The Next Great Backup to LT? (1 Viewer)

[RoosterScott]

There's a ton of speculation going on right now in SD regarding the backup running back situation. Michael Turner will sign else where and the back up job to LT will be up for grabs...or will it? Does Darren Sproles get the job handed to him or do they bring someone in to challenge him. Personally I don't see as anything more than a situational back, a 3rd down specialist. They could draft someone but I've heard it wouldn't be until the middle rounds. He did excel against the Lions but that's an understatement. Is there anyone in house that could push Sproles for the number 2. Free agency, the draft, from within...let's speculate.

 

[ClownDogs]

I believe he will be given the inside nod for #2, but I am sure either via draft or free agency, someone will be brought in to challenge him.

 

[Bri]

Sproles' health issues can't be overlooked. He seems like a terrific 3rd down back that can play the main RB role on occasion, moreso like the traditional David Meggett role than LT2's role.

Turner was a bruiser at times, and I mean at just the right time that it broke a D's spirit. IMO The Chargers need a bruiser but that can easily be filled.

All in all, who commands how much in the FA market will determine what they do. This isn't something they'll overspend on at all.

A backup that did well when given a chance like Chatman or Ward will be their target type back IMO. One where injuries and/or inexperience limit their market value yet their confident they can jump in here and there.

I do realize Chatman was a Charger and might not even be a FA, just an example.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Sproles will not be the main Backup.

IF LT got hurt, he would be a third down change of pace back.

I expect Sd to draft a backup RB or sign a mid level free agent to back up LT. Im actually leaning free agent cause SD doesnt have too many draft picks

 

[gman8343]

Sproles is like 5-6, 180 pounds or so. Possible he could be the main backup, but I highly doubt it.

 

[Garts]

Musa Smith might be a good fit.

 

[Banger]

LT's backup isn't on the roster. I'd expect them to draft one late or sign someone cheap in FA.

 

[pillowpants]

Lawrence Taylor retired years ago.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The Chargers could get by with a Sproles/Pinnock two headed RB if LT goes down next year. Pinnock is a good FB/RB tweener type - so he can handle short yardage and split the meat and potatoes stuff with Sproles. Pinnock was also signed to a 5 year deal in 06.

On the other hand, if Lorenzo Neal is not a Charger next season, then dedicating Pinnock exclusively to lead blocking FB becomes more important, and the Chargers then have to make a move in Draft/FA to get a true backup.

Right now I would say its more likely than not that the primary backup to LT is not on the roster at this moment.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

The Chargers could get by with a Sproles/Pinnock two headed RB if LT goes down next year. Pinnock is a good FB/RB tweener type - so he can handle short yardage and split the meat and potatoes stuff with Sproles. Pinnock was also signed to a 5 year deal in 06. On the other hand, if Lorenzo Neal is not a Charger next season, then dedicating Pinnock exclusively to lead blocking FB becomes more important, and the Chargers then have to make a move in Draft/FA to get a true backup. Right now I would say its more likely than not that the primary backup to LT is not on the roster at this moment.

Have to agree with Bloom here.Given the needs of the Chargers in the draft (anything pressing? I'm not close to their org / depth chart, but they seem pretty OK overall) and the likelihood of Turner departing (virtually assured), I'm thinking they draft LT2's successor.Also - the draft is relatively rich in RBs, and not everyone needs one. Now is the perfect time / year for SD to draft one (or two) to back up LT2 and groom his replacement.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

On Chargers message boards, the debate is over whether it will be Germaine Race or Tyrone Gross -- both guys who've looked good in the preseason. I'm not personally on board with either of them, and think it will be someone who's not currently on the roster. But I seem to be in the minority on that, so those two names should at least be mentioned.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

SD’s running back needs Gross-ly overstated

By Michael Lombardo

SDBoltReport.com

Posted Feb 18, 2008

The Bolts will lose the best backup running back in the NFL this offseason when Michael Turner sells his 5.5 ypc to the highest bidder. But don’t expect A.J. Smith to scurry in search of a replacement. Tyronne Gross is more than ready to split time with Darren Sproles as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup.

