT and CB before the draft and need to fill those along with the glaring obvious holes the team had at RB and RT ... no.

 

[BoltBacker]

I think that it's unrealistic to expect AJ to pick up both a great run stuffer (Williams -- old, but still very effective against the run) and a good pass rusher in the draft. You're basically saying that we'll get three immediately effective starters in the draft, which would be a hard task for anyone, but given AJ's last three drafts, seems even more unlikely. Maybe you're saying that one of the pieces will come via trade, which is more plausible, but I think there are very real holes that won't all be simple to fill.

Note I said address (not necessarily successfully) the pass rush. I could see him using the 1st and 2nd round picks on the D line, 3rd rounder on an RB, 4th on a CB, etc. The RB could happen sooner if the right guy is there.

I think RT is probably the most important position of all to improve and when was the last time we had a guy who was above average? I was hoping for bigger things from Shane Olivea but it's been awhile since they've had a good one.Hopefully they do wait to address RB in the 3rd since none of them bowl me over. How many carries do you think one of those late third round RB's are likely to get? I wouldn't be surprised if NONE of the RB's in this draft break 200 carries. In the 3rd round I think you're looking at closer to a 150 carry back.I'm also concerned about counting on 4th round CB to pay nickel or possibly even start.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think that it's unrealistic to expect AJ to pick up both a great run stuffer (Williams -- old, but still very effective against the run) and a good pass rusher in the draft. You're basically saying that we'll get three immediately effective starters in the draft, which would be a hard task for anyone, but given AJ's last three drafts, seems even more unlikely. Maybe you're saying that one of the pieces will come via trade, which is more plausible, but I think there are very real holes that won't all be simple to fill.

Note I said address (not necessarily successfully) the pass rush. I could see him using the 1st and 2nd round picks on the D line, 3rd rounder on an RB, 4th on a CB, etc. The RB could happen sooner if the right guy is there.

I think RT is probably the most important position of all to improve and when was the last time we had a guy who was above average? I was hoping for bigger things from Shane Olivea but it's been awhile since they've had a good one.Hopefully they do wait to address RB in the 3rd since none of them bowl me over. How many carries do you think one of those late third round RB's are likely to get? I wouldn't be surprised if NONE of the RB's in this draft break 200 carries. In the 3rd round I think you're looking at closer to a 150 carry back.I'm also concerned about counting on 4th round CB to pay nickel or possibly even start.

I don't think RT is the most pressing need right now, they can take some shots at that with their later picks. Like I said a mid round CB will be a project probably. They've got 4 CBs on the roster now, I think Gregory (and maybe Oliver) can work there in a pinch as well. I doubt the guy coming in would be expected to contribute heavily right off the bat.Plenty of 3rd round rbs have been solid contributors in the past. A.J. has demonstrated an ability to find solid RBs with later picks (which makes the Hester thing even more strange, but I digress), so I'm comfortable that he'll find a viable RB in this draft.

 

[Gr00vus]

In other news the Chargers get a 5th round compensatory pick.

They also released receiver Demetrius Byrd. :(

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Source: Ex-Bear Vasher headed to San Diego

March 27, 2010 9:13 PM

By Brad Biggs

Alex Brown is soon to be an ex-Bear and the player who departed before him is expected to have work soon.

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher is close to signing a contract with the San Diego Chargers, according to a source close to the player. The Bears released Vasher 10 days ago after general manager Jerry Angelo said at the combine that the team would take him to training camp.

In San Diego, Vasher will be able to reunite with former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 after his second season with the Bears playing under Rivera.

There are more familiar faces with the Chargers. Their secondary coach is Steve Wilks, who previously was on Lovie Smith's staff, along with defensive line coach Don Johnson. Vasher will find former teammates Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott on the defensive line there.

The Chargers are in need of depth at cornerback after trading Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets. The Bears released Vasher after signing free agent Tim Jennings.

Both Brown, who the Bears are seeking to trade, and Vasher were fourth-round draft picks by Angelo. At the time, Angelo had routine success finding starters in the middle rounds of the draft. But injuries derailed Vasher's career with the Bears, starting with a torn groin muscle in 2007 just months after he had signed a $28 million, five-year extension. Later, he needed wrist surgery during the middle of the 2008 season. The injuries limited him to 11 starts over the last three seasons, a period in which he earned just more than $18 million in his new contract.

Vasher was considered a solid teammate and he never aired public grievances about losing his starting job to Zack Bowman. However, the Bears couldn't keep him as a backup this season with a base salary of $2.95 million. Releasing him when they did, as opposed to taking him to camp as Angelo originally suggested, provided him with a better opportunity to find a job. It looks like he's close to making that happen.

