Official Chargers Blog

Round 1, No. 19 - Antonio Cromartie
Florida State | CB | 6-2 | 208

“We had everything we wanted to pick from, We had linebackers, tackles and a corner there that we think is special. We could have gone either way. We really think Antonio has everything that you’re looking for.” - A.J. Smith

Round 2, No. 50 - Marcus McNeill
Auburn | OT | 6-7 | 336

“He’s a big ole boy, He’s been an outstanding player in one of the better conferences in the country for four years, We feel very fortunate that he was there for our second pick. He has 36-inch arms, so he should be able to keep them off our quarterback.” - Buddy Nix

Round 3, No. 81 - Charlie Whitehurst
Clemson | QB | 6-5 | 223

“He was the best player there, We only have two (quarterbacks); we need three and we’ll go to camp with four. You can’t have too many. It’s a proven fact that you’re one play from having to go to the next one. You can’t have enough of those guys.” - Buddy Nix

Round 4, No. 113 - Trade
The Chargers have acquired tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from the St. Louis Rams in exchange for the Bolts’ fourth-round pick.

Round 5, No. 151 - Tim Dobbins
Iowa State | ILB | 6-1 | 247

“He has great speed and is a nasty, physical, competitive guy, He ran 4.58 (in the 40-yard dash) and I think fans are going to take to this guy really quick. They know what the Shawne Merriman, Steve Foley and Randall Godfrey style is. I hope in a year they take a look at Tim Dobbins and go, ‘Wow!’ This guy is a physical, nasty presence who will also help us on special teams.” - A.J. Smith

Round 6, No. 187 - Jeromey Clary
Kansas State | OT | 6-6 | 304

“He’s a very competitive guy with good size and toughness, We wanted to add depth – that’s the key word. We’re going to give him an opportunity to compete at right tackle with an eye to the future. We’ll see how he develops.” - A.J. Smith

Round 6, No. 188 - Kurt Smith
Virginia | K | 6-0 | 180

“Nate (Kaeding) will still handle all of the field goals, but we’re going to give Kurt a chance to give us an upgrade on kickoffs. We’ll see during training camp and the preseason if he can do that.” - A.J. Smith

Round 7, No. 225 - Chase Page
North Carolina | DT | 6-4 | 285

“Chase is another nasty competitive guy with a great motor who plays hard every snap. He’s tough.” - A.J. Smith

Round 7, No. 227 - Jimmy Martin
Virginia Tech | C | 6-4 | 303

“Martin is a guy we really liked, He’s a big guy and very competitive. He’s another player who goes every snap. We’ll put him in the mix and see where it goes from there.” - A.J. Smith

Posted by Joel Price at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Photo: Chargers.com/Mike Nowak

Posted by Joel Price at 08:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Posted by Joel Price at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

For the Bolts finished the 2006 NFL Draft with the selection of North Carolina’s defensive end Chase Page (7/225) and Virginia Tech’s center Jimmy Martin (7/227)

Posted by Joel Price at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The Bolts select two player in the six round, Kansas State Offensive Tackle Jeromey Clary and Virginia kicker Kurt Smith.

“Clary is a tall offensive tackle who actually looks thin for a 300 pounder and can be pushed around at the point of attack -- aggressive pass rushers consistently get into his chest, jolt him and drive him backwards into the quarterback's lap. He has the foot quickness that is tough to find in a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle, but he needs to learn to play under control and keep his feet underneath himself more consistently (he bends at the waist and overextends too often). Once he makes contact with the pass rusher, he has a tendency to stop his feet and gets beaten by quick, secondary pass-rush moves. The trouble is that he is not aggressive with his hands, which gives the defensive end the control. He is not an aggressive blocker and tends to be more of a positional, seal-run blocker who cannot get movement, and once he makes contact on run blocks, he has a tendency to stop his feet, lean and overextend too often. As concerning as his physical limitations are, it's really a concern that he does not read and react well to defensive line stunts/loops and delayed blitzes. Overall, Clary's size, long arms and quick feet are good enough to play offensive tackle in the NFL, but he needs to become more aggressive and stay over his feet more consistently in order to play up to his ability. If he learns to use hands more aggressively and plays more aggressively, he can be a solid backup/No. 3 offensive tackle for an NFL team. More...”