The Chargers signed Tyronne Gross as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2006. The fact that he is still around nearly two years later is a testament to his talents. Although he has yet to see action in a regular season game, Gross has been impressive in preseason play, carrying 22 times for 102 yards (4.64 ypc).

Gross has always impressed when given the opportunity. As a senior at Eastern Oregon, he set the school single-season record with 1,223 rushing yards (135.9 yards per game) and chipped in 12 touchdowns. He was named the Frontier Conference Player of Week after 161-yard, three-touchdown game against Whitworth College.

Gross (5’9”, 213 pounds) is the brand of powerful, north-and-south runner the Chargers need to replace Michael Turner. Gross runs with terrific body lean and insatiable determination, making him an ideal candidate for short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also has the durability to be an every-down back if LaDainian Tomlinson is injured again.

The Chargers feel comfortable working Gross into the rotation because Tomlinson will be rested by committee next season. Gross will have the opportunity to earn some carries, but so will Darren Sproles and Andrew Pinnock.

Sproles actually carried the ball more than Turner over the final six games of the regular season, 35-34. Pinnock will see limited carries if the Chargers release Lorenzo Neal, but Pinnock could still get some touches out of one-back sets. That was the formation he was most effective in at South Carolina.

That does not mean the Chargers will not bring in another running back this offseason. A.J. Smith places a high premium on depth and wants to ensure there is no drop-off after Turner’s departure. One Chargers scout confirmed during Senior Bowl week that running back will be a “top priority” this offseason.

However, the Chargers might find no option better than Gross. The team has already used its selections in rounds two through four, so if San Diego doesn’t draft a running back early it may struggle to find a runner with Gross’ combination of speed, power and vision.

The Chargers made sure to hang on to Gross over the years despite having no opening at running back. He was stashed on the practice squad in 2006 and on the injured-reserve list in 2007. In 2008, the opening Gross has been waiting for will finally be there. All that’s left is for him to seize it.

 

[The Shizzle]

SD’s running back needs Gross-ly overstated

By Michael Lombardo

SDBoltReport.com

Posted Feb 18, 2008

The Bolts will lose the best backup running back in the NFL this offseason when Michael Turner sells his 5.5 ypc to the highest bidder. But don’t expect A.J. Smith to scurry in search of a replacement. Tyronne Gross is more than ready to split time with Darren Sproles as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup.

The Chargers signed Tyronne Gross as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2006. The fact that he is still around nearly two years later is a testament to his talents. Although he has yet to see action in a regular season game, Gross has been impressive in preseason play, carrying 22 times for 102 yards (4.64 ypc).

Gross has always impressed when given the opportunity. As a senior at Eastern Oregon, he set the school single-season record with 1,223 rushing yards (135.9 yards per game) and chipped in 12 touchdowns. He was named the Frontier Conference Player of Week after 161-yard, three-touchdown game against Whitworth College.

Gross (5’9”, 213 pounds) is the brand of powerful, north-and-south runner the Chargers need to replace Michael Turner. Gross runs with terrific body lean and insatiable determination, making him an ideal candidate for short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also has the durability to be an every-down back if LaDainian Tomlinson is injured again.

The Chargers feel comfortable working Gross into the rotation because Tomlinson will be rested by committee next season. Gross will have the opportunity to earn some carries, but so will Darren Sproles and Andrew Pinnock.

Sproles actually carried the ball more than Turner over the final six games of the regular season, 35-34. Pinnock will see limited carries if the Chargers release Lorenzo Neal, but Pinnock could still get some touches out of one-back sets. That was the formation he was most effective in at South Carolina.

That does not mean the Chargers will not bring in another running back this offseason. A.J. Smith places a high premium on depth and wants to ensure there is no drop-off after Turner’s departure. One Chargers scout confirmed during Senior Bowl week that running back will be a “top priority” this offseason.