 

[TS Garp]

Source: Ex-Bear Vasher headed to San Diego

March 27, 2010 9:13 PM

By Brad Biggs

Alex Brown is soon to be an ex-Bear and the player who departed before him is expected to have work soon.

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher is close to signing a contract with the San Diego Chargers, according to a source close to the player. The Bears released Vasher 10 days ago after general manager Jerry Angelo said at the combine that the team would take him to training camp.

In San Diego, Vasher will be able to reunite with former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 after his second season with the Bears playing under Rivera.

There are more familiar faces with the Chargers. Their secondary coach is Steve Wilks, who previously was on Lovie Smith's staff, along with defensive line coach Don Johnson. Vasher will find former teammates Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott on the defensive line there.

The Chargers are in need of depth at cornerback after trading Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets. The Bears released Vasher after signing free agent Tim Jennings.

Both Brown, who the Bears are seeking to trade, and Vasher were fourth-round draft picks by Angelo. At the time, Angelo had routine success finding starters in the middle rounds of the draft. But injuries derailed Vasher's career with the Bears, starting with a torn groin muscle in 2007 just months after he had signed a $28 million, five-year extension. Later, he needed wrist surgery during the middle of the 2008 season. The injuries limited him to 11 starts over the last three seasons, a period in which he earned just more than $18 million in his new contract.

Vasher was considered a solid teammate and he never aired public grievances about losing his starting job to Zack Bowman. However, the Bears couldn't keep him as a backup this season with a base salary of $2.95 million. Releasing him when they did, as opposed to taking him to camp as Angelo originally suggested, provided him with a better opportunity to find a job. It looks like he's close to making that happen.

Seems like a smart move for depth. The key will be Vasher staying healthy. I don't think we'll see the form that made him an all-pro a few seasons ago, but hopefully Rivera can bring out the best in him.

 

[Gr00vus]

It's a good move, lessens the need to address the spot with a high pick in the draft.

I'm starting to think the Chargers will take an RB in round 2 (rather than wait until 3), seems like there'll be a useful guy there with the 40th pick. I'm hoping they land Gerhardt.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

It's a good move, lessens the need to address the spot with a high pick in the draft.I'm starting to think the Chargers will take an RB in round 2 (rather than wait until 3), seems like there'll be a useful guy there with the 40th pick. I'm hoping they land Gerhardt.

I was really liking how K.Wilson from Boise was looking at say the 40 pick, maybe even 28.They need DT and RB and r-OT. Adding Vasher and Stickland with Cason being a first rounder makes me think AJ is leaning another way with the top3 picks

 

[Gr00vus]

It's a good move, lessens the need to address the spot with a high pick in the draft.I'm starting to think the Chargers will take an RB in round 2 (rather than wait until 3), seems like there'll be a useful guy there with the 40th pick. I'm hoping they land Gerhardt.

I was really liking how K.Wilson from Boise was looking at say the 40 pick, maybe even 28.They need DT and RB and r-OT. Adding Vasher and Stickland with Cason being a first rounder makes me think AJ is leaning another way with the top3 picks

I don't think Wilson will slip to 28, at least the mocks I've seen haven't had him lasting that long.I'm liking A.J.'s moves so far. How do we feel about Ryan Matthews? I keep seeing him landing with the Chargers in round 1 in mocks. I think I'd rather see them draft a guy like Brian Price with the 28 and see what's there for them at RB in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd).

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

It's a good move, lessens the need to address the spot with a high pick in the draft.I'm starting to think the Chargers will take an RB in round 2 (rather than wait until 3), seems like there'll be a useful guy there with the 40th pick. I'm hoping they land Gerhardt.

I was really liking how K.Wilson from Boise was looking at say the 40 pick, maybe even 28.They need DT and RB and r-OT. Adding Vasher and Stickland with Cason being a first rounder makes me think AJ is leaning another way with the top3 picks

I don't think Wilson will slip to 28, at least the mocks I've seen haven't had him lasting that long.I'm liking A.J.'s moves so far. How do we feel about Ryan Matthews? I keep seeing him landing with the Chargers in round 1 in mocks. I think I'd rather see them draft a guy like Brian Price with the 28 and see what's there for them at RB in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd).