Posted by Joel Price at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

With the 151st pick of the 2006 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers select linebacker Iowa State Tim Dobbins.

"Dobbins is a surprisingly good football player who is often around the ball and makes a lot of tackles down the field. He is shorter than ideal at just over 6-1, but is very well built with the playing strength to stack the point of attack vs. lead blockers. He is a smart player who does a good job of playing with good technique and always stays under control to break down and tackle well out in space -- he bends his knees and drives up into the ball carrier well. He drops off the ball into zone coverage quickly, reads and reacts to passes in front of him fast and closes quickly to make tackles right after the catch. He does a good job of getting out to the flat quickly to pick up running backs on short dump off passes. Despite his ability and production, he does not make any real impact plays -- nearly all of his plays are made five to seven yards downfield. He will end up becoming a solid starting middle linebacker in the NFL who is consistently productive, tackles very well and does not make any real mistakes. More..."

Posted by Joel Price at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

The Chargers have acquired tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from the St. Louis Rams in exchange for the Bolts’ fourth-round pick (113th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft.

Due to size and strength, almost like sixth starting offensive lineman for Rams…has surprisingly soft hands ... good ability to adjust and run over people…selected by the Rams in fourth round (128th overall) of 2001 NFL draft.

Posted by Joel Price at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

The big question everyone seems to be asking is why the Chargers selected Charlie Whitehurst. Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix answers the question:

Why a QB in the third round?

Buddy Nix: “Well, because he’s the best player there.He is the highest rated player there. We only got two and we certainly need three. We go to camp with four. You can’t have too many. It’s a proven fact that one play and you got to go to the next one. That’s where you are you can’t have too many of those guys.”

Is this about quarterback AJ Feely?

Buddy Nix: “Absolutely not. He’ll be wherever coach puts him. We need three and we got ‘em. I know one thing it didn’t take me long in this business to find out that the folks with good quarterbacks win and the ones with bad ones lose. You better try to keep them.”

Posted by Joel Price at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Charlie is a tall, yet mobile passer with good bloodlines. He hopes to follow his father, David, to the National Football League, where David was a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. The following is a Q&A quarterback Charlie Whitehurst:

Are you surprised to be a Charger?
“I definitely was surprised. I knew they were interested in a quarterback. I wasn’t sure how early they were going to take one. It definitely wasn’t one of the teams I thought it would be, but I couldn’t be more happy. Definitely surprised. I’m just glad it’s over.”

What do you think about your situation here?
“Obviously Philip (Rivers) is the starter. I’m not sure where it goes after that. It’s going to take time, for sure. I have to learn the system. I just want to help the team. I don’t know where exactly I’m going to be on the depth chart. That’s not my concern right now. I just want to get there, get to work and help the team win ... whatever role that might be.”

On playing against Philip Rivers in college:
“Oh, yes. I thought I was done seeing that guy, but obviously not. It’s just going to be fun to go out there and be around him again and hope to win some football games.”

Did your dad play with James Lofton?
“Yes, he did. He was a quarterback there when James was playing receiver.”

Do you know Lofton?
“I met James twice. I saw him at the Senior Bowl. That was the last time I saw him. I definitely heard a lot about him.”

Who’s your agent?
“Pat Dye, Jr.”

Posted by Joel Price at 08:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Chargers select quarterback Charlie Whitehurst with the 81st pick in Saturday’s draft. Some question taking a QB so early but you can never have enough good quarterbacks, ask the New York Jets.

