With most starters returning, Bolts look to add depth

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Monday, Apr 21, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

The NFL Draft is now just days away and the months of extensive research by General Manager A.J. Smith and his staff are about to be put into action in an attempt to upgrade the roster.

The Bolts currently hold five selections in the 2008 draft. They’ll select 27^th overall in the first round. The Chargers traded their second round pick to the Miami Dolphins last October in exchange for wide receiver Chris Chambers. They also dealt their 2008 second rounder to Chicago as part of a package to move up in last April’s draft and select Eric Weddle. The Bolts’ fourth-round pick was executed last July when they grabbed defensive back Paul Oliver in the supplemental draft.

The Chargers have two fifth round picks (160 and 166), one sixth rounder (192) and one pick in the seventh round (234).

With 20 starters returning, there aren’t a lot of pressing needs, but there are a few areas where the Chargers would like to improve their depth. Here’s a position-by-position look at the Chargers’ current roster and some thoughts on what direction they might go with their picks.

Quarterbacks

In February, Smith listed three positions that the Chargers would not address in the draft (more on that later). Quarterback was not one of them, but two months later he’d probably add it to the list. At the time, Billy Volek was headed for free agency and Smith was unsure if Philip Rivers’ primary backup would return to San Diego. He signed a new three-year deal, giving the Chargers a reliable, experienced veteran to solidify the depth at the game’s most crucial position.

Rivers continues to experience a smooth recovery from knee surgery and expects to be ready in plenty of time for training camp. Volek is now in the fold, and the team loves the upside of third-year pro Charlie Whitehurst. The Bolts’ talent and depth at the quarterback position is extremely strong.

Running back

With Michael Turner departing via free agency, it’s likely that the Chargers will address their backfield depth at some point in the draft. Two-time defending NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson is still in his prime, but LT has admitted that he’s benefited from having a strong backup the last few years.

Darren Sproles has shown he’s capable of providing a spark such as his second-half performance against Detroit last season and his huge contributions in the playoff win at Indianapolis. However, Head Coach Norv Turner sees the do-it-all return man and running back as more of a situational player.

The Chargers could address the other backfield position as well. Fullback Andrew Pinnock, who is scheduled to be the starter, is coming off microfracture surgery on his knee and veteran Lorenzo Neal is no longer with the team. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna often lines up in the backfield as well and can play the position, but the Bolts might benefit from another body at fullback, especially if they can find a lead blocker who could help on special teams as well.

Tight end

This was one of the three positions Smith said the Bolts would not look to address this weekend. Between perennial All Pro Antonio Gates, Manumaleuna and second-year pro Scott Chandler, the Chargers are pleased with the depth and versatility they have at the tight end position. While Chandler didn’t get many opportunities as a rookie, the Bolts’ coaches are excited about the progress he’s made and believe he can contribute in year two.

Wide receiver

Technically, the Chargers have already addressed this need through the 2008 draft with the Chambers trade. It was a move that Smith says he’d do again 100 times, and for good reason. Chambers brought an added element to the offense, particularly late in the season and in the playoffs. He totaled 16 catches for 278 yards and a touchdown in three postseason games.

What was considered a bit of a weakness a year ago has quickly become a strongpoint of the roster. Vincent Jackson broke out in his third NFL season and has the size, speed and intangibles to be among the league’s elite pass catchers. Buster Davis caught 20 passes as a rookie and has a huge upside, as does fellow 2007 draft pick Legedu Naanee. Veteran Eric Parker missed last season with a toe injury but returns this year. Kassim Osgood rounds out the group, giving the Chargers a deep bunch at the wide receiver position.