Love Ryan Mathews.But take the best DT at 28, then RB at 40. Find Olineman and LBs later in the draft

 

[Tau837]

I'll go out on a limb and say right now that the Chargers will draft a tailback who will perform better than LaDainain would have/will. And I wouldn't feel much less comfortable saying they'll probably draft a DT who will contribute more next year than Williams would have/will. But we can't say for sure since the draft hasn't happened, so why get all worked up over it now? I'm also pretty sure he'll add another CB candidate - though that guy will probably be a project. To me the biggest concern is creating an effective pass rush and I think he'll address that. If he drafts another WR and S early and doesn't address these spots, then I'll be front and center in the pitchfork mob.

I'm not sure what people were expecting. Looking at each of the moves he has made thus far, I don't see much to take issue with. To me, the main thing to question is moves he hasn't made, like signing free agents to fill some holes. But I'm not sure how many free agents were available that would have been both good fits for the Chargers' needs and good value in terms of likely production for the price.If he drafts well and at least a couple of those players make an early impact, it will have been a good offseason IMO. Yes, the team will still have holes... did anyone expect that it wouldn't have any holes going into the 2010 season?

I was expecting for the Chargers to at the very least bring in either a Thomas Jones or a Chester Taylor in and have a conversation with them. Neither of those contracts will be salary cap prohibitive in the future. In the absence of that I was expecting to hear rumors they have some interest in a vet that may be on the way out like a M.Lynch or a M.Forte. I was expecting the team to go into the draft with a vet, maybe two that can share the load. When I say share the load I mean carry the ball 150-200 times a season.... not the double digit carries of a "franchise" RB like Sproles.If their plan is to give any of the backs in the draft 275+ carries I think it's a poor plan. Several of them look like they could be effective as part of a RBBC but the way it looks right now SD needs to draft the entire committee. I'm not even sure why teams take a RBBC back in the top 40 picks. I'm not talking about guys like J.Steward or D.Williams that are both starters sharing a job, I'm talking about RB's that don't have a well rounded enough game to be a three down back and carry the load for 275+ carries.As far as holes go I certainly wasn't expecting to lose a staring NT and CB before the draft and need to fill those along with the glaring obvious holes the team had at RB and RT ... no.

I just realized I never replied to this. I think the jury is out on the RB situation, but here are some thoughts on it.First off, I'm glad the Chargers didn't sign either Jones or Taylor. Both are poised to fall off a cliff at any time. If they were going that route, I would rather they had just kept LT, given his place in franchise history.Jones averaged 2.6 ypc in the playoffs last year, and his 4.2 regular season average was propped up by one monster game against Buffalo, in which he ran 22 times for 210 yards... in his other 18 games last season, Jones averaged 3.7 ypc. And he offers nothing in the passing game... he had 14 catches for 10 yards last year, and he has averaged just 6.4 ypr for his career. Jones was #32 in DVOA and #38 in success rate last season among RBs with 100 or more carries... pretty underwhelming.Taylor averaged just 3.6 ypc last year, and hasn't had more than 157 carries since 2006. He is a very good receiving RB, so he seems best suited to a third down back role... but the Chargers already have that role filled with Sproles. Unless they knew they would move Sproles, I don't see how it would have helped to bring in another poor running, good receiving RB. And at least from a DVOA standpoint, Sproles was considerably better as both a runner and receiver than Taylor last year.I agree they probably shouldn't count on a rookie RB for 275+ carries. But I'm not sure why that matters. Tomlinson only had 223 last season, and, at this point, he is the RB that stands to be replaced by a rookie. Perhaps you are assuming a return to an offense that is balanced a bit more towards the run, but I'm not sure that assumption makes sense, in part precisely because they probably can't count on that many carries from a rookie, and in part because the passing game is the strength of the team right now.Last season, here was the breakdown of RB carries:LT 223Sproles 93Tolbert 25Bennett 23Hester 21If the team keeps Sproles and drafts a rookie RB, I don't see any reason why the carries couldn't break down like this:Rookie RB 200Sproles 100Tolbert 30Hester 25Others (Bennett included, if they keep him) 30That breakdown holds the number of rushing attempts steady from last season. But it's just a strawman anyway. If the rushing attempts go up, adjust accordingly. The point is, there is no need to assume a rookie RB must run the ball 275+ times.Now, if they end up trading Sproles, throw all this out the window. Then I'd be very concerned, since I'm not sure how they would fill his role, assuming they draft a RB early to fill the LT role... not just the 100 carries, but even more importantly the 45/497/4 receiving. Plus, they'd have to find someone to handle returns.I actually don't think Sproles is worth the franchise tag on merit. He certainly wasn't last season, when all of his averages (ypc, ypr, yards per punt return, yards per kickoff return) went down from 2008 and he only scored 1 more TD despite getting about 30% more touches. So I would be fine with it in an abstract sense if they traded him... however, his value is more than his production, particularly now that LT is gone and thus they already have to fill his role... if Sproles goes, who will return kickoffs and punts, who will be the receiving threat out of the backfield, and who will eat up his carries in their RBBC?If it meant drafting two rookie RBs, I'd be very concerned... and I'm not sure any useful veterans are still available. I suppose trying to work a trade for Michael Bush, Lynch, or some other veteran RB would be an option... but there probably aren't many who could take on the return duties and the receiving role as well as Sproles can.Bottom line for me is I hope they keep Sproles at this point and draft a RB with the second round pick. If they do that, I think their running game and overall offense will likely be better than it was last year.