"Whitehurst is an interesting prospect because he has many of the tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL and has the lineage (his father played quarterback for the Packers in the late '70s/early '80s). He is a tall quarterback with the smooth release and the arm to make all the throws with zip and accuracy. The trouble is that he does not consistently stride into throws and has a little bit of wind-up in delivery, which makes his throwing motion a little deliberate, which will allow NFL defenders to get good breaks on his passes. Overall, Whitehurst might have the physical talent to be a solid starting quarterback in the NFL if he can become more consistent throwing when under pressure, but he needs to go to a team with a quarterbacks coach who is very good at teaching in order for Whitehurst to become the player he is capable of being. In the end, Whitehurst probably will struggle to be a consistent NFL starter and end up as a top-notch backup who can do a very good job of finishing games and can be solid starting a few games a season as a fill-in."

Posted by Joel Price at 07:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

One of the most dominating drive blockers in the game, Marcus also shows excellent pass protection skills. He put together a string of 43 consecutive games without allowing a quarterback sack, dating back to the 2002 season, despite playing the demanding left tackle position. The following is a Q&A tackle Marcus McNeill:

On being a Charger:
“I’m really excited. I have big opportunities there. Everybody is saying you (Chargers) are the best team that didn’t make the playoffs, so we’re trying to make the playoffs this year and go all the way.”

On the current situation along the Chargers’ offensive line:
“I don’t really get into it. I know you have a wonderful left tackle already, but it doesn’t make any sense for me to just sit back and not want to compete. I’m coming in to compete for a starting job. I know Roman (Oben) is a great left tackle, and he’s going to compete just as well as I am. Hopefully I’ll be able to earn a starting position.”

On expecting to go in the first-round:
“Definitely. I expected to go in the first-round.”

On why he thinks he did not get selected in the first-round:
“There were just a lot more stipulations with me. Honestly, because of the history everybody has been claiming with my back. San Diego grabbed (Antonio) Cromartie, which was a great move. I’m not bitter at all. It wasn’t about where I went. I just wanted to go somewhere. My sister is crying …my father and mother…they’re loving everything. It’s just a blessing to go, period.”

On his back:
“My back is fine. I plan on showing everybody that when I get into camp. I’ll be down there showing off my back.”

On how his back injury has limited him:
“It hasn’t limited me at all. Everybody will see that when I get down there. I’ll run with the team, workout with the team, hit with the team … all the BS and everything else is aside. You drafted me now. I’m going to show everybody what I was telling them (the Chargers) is the truth. Me and San Diego are going to make a lot of people feel real bad about not picking me up early.”

On left tackle being his position:
“Is the quarterback right-handed? Well, there it is. I’m a left tackle.”

On his knowledge of the Chargers:
“I know you have … how many Pro Bowlers…three? I was thinking about the offensive side of the ball. You have a wonderful staff, and to block for L.T. I blocked for Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown—those were great backs in college—and L.T. is one of the best backs in the league. If anything, I know L.T. is going to get all the glamour and glitz, but when they sit down and look at it and they pick their Pro Bowl teams, they’re going to say, ‘why did L.T. rush for all these yards?’ Maybe this tackle isn’t that bad … maybe we’ll take him to the Pro Bowl. I got big expectations in the league. I don’t plan on just settling. Maybe it’s good that I went in the second round because I kind of do have a chip on my shoulder. I have to prove myself again.”

On his confidence:
“I’m not arrogant at all. I’m the humblest guy you’ll ever meet in your life. I’m very confident in myself, but don’t mistake my confidence for arrogance. I’m not arrogant at all. God blessed me with a lot of talent and I plan on just using all of my ability. Not even for myself; it’s for the team. I really plan on doing big things in San Diego … team-wise.”

On learning behind Roman Oben:
“Yes, definitely. He’s already an established, seasoned left tackle in the league. Even if I don’t win a starting position, I’m going to be able to learn a lot of things. Whereas if I might have gone to some other team I would have automatically been put at the left tackle position.”