Offensive line

All five starters are back from a tight-knit group that helped LT earn his second-consecutive NFL rushing title. Left tackle Marcus McNeill earned his second Pro Bowl invitation in as many pro seasons in 2007, and left guard Kris Dielman joined him in Hawaii. Center Nick Hardwick would have likely been there had he not missed a month with a foot injury, the same foot injury that required surgery and could sideline Hardwick into training camp. Right guard Mike Goff sometimes goes unnoticed, but is deserving of Pro Bowl recognition as well. Right tackle Jeromey Clary stepped into the starting lineup in December and played well down the stretch.

The Chargers return their two primary backups at the interior offensive line positions in Cory Withrow and Scott Mruczkowski. Erik Robertson and 2007 practice squad member Tony Pape are also on the roster now. When Smith discusses areas of need heading into the draft, he regularly uses the line “always offensive line.” He firmly believes in depth and, behind the starters, the Chargers need more bodies. While there’s no telling when or how many picks will be used up front, expect the Bolts to address the offensive line.

Defensive line

The Bolts return all three starters (Igor Olshansky, Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo) and the top three reserves (Jacques Cesaire, Brandon McKinney and Ryon Bingham). Three practice squad players from a year ago – Keith Jackson, Keith Grennan and Andre Coleman – will compete for roster spots in training camp.

With Williams set to enter his 11^th season, the Bolts will eventually need to groom a young player to move into the crucial nose tackle position. But as Smith has repeatedly said, finding another Jamal Williams isn’t exactly an easy task.

Defensive line is an area the Bolts could address, but it’s not among the team’s top needs.

Linebacker

This is another position that the Bolts have dependable backups to support a strong group of starters. On the outside, Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are among the league’s best, while Jyles Tucker, Marques Harris and a healthy Carlos Polk give extremely strong depth.

Even with Stephen Cooper set to miss the first four games of the season, the inside linebacker spot is strong. Matt Wilhelm had a solid season in his first as a starter, veteran Derek Smith joined the Bolts in February and a trio of young players all show promise. Now that Anthony Waters is healthy, coaches can’t wait for him to deliver on his big-time potential. Brandon Siler hopes to build on his special teams success he experienced as a rookie, and third-year pro Tim Dobbins remains in the mix in addition to his strong special teams contributions.

Cornerback

You’d be hard pressed to find a pair of starting cornerbacks in the NFL better than Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer. Both are back, but Drayton Florence departed via free agency leaving a void at the nickel corner position.

The Bolts believe they have players on their roster that could step in. Cletis Gordon is a speedster who continues to grow and could see increased action on defense. There’s some talk of moving Oliver to safety, but regardless of exactly where he fits in, he will be given the opportunity to contribute.

The Chargers have generally carried five cornerbacks on their active roster during the season, so the sheer numbers tell you that this is a position that will likely be addressed sometime over the weekend.

Safety

Strong safety Clinton Hart just signed a new contract and 2007 second-round pick Eric Weddle is slated to move into the starting lineup at free safety. Again, there’s talk of moving Oliver to safety which could provide depth. Steve Gregory has been a special teams standout and can play both safety spots as well. Tra Battle, who spent the 2007 season on the Bolts’ practice squad, could be in the mix, but this is another area where the Chargers could look to add depth and create competition.

Specialists

Kicker and punter were the two other positions Smith said he would not pursue. Mike Scifres is coming off yet another stellar season that should have resulted in a trip to the Pro Bowl. Kicker Nate Kaeding, a Pro Bowler in 2006, was an impressive 24-of-27 on field goals last season and continues to give the Bolts a reliable, strong leg. Long snapper David Binn is set to begin his 15^th NFL season, but the Chargers believe no one is quicker or more accurate as the crafty veteran. Don’t expect the Bolts to expend any draft picks here.

Preseason schedule complete

The Chargers found out Monday that their second preseason game against the St. Louis Rams will be played on August 16^th at 5 p.m. PT. The game will be televised locally on KFMB-TV, Channel 8.

Season tickets are currently on sale at the Chargers Ticket Office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium. For information on Chargers season tickets, fans can call the ticket office at 877-Chargers.

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