 

[Tau837]

It's a good move, lessens the need to address the spot with a high pick in the draft.I'm starting to think the Chargers will take an RB in round 2 (rather than wait until 3), seems like there'll be a useful guy there with the 40th pick. I'm hoping they land Gerhardt.

I was really liking how K.Wilson from Boise was looking at say the 40 pick, maybe even 28.They need DT and RB and r-OT. Adding Vasher and Stickland with Cason being a first rounder makes me think AJ is leaning another way with the top3 picks

I don't think Wilson will slip to 28, at least the mocks I've seen haven't had him lasting that long.I'm liking A.J.'s moves so far. How do we feel about Ryan Matthews? I keep seeing him landing with the Chargers in round 1 in mocks. I think I'd rather see them draft a guy like Brian Price with the 28 and see what's there for them at RB in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd).

Love Ryan Mathews.But take the best DT at 28, then RB at 40. Find Olineman and LBs later in the draft

I tend to agree, but obviously, it depends on how they have the available players rated, and how they anticipate the teams between 28 and 40 will draft. I am just hoping for two starters from these picks, regardless of position, though I am assuming one of them will be at RB.

 

[BoltBacker]

How do we feel about Ryan Matthews? I keep seeing him landing with the Chargers in round 1 in mocks. I think I'd rather see them draft a guy like Brian Price with the 28 and see what's there for them at RB in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd).

At the end of the college football season Mathews was lumped in with several guys and now it seems like people are trying to push him up to the middle of the first round. It always makes me wonder when you see guys climb so fast in the rankings just before the draft.I'm with you, I hope they take a solid DT in the first but I'd simply prefer to take whoever is left in the third round. I just don't see many teams that are starved for RB and a lot of RB's in this draft. Cecil says Blount has very good pass blocking skills and I take his word for it, plus Blount would be a nice compliment to Sproles since it looks like he's the only member of the RBBC we currently have on the roster.How many of these guys go in the first 3 rounds?SpillerMathewsBestDwyerGerhartDixonHardestyBlountMcKnightScottI just don't see any of these guys as more than a 1/2 time RB. Better to take guys with a low 1st and high 2nd that can step in and hopefully play more than 1/2 the time, especially on a pass-first offense.

 

[BoltBacker]

I agree they probably shouldn't count on a rookie RB for 275+ carries. But I'm not sure why that matters. Tomlinson only had 223 last season, and, at this point, he is the RB that stands to be replaced by a rookie. Perhaps you are assuming a return to an offense that is balanced a bit more towards the run, but I'm not sure that assumption makes sense, in part precisely because they probably can't count on that many carries from a rookie, and in part because the passing game is the strength of the team right now.

My point is if they are a pass-centric offense(I agree) and they only plan on whoever the rookie is to carry the ball 150-200 times then why spend a 1st round or even a high 2nd round pick on the position.It's odd because I still feel if you are talking about getting an All-Pro WR in his prime with a late 1st round pick you're crazy not to do it and everyone thinks it's a bad idea just because we have other good receivers at the moment, but it seems like plenty of people are all too willing to give a late 1st/early 2nd for a guy that's just going to be part of RBBC.I'll take Marshall in a WRBC for the next five years over any of these RB in a RBBC over the next five years. With or without Sproles on the roster.

 

[Tau837]

I agree they probably shouldn't count on a rookie RB for 275+ carries. But I'm not sure why that matters. Tomlinson only had 223 last season, and, at this point, he is the RB that stands to be replaced by a rookie. Perhaps you are assuming a return to an offense that is balanced a bit more towards the run, but I'm not sure that assumption makes sense, in part precisely because they probably can't count on that many carries from a rookie, and in part because the passing game is the strength of the team right now.