Posted by Joel Price at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Chargers pick Auburn's Marcus McNeill (pick 2, overall 50) in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Posted by Joel Price at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Regarded as one of the nation's top cornerbacks. He is blessed with the perfect combination of size, strength and speed that had the Florida State staff calling him the finest athlete in the program since the Deion Sanders era. In addition to displaying his explosive quickness on the gridiron, Cromartie also showed off his speed as a member of the school’s 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference championship track team. The following is a Q&A with cornerback Antonio Cromartie:

On being a Charger:
“I’m very happy. Words right now can’t explain how happy I am just to be a Charger.”

On his visit to San Diego before being drafted:
“That was very exciting. I got to talk to Coach (Brian) Stewart a lot. We sat around and talked about football and just life in general. That was one of the best visits I probably took because we got to know each other a little more while I was out there in San Diego.”

On not playing last year:
“My game is just as good as anybody in the draft now. I got the mental part down just from this past season, being more of a coach this past season instead of a player … just had to sit back and watch a lot more film. I knew what was going on in games, so my mental standpoint of the game has gotten a lot better.”

On coming out early after not playing at all last year:
“The reason I came out early this season is because I had family problems back at home. I was having financial problems and I felt like the best thing for me was to come out and support my family … me being the man of the house.”

On mom’s health:
“Basically, it was something dealing with breast cancer. I found out while I was down in Miami and I felt like for me it was the best thing to come out because the medical bills were probably going to be building up. Also my grandmother … she had surgery two months before I declared for the draft. Her medical bill was also building up. I felt like it was my responsibility to take care of her. “

On having something to prove:
“I come into any season with a chip on my shoulder. For me, I just want to prove everybody wrong. “

On Deion Sanders comparisons:
“It’s a great compliment. Deion Sanders is one of the best, if not the best corner in the draft. He’s just a great person. Being compared to him is a good thing. Our game style may be a little bit different. I probably tackle a little more than he did. That’s probably the difference between me and him.”

Could you still play receiver?
“Yes, I still can play receiver. I have the hands to play receiver … the speed … my route running is not bad.”

On talks with A.J. Smith and Marty Schottenheimer:
“They just told me ‘was I ready to be a Charger?’ ‘Was I ready to come in and work?’ I’m looking forward to being on the practice field with the guys in San Diego and just working hard, and try to win a Super Bowl.”

On being guaranteed a starting position:
“No, sir. I haven’t been guaranteed that; I have to work for it. That’s what I’m looking forward to coming in and doing ... working hard in everything that I do, from film study to just being on the practice field working out everyday.”

On starting by the end of the year:
“That is my goal. My goal is to be starting by the end of the season or before the end of the season. Yes, sir, that is my goal for this year.”

On being surprised he was not the first corner picked:
“I wasn’t surprised. I know there were a lot of teams out there taking a risk on my knee, so I was going to be the second or the third corner taken in the draft. “

On the Chargers gambling by picking him:
“No, sir. I don’t think they gambled at all. I’m 100 percent and I’m just ready to get to work.”

On how he hurt his knee:
“I jumped in the air, it was a one-on-one voluntary workout, came down wrong … hyper-extended my knee, tore my ACL.”

What your grandmother’s name?
“Glenora Gardner.”

Where do you live?
“We all stay in Tallahassee.”

Posted by Joel Price at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

The San Diego Chargers select cornerback Antonio Cromartie with the 19th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

Cromartie is a very good athlete, with the rare addition of excellent size to go with it. He has the quickness, hips, acceleration and playing speed to stay with receivers all over the field in tight man-to-man coverage, and he can use his long arms well to break up passes. When he backpedals with bent knees, he can plant, drive and close fast on passes in front of him. He has the hands to cut in front of the receiver to make the tough interception. He has the size and strength to physically dominate receivers in press coverage -- he can slow releases and can push receivers off their routes down the field.

Posted by Joel Price at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

The first round of today’s NFL Draft will get most of the attention, but the teams in Super Bowl XL prove the value of all seven rounds over the two days of drafting.

Of the 44 starters for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks on offense and defense in SB XL, more than half (25) were third-round or below selections or college free agents. The MVP of the game, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, was a third-round choice (No. 92 overall in 1998).

