Talking NFL

Our next draft preview is for the San Diego Chargers, and how could I NOT give this assignment to someone from the Glorify the Past website? Back in January, when we had our little skirmish, it was an eloquent comment by desertboltfan (a.k.a. Todd Cantrell - hey, someone brave enough to use their real name!) that paved the way to peace in our time (or at least between our sites).  Todd has been gracious enough to put together a preview for TalkingNFL, so I respectfully give the floor to the G.T.P. faithful for the day.

(Note to Schrutebag if you’re reading, although I’m sure you’re not:  this is the way opponents should apologize and shake hands after a fight; not that half-assed attempt you made to The Big Lead on the air Monday.  We all know you only did it because your handlers told you to, and the public opinion of you & your act will continue to look like this for the duration of your tenure with the W.W.L..  Once a Schrutebag, always at Schrutebag…)

Sorry for the rant tangent - on with the Chargers preview!

San Diego Chargers 2007 Draft Preview

   Hi folks, Brian has asked me if I’d be interested in writing a little
about the San Diego Chargers options in this year NFL draft and after I told him he was nuts, I started writing.  Here is what one lifelong Charger and NFL fan thinks about the draft.

A little review first will set up my picks to come so bare with me.  It was a truly strange and amazing year for the Chargers. They had a record shattering performance from LaDanian Tomlinson, a new starting QB that was elected to the ProBowl, the best record in football and franchise history 14-2, a 10 game winning streak to end the year, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Then they lose their first playoff game, lose both coordinators, and release their Head Coach. Panic? Naw, not AJ Smith (GM).  With Marty gone and Spanos (owner) siding with AJ over Marty it is clearly AJ’s team now, and with that it is his neck on the block this time. Spanos wants a Super Bowl and Marty tried but could do it, now Spanos will look to AJ and AJ alone. So Brother you had better make it work.  AJ enters this draft with a lot talk about a sign and trade for RB Michael Turner, Tennessee is showing the most interest and the Chargers could end up with a couple of first day picks out of the deal. But currently they will pick #30 on the first day and that is who we will discuss.

   The Chargers (thanks to earlier AJ drafts) are a very talented team and there aren’t a lot of holes to fill, but there are a couple spots that have caused a few issues over the years and that haven’t really been addressed.  First off, they are looking for the true #1 WR. Vincent Jackson has stepped up his game and could become that guy,but to me he seems like the perfect complement WR to a #1 guy. Eric Parker has tried also but he is a slot receiver and would be one of the top #2 wide outs in football if he were there all year. Keenan McCardell was let go so there is a need for sure.  Safety is another trouble spot for them, and I mean actual trouble. Terrence Kiel, last years starter next to Marlon McCree may be going to the Big House and watching the NFL through iron bars.

McCree was ok last year after being signed as a FA but we needed more from him and he frankly took the year off. LB would be a consideration for them, there are some good ones this year in the draft and after releasing Donnie Edwards and with the possible retirement of Randall Godfrey LB could be there pick as well.

But when it is all said and done and the Chargers are on the clock for their pick I believe they will think this way. LB, we could get a couple good LB’s later in the draft so lets wait. Safety, we may have to see who’s left on the board but likely it will have to come in the second round especially if we pick up the Titans 50th pick in round 2. And to our surprise there are still a couple of high rated WR still on the board! Meachem is gone, as is Ginn and Johnson, and Jarrett. But the one they were really after is right there to take and I don’t think they hesitate they grab;

DeWayne Bowe, WR LSU as their pick in first round.

I will say though that if Brandon Meriweather is on the board and AJ is convinced 100% he is not going to be a character problem they may look his way. But I’ll stick with Bowe, he is an AJ type of player, hard worker, smart, team leader, great athlete.

The rest of SD’s draft will go like this, IMO.

  2-Josh Gattis S
  3-Justin Durrant LB
  3-Rhema McKnight WR
  4-Jay Alford DT
  5-Mike Otto OT
  5-Matt Spaeth TE
  7-Jon Cornish RB

Enjoy the draft everyone!!

Todd Cantrell
c/o glorifythepast.com
desertboltfan

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