My point is if they are a pass-centric offense(I agree) and they only plan on whoever the rookie is to carry the ball 150-200 times then why spend a 1st round or even a high 2nd round pick on the position.It's odd because I still feel if you are talking about getting an All-Pro WR in his prime with a late 1st round pick you're crazy not to do it and everyone thinks it's a bad idea just because we have other good receivers at the moment, but it seems like plenty of people are all too willing to give a late 1st/early 2nd for a guy that's just going to be part of RBBC.I'll take Marshall in a WRBC for the next five years over any of these RB in a RBBC over the next five years. With or without Sproles on the roster.

I don't think it would be wise to count on any RB in the draft for more than 200 effective carries next season. That doesn't mean no RB is worth a first or second round pick to the Chargers, who don't have a primary back. Their need at RB is substantial. The time to wait on RB until later rounds to see if he could find a gem was last year or the year before... but Gartrell Johnson didn't work out, and Hester doesn't look ready to take on a substantial workload. This year they can't afford to go that route again.So, yes, at this time, IMO it is definitely more valuable to the Chargers to spend their late first round pick or early second round pick on a good rookie RB than on a Pro Bowl WR. (Marshall is a Pro Bowl WR, not an All Pro WR.) Fortunately, I think you're on an island on the Brandon Marshall thing.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

How do we feel about Ryan Matthews? I keep seeing him landing with the Chargers in round 1 in mocks.

I think I'd rather see them draft a guy like Brian Price with the 28 and see what's there for them at RB in the 2nd (or maybe 3rd).

At the end of the college football season Mathews was lumped in with several guys and now it seems like people are trying to push him up to the middle of the first round. It always makes me wonder when you see guys climb so fast in the rankings just before the draft.I'm with you, I hope they take a solid DT in the first but I'd simply prefer to take whoever is left in the third round. I just don't see many teams that are starved for RB and a lot of RB's in this draft. Cecil says Blount has very good pass blocking skills and I take his word for it, plus Blount would be a nice compliment to Sproles since it looks like he's the only member of the RBBC we currently have on the roster.

How many of these guys go in the first 3 rounds?

Spiller

Mathews

Best

Dwyer

Gerhart

Dixon

HardestyBlount

McKnight

Scott

I just don't see any of these guys as more than a 1/2 time RB. Better to take guys with a low 1st and high 2nd that can step in and hopefully play more than 1/2 the time, especially on a pass-first offense.

guys I highlighted have the best chance to be everydown backs. how effective will they be?? who knows. if mathews is there they gotta take him at 28. I dont think he will be

 

[Gr00vus]

I agree they probably shouldn't count on a rookie RB for 275+ carries. But I'm not sure why that matters. Tomlinson only had 223 last season, and, at this point, he is the RB that stands to be replaced by a rookie. Perhaps you are assuming a return to an offense that is balanced a bit more towards the run, but I'm not sure that assumption makes sense, in part precisely because they probably can't count on that many carries from a rookie, and in part because the passing game is the strength of the team right now.

My point is if they are a pass-centric offense(I agree) and they only plan on whoever the rookie is to carry the ball 150-200 times then why spend a 1st round or even a high 2nd round pick on the position.It's odd because I still feel if you are talking about getting an All-Pro WR in his prime with a late 1st round pick you're crazy not to do it and everyone thinks it's a bad idea just because we have other good receivers at the moment, but it seems like plenty of people are all too willing to give a late 1st/early 2nd for a guy that's just going to be part of RBBC.I'll take Marshall in a WRBC for the next five years over any of these RB in a RBBC over the next five years. With or without Sproles on the roster.

I agree with you that they should wait until the 3rd to take an RB. I'd double down on defensive linemen with the 1st two picks, or maybe take an OL if there's a surprise good one available with either of those. I still don't get your fascination with Marshall though - it'd be a total waste of resources to spend picks and money on that guy right now. I also doubt A.J. would draft Blount given his character issues.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sproles signs 1 year tender.

 

[Gr00vus]

SDUnionTrib article discussing offensive tackles available in the draft. Towards the bottom of the article they speculate on players that may be available for the Chargers.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

After reading the mulitple mock drafts floating around the major sports/nfl sites I have come to the following conclusions. The two most frequently mentioned names the Bolts pick in the First Rd are: Mt Cody (DT) and Ryan Mathews (RB). That would lead me to believe we take neither.

My guess is AJ goes best available, dosent matter the position of need so to speak. The only position off limits would be QB in rd1. Could be anything from WR to ILB or CB. Hell it could be a TE. DT tackle is the definite "need" but if the guy AJ likes isn't there, I highly doubt he reaches to fill the spot.