“Not that you can’t acquire players in free agency and do other things,” says winning Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, “but the foundation of your club is the draft.”

Posted by Joel Price at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

NFL Draft at the legendary Radio City Music Hall (Photo: Mikko Simon, NFL.com)

Posted by Joel Price at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After the Chargers first-round pick Marty Schottenheimer will be on NFL Networks Chargers Cam.

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The media center is quite on the eve of the 2006 NFL Draft.

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The evening includes a silent auction, live entertainment from The Andy Krier Duo, a meet and greet with some of Osgood and Goff’s NFL friends, complimentary wine and Skyy vodka martini bar and delicious food provided by Oceanaire Seafood Room, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center.

Battle of the Chefs, May 10, 2006 7pm-11pm at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center More information at www.ItsAllAboutTheKids.org

Sorry, Kassim doesn’t stand a chance against Goff! Goff's bio reads...

"Outside of football, Goff’s hobbies include reading, movies, golf and fishing, but his favorite hobby is cooking. He learned to cook by watching The Food Network and enjoys having teammates over to the house to sample his many specialty dishes. Goff has mastered many culinary specialties, but lists among his favorites–creole tomato soup with croutons, stuffed jumbo shrimp with crabmeat dressing, lamb chops and pork Wellington."

Posted by Joel Price at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman will be in New York this week to be part of ESPN’s coverage of the NFL draft at 11:30 a.m. (Pacific) he’ll be on the SportsCenter Draft Special with host Trey Wingo and then at 12:40 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, Merriman will be part of ESPN’s draft coverage appearing in several roundtable discussions with other NFL players from ESPN’s Cold Pizza set in New York.

Posted by Joel Price at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Philip Rivers and Lorenzo Neal are heading up to Los Angeles today to serve as guest analysts on the NFL Network’s Total Access show. Tune in today at 4 p.m. (Pacific) to check them out talking about the NFL Draft and the Chargers. In case you miss the show at 4 p.m., NFL Total Access re-airs at 7 p.m.

UPDATE: NFL Network host Derrin Horton is joined by special guests Chargers' Lorenzo Neal and Philip Rivers in studio aired on NFL Total Access. Watch 56k | 300K

Posted by Joel Price at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chargers.com polled a panel of football writers to get their take on Saturday's draft. We let the writers make the picks in accordance with what their peers ahead of them chose. Check it out.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NFL Network has acquired the exclusive rights to televise the premier all-star game in college football, the Senior Bowl, plus its practices in a multiyear deal announced today.

With 52 NFL preseason games, 31 NFL Europe League games, 8 NFL regular season games, 75 NFL games on NFL Replay and the annual Senior Bowl game, NFL Network is now the national television home to 167 games each year.

Beginning with the 2007 Senior Bowl, played annually during the bye week between the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl, NFL Network airs week-long coverage leading up to the game and culminating with the Senior Bowl and postgame show.

“Acquiring regular season NFL games and now the Senior Bowl helps cement NFL Network’s place as the year-round television home for football fans,” said Steve Bornstein, NFL Network President and CEO. “We are ready to push the accelerator on this channel and the Senior Bowl is an important piece of the puzzle.”

The Senior Bowl is essentially the first game of these players’ potential NFL careers. The week-long practices and game are key tools used by NFL coaches, scouts and training staffs to judge the best talent in the country against one another as they prepare for the NFL Draft.

Fans will have an open window to the action all week, including practices and the game, giving them the same view every team uses to help determine its draft.

Played in Mobile, Alabama, the Senior Bowl features 100 of the country’s best senior collegiate football players and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South. Coaching staffs from two NFL teams oversee each squad.

On average, the Senior Bowl yields 10 NFL first-round draft choices per year with 95 percent of players in the game making active NFL rosters.

"Our great association with the NFL and its teams has now gotten even better,” said Steve Hale, Senior Bowl President and CEO. “We are delighted to have the Senior Bowl telecast on the NFL Network and look forward to its unprecedented programming of our week's events and practices."

