Chargers add 17 free agents
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Monday, Apr 28, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
In 2003, it was Antonio Gates, Kris Dielman, Kassim Osgood, Jacques Cesaire and Stephen Cooper.
A year later, the Chargers signed wide receiver Malcom Floyd as an undrafted free agent. In 2005, linebacker Marques Harris made the squad after going undrafted. In 2006, free agents Steve Gregory and Cletis Gordon contributed to the Chargers’ success, and last fall, Jyles Tucker made his mark despite not hearing his name called at the draft podium.
On Monday, the Chargers added 17 undrafted rookie free agents who look to follow in their footsteps, including two players with local ties. University of San Diego outside linebacker Eric Bakhtiari and San Diego State guard Brandyn Dombrowski will have a chance to continue their football careers in the same city in which they played collegiately.
The 2008 free agent group includes four wide receivers. Missouri’s Greg Bracey, Troy’s Gary Banks, Brandon Jackson from North Texas and former Texas Longhorn Billy Pittman will learn from Chargers wide receivers coach Charlie Joiner. The Chargers also added tight end John Tereshinski of Wake Forest and H-back Roy Betschart, who played his college ball at Wyoming.
After drafting offensive tackle Corey Clark in the seventh round Sunday, the Bolts added Missouri tackle Tyler Luellen, Maryland guard Andrew Crummey and Dombrowski to compete along the offensive line.
Fullback Mike Tolbert from Coastal Carolina rounds out the offensive free agents.
The Chargers didn’t spend a draft pick on a defensive lineman this weekend but signed two free agents. Tennessee State defensive tackle Lamar Divens and defensive tackle Keith Shologan from Central Florida join Wayne Nunnely’s group. Bakhtiari played defensive end for the Toreros but moves to outside linebacker in the Chargers’ 3-4 scheme.
Cornerback Josh Bell, who played for Chargers secondary coach Bill Bradley at Baylor, joins the Bolts’ defensive backfield. Texas Christian safety Brian Bonner and Idaho cornerback Stanley Franks, who intercepted nine passes as a junior in 2006, also signed with the Bolts Monday.
Wyoming punter/kicker Billy Vinnedge also joins the Chargers’ mix.
AP Images
Texas wide receiver Billy Pittman was one of 17 undrafted free agents to sign with the Chargers Monday.
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