However, the Chargers might find no option better than Gross. The team has already used its selections in rounds two through four, so if San Diego doesn’t draft a running back early it may struggle to find a runner with Gross’ combination of speed, power and vision.

The Chargers made sure to hang on to Gross over the years despite having no opening at running back. He was stashed on the practice squad in 2006 and on the injured-reserve list in 2007. In 2008, the opening Gross has been waiting for will finally be there. All that’s left is for him to seize it.

That story sounds like a super sleeper in waiting. But if you figure, Tomlinson has 3 maybe 4 years left, then Gross will be 29. Doesn't bode well as successor material.

 

[az_prof]

IMO, No. He is too small to be anything other than a change of pace back. There have been exceptions in the past, but they are the exception and I don't think Sproles is that exceptional.

 

[King of the Jungle]

SD’s running back needs Gross-ly overstated

By Michael Lombardo

SDBoltReport.com

Posted Feb 18, 2008

The Bolts will lose the best backup running back in the NFL this offseason when Michael Turner sells his 5.5 ypc to the highest bidder. But don’t expect A.J. Smith to scurry in search of a replacement. Tyronne Gross is more than ready to split time with Darren Sproles as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup.

The Chargers signed Tyronne Gross as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2006. The fact that he is still around nearly two years later is a testament to his talents. Although he has yet to see action in a regular season game, Gross has been impressive in preseason play, carrying 22 times for 102 yards (4.64 ypc).

Gross has always impressed when given the opportunity. As a senior at Eastern Oregon, he set the school single-season record with 1,223 rushing yards (135.9 yards per game) and chipped in 12 touchdowns. He was named the Frontier Conference Player of Week after 161-yard, three-touchdown game against Whitworth College.

Gross (5’9”, 213 pounds) is the brand of powerful, north-and-south runner the Chargers need to replace Michael Turner. Gross runs with terrific body lean and insatiable determination, making him an ideal candidate for short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also has the durability to be an every-down back if LaDainian Tomlinson is injured again.

The Chargers feel comfortable working Gross into the rotation because Tomlinson will be rested by committee next season. Gross will have the opportunity to earn some carries, but so will Darren Sproles and Andrew Pinnock.

Sproles actually carried the ball more than Turner over the final six games of the regular season, 35-34. Pinnock will see limited carries if the Chargers release Lorenzo Neal, but Pinnock could still get some touches out of one-back sets. That was the formation he was most effective in at South Carolina.

That does not mean the Chargers will not bring in another running back this offseason. A.J. Smith places a high premium on depth and wants to ensure there is no drop-off after Turner’s departure. One Chargers scout confirmed during Senior Bowl week that running back will be a “top priority” this offseason.

However, the Chargers might find no option better than Gross. The team has already used its selections in rounds two through four, so if San Diego doesn’t draft a running back early it may struggle to find a runner with Gross’ combination of speed, power and vision.

The Chargers made sure to hang on to Gross over the years despite having no opening at running back. He was stashed on the practice squad in 2006 and on the injured-reserve list in 2007. In 2008, the opening Gross has been waiting for will finally be there. All that’s left is for him to seize it.

Never heard of the dude. Anyone have any other info on him. Thanks for the addition Maurice.

 

[Marty Booker Fan]

It has to be Sproles' job to lose right now, especially considering how he destroyed the Lions' defense.

I still can't believe the Chargers didn't trade Michael Turner last season. He had so much value out on the open market as the best backup in the NFL. Now, he's a memory. They kept in case LT got hurt, which he did in the playoffs, and Turner failed to deliver.

 

[Mikey16x]

i loved sproles in college... he never gets the chance... "little tank"... i know i know, this isn't college anymore... but he is def a serviceable #2... if not 1 on occasion. My guess is they take hart with their 1st draft pick... LT2 will eventually start slowing down.