The Senior Bowl is attended annually by over 700 NFL coaches, scouts and front office personnel searching for the next great NFL superstar. The 2006 NFL Pro Bowl rosters featured 26 former Senior Bowl players including this year’s NFL offensive MVP Shaun Alexander and defensive MVP Brian Urlacher.

NFL Network announced earlier this year the addition of live NFL regular season games during the 2006 season after attaining rights to the “run up to the playoffs” eight game, Thursday/Saturday package which will begin airing this Thanksgiving.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/home.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the first time, NFL game broadcasts from the previous weekend will be replayed on NFL Network just days after their live airing.

During the 2006 season, NFL Game Re-Airs will feature four of the top games from each weekend, rebroadcast exclusively on NFL Network the following Tuesday and Wednesday. Any game originally shot in high definition, will air on NFL Network in HD.

Two games will be shown each Tuesday and Wednesday night with 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET/PT kickoff times.

This marks the first-time in the 87-year history of the NFL that games from the NFL regular-season or playoffs will be shown outside their live window.

“Fans have been asking us for years about encore presentations of our games,” said Charles Coplin, NFL Network’s vice president, programming. “For NFL Network, these rights are as significant as securing the new Thursday-Saturday primetime game package.”

In all, NFL Network expects to show 75 NFL games on NFL Game Re-Airs during the 2006 regular season and playoffs, culminating with Super Bowl XLI.

NFL Network’s slate of games in 2006 includes 52 preseason games, 31 NFL Europe League games, 8 live regular season games, plus 75 NFL Game Re-Airs.

The total of 166 NFL-related games more than doubles NFL Network’s output from 2005 and immediately establishes NFL Network as the place to watch the most NFL game action.

NFL Game Re-Airs will play in a 90-minute fast-paced format, without halftime and other elements not critical to the outcome. NFL Game Re-Airs will tell the story of the game with additional features.

In order to give the games context, NFL Network will add sideline and on-field sound captured during the game and post-game press conference sound bites.

Other enhancements will include exclusive shots and camera angles from NFL Films, allowing fans an inside look at game action they did not see on Sunday. This will give fans a deeper understanding of the game, the players and the coaches.

For example, if NFL Game Re-Airs was featuring the Colts-Steelers AFC Divisional Playoff where Jerome Bettis fumbled late in the game, viewers would see related comments from Bettis, Bill Cowher and others immediately after the play, as well as slow-motion footage showing the play as it unfolded.

NFL Network has the ability to select any NFL game for use on NFL Game Re-Airs, complete with original television announcers and cameras.

Each Monday, NFL Network will announce which games will air on NFL Game Re-Airs.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/home.

Posted by Joel Price at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Shawne Merriman’s tattoos
Last! Man! Standing!

Past blog entry: "Lights Out" body art

Posted by Joel Price at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A good deal of tomorrows (Monday, April 24) Scott and BR morning show on the Mighty XX will be about the recent developments of the Chargers stadium issue. Tune in.

Mighty XX Sports Radio (1090 AM/105.7 FM or online)

Posted by Joel Price at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U-T's Kevin Acee writing for the Sporting News reports Nick Hardwick has put on 20 pounds since the end of the season and is working to add another 10 or 15.

"Nick Hardwick (6-4, 295) has put on 20 pounds since the end of the season and is working to add another 10 or 15. Hardwick knows the added weight will help him as he competes against ever-stronger and bigger defensive tackles. Smart and mobile, Hardwick can use the weight to protect against breaking down -- long-term and in individual games. This is a big season for the former seventh-round pick, as it is his third in the starting lineup and the final one on his contract. He has the potential to be one of the league's top centers, but he did not improve as much as coaches hoped in 2005. As the director of the team's embattled line -- one which will be under even more scrutiny this season as it blocks for hungry RB LaDainian Tomlinson and Rivers -- Hardwick needs to make this the season he jumps up."

You will find more good info in the latest Sporting News team report here.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Chargers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Raymond Walls on a one-year contract. A veteran of five NFL seasons, Walls spent the 2005 campaign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Following are the Chargers’ nine picks in the 2006 draft:

Round 1 (19th overall)
Round 2 (50th overall)
Round 3 (81st overall)
Round 4 (113th overall)
Round 5 (151st overall)
Round 6 (187th overall)
Round 6 (188th overall) – from Miami
Round 7 (225th overall)
Round 7 (227th overall) – from Minnesota

Posted by Joel Price at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It's that time again, when the marketing department starts to rollout the radio spots for the 2006 season.

30 Second Spot

60 Second Spot

Posted by Joel Price at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looks like the Chargers are about in the middle of the pack. Someone at the league likes the Seattle Seahawks. You think?

Team W L Pct.
Cincinnati Bengals 139 117 .543
New York Giants 139 117 .543
New Orleans Saints 138 118 .539
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 138 118 .539
Pittsburgh Steelers 136 120 .531
Kansas City Chiefs 135 121 .527
Tennessee Titans 135 121 .527
Baltimore Ravens 134 122 .523
Houston Texans 134 122 .523
Philadelphia Eagles 133 123 .520
Oakland Raiders 132 124 .516
Washington Redskins 132 124 .516
Denver Broncos 132 124 .516
Cleveland Browns 131 125 .512
St. Louis Rams 130 126 .508
Atlanta Falcons 130 126 .508
Carolina Panthers 129 127 .504
Dallas Cowboys 129 127 .504
Arizona Cardinals 128 128 .500
San Diego Chargers 125 131 .488
Jacksonville Jaguars 125 131 .488
Indianapolis Colts 124 132 .484
San Francisco 49ers 122 134 .477
Buffalo Bills 122 134 .477
Detroit Lions 121 135 .473
New England Patriots 121 135 .473
Miami Dolphins 120 136 .469
New York Jets 119 137 .465
Minnesota Vikings 117 139 .457
Seattle Seahawks 117 139 .457
Green Bay Packers 115 141 .449
Chicago Bears 114 142 .445

* Source Elias Sports Bureau

Posted by Joel Price at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A student-operated newspaper at West Texas A&M University, known as The Prairie, reports the Chargers have shown some interest in West Texas A&M offensive lineman Sam Ireifej.

"I am very excited to get the opportunity to work with the San Diego Chargers organization," Ireifej said. "The fact that an NFL organization has showed some serious interest in me is a true blessing"

What position should the Chargers draft first?

Posted by Joel Price at 09:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

The Bolts retained the last of its restricted free agents when linebacker Matt Wilhelm today signed the one-year contract tendered by the team in early March.

Posted by Joel Price at 05:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Sat. Aug. 12 GREEN BAY 7:00 p.m. KFMB-TV / Rock 105.3 FM*
Fri. Aug. 18 at Chicago 5:00 p.m. CBS / Rock 105.3 FM
Sat. Aug. 26 SEATTLE 8:00 p.m. KFMB-TV / Rock 105.3 FM*
Fri. Sept. 1 at San Francisco 7:00 p.m. KFMB-TV / Rock 105.3 FM

All times Pacific. Home games in bold.

*Home games will be subject to local blackout rules. The games will be blacked out in San Diego if they are not sold out 72 hours prior to kickoff.

Do you think Favre will play in 2006?

Posted by Joel Price at 03:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Denver Broncos have announced the team has acquired a second-round pick (No. 37 overall) and a third-round pick (No. 68) in the 2006 NFL Draft from the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange for the picks, Denver sends San Francisco one of their two first-round picks (No. 22 overall).

Who got the better end of the deal? Chargers fans are talking about it.

Posted by Joel Price at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please take a look around our new site. Take some time to get acquainted with the new Official Web Site of the San Diego Chargers and remember to keep checking back with us as we'll be improving photo galleries, wallpapers, content and much more in the coming month.

Thanks, as always, for being a part of the Chargers.com rapid growing online community.

BTW - We just went over 13,000 users and 14,000 threads on the team’s official message boards.

Go Chargers!

Posted by Joel Price at 12:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports there is legitimate reason to think that USC running back Reggie Bush, a San Diego-area native, is not going to be wind up in Houston, the team that currently holds the No. 1 overall pick.

Remember Schefter is the same guy that guaranteed Brees would be heavily pursued by the Detroit Lions.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chargers have signed safety Andre Lott to a two-year contract. Lott originally entered the NFL in 2002 as a fifth-round draft choice (159th overall) of the Washington Redskins. He played in all 16 games as a rookie and was fifth on the team with 13 special teams tackles. In 2003, Lott played in 11 games and had six stops on the specialty units. In 2004, Lott cracked the ’Skins starting lineup for three games, but suffered a season-ending pectoral injury against Green Bay on Oct. 31. He was placed on the “Reserve-Injured” list the following day. Last season, Lott suffered a knee injury during an offseason practice. He reached an injury settlement with Washington and was released before the season.

Posted by Joel Price at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

2006 will go down in history as a year of firsts for NFL Network. First live regular season games, first Super Bowl pregame show and now, first live coverage of the NFL Draft.

NFL Network will cover Day 1 of the 71st NFL Draft on April 29 from beginning-to-end, featuring three live sets including one on the floor of the site of the event, Radio City Music Hall. Day 2 will receive three hours of live coverage and a one-hour wrap-up show.

The annual NFL Draft is held in New York over two days and features the 32 NFL teams selecting seven rounds of players. On Day 1, the first three rounds are conducted, followed by rounds 4-7 on Day 2.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Eric Parker will be on the ESPN News Hot List with host Brian Kenny today at 2:20 p.m. (pacific)

Tune in.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

San Diego Union-Tribune reports general manager A.J. Smith confirmed linebacker Donnie Edwards is available in trade, except for the team's AFC West opponents.

Appears Edwards will not be getting the long-term contract he desired in San Diego and will be let go after this season.

Posted by Joel Price at 07:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Wow! What else can be said about one player.

General manager A.J. Smith and agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed San Diego Chargers safty Hanik Milligan is on the trading block. Milligan recently switched to Rosenhaus as his agent. Milligan is not attending the team's offseason workouts.

Posted by Joel Price at 07:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

San Diego Chargers backup linebacker Shaun Phillips was arrested after he scuffled with a patrol officer, police said.

Phillips saw significant action in 2005 and made three starts in place of injured linebacker Steve Foley. He was second on the team last season with seven sacks.

Posted by Joel Price at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chargers.com reports Akbar Gbaja-Biamila does not anticipate a return to a down lineman position. "I really like Wade Phillips' system," Gbaja-Biamila said. "I'll essentially be a defensive end but I'll be standing up instead of starting from a three-point stance. I will be asked to drop into coverage, but I'm comfortable with that. I just want a chance to play again." Gbaja-Biamila was switched from defensive end to linebacker when the team switched to a 3-4 defensive set.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chargers and San Francisco 49ers swapped former first-round draft picks on Wednesday, with San Diego getting wide receiver Rashaun Woods in exchange for cornerback Sammy

Posted by Joel Price at 07:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 11, 2006 @ Oakland Raiders 7:15
September 17, 2006 Tennessee Titans 1:15
September 24, 2006 BYE
October 1, 2006 @ Baltimore Ravens 10:00
October 8, 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers 5:15
October 15, 2006 @ San Francisco 1:15
October 22, 2006 @ Kansas City Chiefs 10:00
October 29, 2006 St. Louis Rams 1:05
November 5, 2006 Cleveland Browns 1:15
November 12, 2006 @ Cincinnati Bengals 10:00*
November 19, 2006 @ Denver Broncos 1:15*
November 26, 2006 Oakland Raiders 1:05*
December 3, 2006 @ Buffalo Bills 10:00*
December 10, 2006 Denver Broncos 1: