Volek stays with Chargers
Veteran quarterback Billy Volek will continue his role as the primary backup to Philip Rivers after signing a new three-year contract with the Chargers Friday. The new deal runs through the 2010 season.
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February 29, 2008
News links for Fri 2/29/2008
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The Chargers have released free safety Marlon McCree.
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All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal was released Thursday by the San Diego Chargers, who also parted with safety Marlon McCree and right tackle Shane Olivea in the hours before free agency opened.
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There was a bit of unexpected mixed in with the expected yesterday as Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith made his housekeeping public at the end of the NFL's league year.
February 28, 2008
Chargers Kid Photos: Hey, that's a cute kid!
Charger fans can submit their kid's photo to Chargers.com showing off their Chargers gear.
Most respect
A.J. ended with a little humor. Discussing the October trip to London, A.J. was asked if he'd wear a Hawaiian shirt if he was invited to Buckingham Palace. He promised he'd bring out his Sunday best if he had such an opportunity.
The press conference is done. Check the homepage shortly for a full recap.
Three vets asked to be released
A.J. said that Lorenzo, Shane and Marlon requested their release. The Chargers tried to trade Lorenzo last week but weren't able to.
In particular, A.J. said he had a great phone conversation with Lorenzo this morning. He thanked him for all he's done and wished him well.
Would like to have Billy back
The Chargers are resigned to the fact that Drayton Florence and Michael Turner will move on with "big money" contracts.
A.J. is more optimistic about Billy Volek. Billy will test the market but could come back if the right situation doesn't come along elsewhere. If not, the Chargers are comfortable with having Charlie Whitehurst as their number two.
Draft is wide open
A.J. said he won't consider drafting a kicker, punter or tight end. Every other position is an option. This draft is about replenishing some depth.
"We're loaded with players that we like," Smith said.
Same approach to free agency
A.J. said that the Chargers will likely be observers and not participators during the opening few days of free agency. This is a good roster, and there aren't any plans to make a big move in free agency.
A.J. taking questions
A.J. has delivered the meat and potatoes of the news. He's taking questions now. As soon as he's done, i'll fill in the news with his comments on the homepage.
I'll keep updating anything significant that he says.
A few surgeries
As typical in the weeks immediately following the NFL season, several Chargers underwent operations to repair injuries suffered during the season. Eight players have already undergone surgeries.
That group includes defensive tackle Ryon Bingham (shoulder, 4-6 week recovery); Clary (shoulder, 3-4 months); tight end Antonio Gates (toe, 4-6 months); guard Mike Goff (knees, 4-6 weeks); Pinnock (knee, 4-6 months); quarterback Philip Rivers (knee, 4-6 months); linebacker Brandon Siler (shoulder, 4-6 weeks); and center Cory Withrow (knee, 2-4 weeks).
Others who will have operations but have not yet scheduled them include tackle Marcus McNeill (shoulder), linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees).
Five of six ERFA's to be tendered
The Bolts have six Exclusive Rights Free Agents. Offensive tackle Jeromey Clary, wide receiver Malcom Floyd, cornerback Cletis Gordon, safety Steve Gregory and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney will be offered tenders, meaning that they do not have the opportunity to negotiate with other clubs.
Running back Tyronne Gross is an exclusive rights free agent but will not be tendered.
Three vets released
It had been rumored that the Chargers would release a couple veterans before free agency starts, and A.J. Smith confirmed that at his press conference.
Fullback Lorenzo Neal, safety Marlon McCree and tackle Shane Olivea were informed of their release Thursday morning.
Harris gets 2nd-round tender
Chargers PR boss Bill Johnston just handed out a press release outlining some of the things A.J. will address. It doesn't include veteran cuts, which AJ will announce when he starts.
It does, however, say that team has placed a second-round tender on linebacker Marques Harris. That means another team may sign Harris to an "offer sheet," but the Chargers have the option to match the offer. If the Chargers chose not to match the offer, San Diego would receive that team's second-round pick in April's NFL Draft.
The Bolts have three restricted free agents. Scott Mruczkowski signed a new deal yesterday. Dave Rayner won't be offered a tender.
Live Blog: A.J. on his way
A.J. Smith will be in the media center in a few minutes. keep refreshing the blog. I'll be updating as he delivers the news today.
'08 NFL Free Agency Q&A
Q - When can players start being signed in the 2008 free agency signing period?
A - Beginning at 12:01 AM ET on Friday, February 29.
Q -- What are the categories of free agency?
A -- Players are either "restricted" or "unrestricted" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.
Q -- What is the time period for free agency signings this year?
A -- For restricted free agents, from February 29 to April 18; for unrestricted free agents, from February 29 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later); and for franchise players, from February 29 until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 11).
Q -- What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A -- Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons with an expired contract.
Q -- What constitutes an "accrued season?"
A -- Six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.
Q -- Other than accrued seasons, what determines a restricted free agent?
A -- He has received a "qualifying" offer (a salary level predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club. He can negotiate with any club through April 18. If the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because it has the "right of first refusal." If the old club does not match the offer, it can possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer. If an offer sheet is not executed, the player's rights revert to his old club after April 18.
Q -- What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A - A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired. He is free to sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later). On July 23, his rights revert to his old club if it made a "tender" offer (110 percent of last year's salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 11) to sign him. If he does not sign by November 11, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.
Q -- What determines a transition player?
A -- A club can designate one transition player (or one franchise player) in any given year. The player's club must offer a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player's position or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.
Q -- What determines a franchise player?
A -- A club can designate one franchise player (or one transition player) in any given year. The salary level offer by a player's club determines what type of franchise player he is. An "exclusive" franchise player -- not free to sign with another club -- is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year as of April 18, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end of last season -- whichever of the three is greater. If the player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, he becomes a "non-exclusive" franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club's offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match.
Q -- Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player? If so, can it then use them on other players?
A -- A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club cannot name a new franchise or transition player that year. It can name a new franchise or transition player the next year.
Q - What is the salary cap for 2008?
A - The salary cap is $116.0 million per club.
February 27, 2008
Mruczkowski signs three-year deal
Chargers offensive lineman Scott Mruczkowski, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent Thursday evening, signed a new three-year contract with the Chargers on Wednesday that will keep him in Lightning Bolts through the 2010 season.
Numbers game
I just got an email from Chargers equipment manager Bob Wick letting me know that newly-acquired linebacker Derek Smith will wear number 58. Randall Godfrey was the last Bolt to wear that number.
Also, Wick informed us a couple weeks ago that a player has swapped numbers for the new season.
Last year, a cornerback discarded number 25 prior to his second NFL season and had a monster year. Not that there’s any correlation, but Paul Oliver is hoping that his switch from 25 will work out like Antonio Cromartie’s. Oliver will now wear 27, a number that belonged to Bhawoh Jue when he arrived in San Diego last summer.
Smith to talk '08 plans live on Chargers.com
AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi
News links for Wed 2/27/2008
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The storm is coming, far enough away that its harshest winds can't be felt, yet close enough that preparations are under way.
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Now that the San Diego Chargers are turning running back Michael Turner loose in free agency, he figures to become one of the hottest commodities to hit the market come Feb. 29, when teams can commence shopping for new players.
February 25, 2008
News links for Mon 2/25/2008
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Chargers tight end Antonio Gates' left big toe is not sufficiently recovering with rest alone, and he faces surgery this week that could limit him early in the season.
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While the NFL scouting combine takes place below, A.J. Smith is spending most of his time in a suite high above the end zone at Indianapolis' RCA Dome.
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When Derek Smith was released by San Francisco on Tuesday, 49ers coach Mike Nolan asked if there was anything he could do for the club's longtime defensive mainstay
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The Chargers have agreed on a two-year deal with inside linebacker Derek Smith.
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Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith had no comment yesterday about a report that the Denver Broncos had taped Chargers practices.
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It’s already been a great year for football players from Troy, and Leodis McKelvin could add to that in April.
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Gates has been seeking medical opinions and even traveled to Indianapolis on Saturday to meet with several doctors who were in town for the NFL scouting combine.
February 24, 2008
That’s all folks
It’s about 6 p.m. Sunday night and my four-day run in Indianapolis is in its final moments. I’m about to jump in a cab and head to the airport, and I can’t wait to get home.
The Combine continues for many of the players, and most of the Chargers’ personnel staff and coaches will remain Indianapolis at least two more days, but the media access concluded Sunday afternoon so the 500 or so scribes covering the Combing, including myself, are headed out of town.
I’ve still got plenty from the Combine to write. In the next couple of days, I’ll be posting some wrap up material on the site, and this afternoon I sat down with Chargers Assistant Director of College Scouting John Spanos to capture what his week has been like. We’ll have all that on the home page in coming days.
On Thursday, General Manager A.J. Smith will meet with the media to discuss his plans for the offseason. Be sure to check out Chargers.com for a full review of Smith’s thoughts.
Thanks everyone for following the blog this weekend. I hope you’ve had as much fun reading as I have had writing. This is a kind of new feature to the site, but we hope to keep it rolling throughout the spring and summer and on into the season. Take care, and go Bolts!
Hold that...
The 40-yard dash time that NFL Network showed for Darren McFadden was unofficial. McFadden actually ran a 4.33, a very impressive number. We'll get you the rest of the numbers momentarily.
I just grabbed some comments from A.J. Smith and Norv Turner on Derek Smith and I'm working on getting something on the site. Turner was the head coach in Washington when the Redskins drafted Smith in 1997.
Smith joins Bolts
I've just received word that the Chargers have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Derek Smith on a two-year deal. Smith was released by the 49ers this week.
Dorsey is a happy guy
LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey has plenty of reasons to be happy, and he was full of splendor when he recently met with the media. Dorsey, a sure-fire top 10 pick if not top five, came across very well. He used the word "national championship" about a dozen times in roughly five minutes as he seemed to want everyone to know that he was a team-first guy.
When asked about the fact that he's about to become a multi millionaire in a couple months, all Dorsey could do was laugh. He's a massive guy who is about to be a big splash in the NFL.
Wow!
Reporters in the media center were gathered around a television when they let out a collective, 'Wow!' Arkansas running back Darren McFadden just completed his first 40-yard dash moments ago and posted an astounding 4.27 seconds. That’s the fastest at the Combine yet this season. For perspective, anything in the 4.4 range is considered very good. Under 4.4 and you’re considered a burner.
Another Cromartie
Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie just finished at the podium. He said that he is the cousin of Chargers All-Pro Antonio Cromartie. The two just recently started chatting but have formed a strong relationship.
Like the NFL’s 2007 interception leader, Rogers-Cromartie is tall (6-2) and has long arms. He also has a knack for the football and knows what to do with it once the pigskin is in his hands. As a junior, he recorded six interceptions. Last season, teams avoided throwing his way but he still came up with two picks, both of which were returned for touchdowns (69 and 71 yards).
I’m working on something a little longer for the front page of the site that will tell his full story. Check back on Chargers.com later today.
News links for Sun 2/24/2008
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Antonio Gates is leaning toward having surgery to repair the dislocated left big toe that slowed him during the playoffs.
Two, four, six, eight….
Every year during the combine, a cheerleader competition is held in the adjacent convention center the same Sunday of the Combine. The hallway between the RCA Dome and the media center is filled with young cheerleaders who are awed by the football players and often gather around them for autographs as prospects make their way from station to station. It’s quite a site.
Several of the defensive backs have made their way in this morning. We’re still waiting on some of the top names, including Kansas quarterback Aqib Talib, Leodis McKelvin from Troy and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie from Tennessee State.
Notre Dame safety Thomas Zbikowski entertained reporters earlier this morning. Zbikowski has an interesting story. He’s a Gold Glove boxer who has currently stepped out of the ring for a while to pursue a career in the NFL.
Zbikowski provided the best line of the day when he was asked what went wrong for the Irish last season as they went 3-9.
“You got about two or three hours?” Zbikowski asked.
He then went on to explain that the program went through a transition last year with a lot of young players and he’s confident Charlie Weis will get them back on track next year.
Wide receivers are running the 40 right now and I’ll get times as soon as they’re posted.
First 40 times posted
Here are the top 40-yard dash times for offensive linemen and tight ends:
Offensive linemen name - Time
Zuttah, Jeremy - 4.99
Thomas, Donald - 5.00
Pollak, Mike - 5.02
Brown, Duane - 5.08
Benedict, Heath - 5.09
Cousins, Oniel - 5.11
Albert, Branden - 5.17
Williams, Chris - 5.17
Giacomini, Breno - 5.20
Cherilus, Gosder - 5.21
Tight ends name - Time
Keller, Dustin - 4.55
Tamme, Jacob - 4.58
Stevens, Craig - 4.59
Davis, Kellen - 4.60
Cottam, Brad - 4.63
Barnidge, Gary - 4.65
Bennett, Martellus - 4.68
Finley, Jermichael - 4.82
At it again
It’s 9:48 Eastern time and the NFL public relations staff just brought the first players of the day to the media center. Defensive backs are the only position group that have yet to step up to the microphone, and Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers and Justin King of Penn State were the first two to take questions.
The wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks are on the field today. Some of the biggest news of the weekend will come from the 40-yard dashes. I’ll get significant times as soon as they’re posted.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock is scheduled to field questions today as well. Mayock watches hours upon hours of film and will be able to give some good prospective on how he believes this draft will pan out.
February 23, 2008
I forgot the Fours
Earlier I detailed the impact the Bolts’ recent late-round draft choices have made, but I forgot another big portion of the second day of the draft. The Chargers will possibly receive a compensatory fourth-round pick in April’s draft, which could have a huge impact.
Last season the Bolts drafted Scott Chandler in the fourth round, and while he got buried on an extremely talented depth chart as a rookie, the Chargers believe he has a strong upside.
In 2006, A.J. Smith sent the team’s fourth-round selection to the Rams in exchange for tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. He’s been a huge part of the Bolts’ offense. The previous year they drafted Darren Sproles in round 4.
The fourth round of the 2004 draft yielded Shaun Phillips, and in 2003 the Chargers found Matt Wilhelm in round four.
That’s a pretty impressive list.
Antonio Gates sighting
I just caught up with Chargers All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates, who was on hand at the Combine today. I wish everyone could experience what a great guy Antonio is. He's always courteous, but today he was particularly accomodating.
The media center and RCA Dome are closed to the public during the Combine, but the hallways in the Convention Center are open. There are tons of fans lined up in the hallways chasing autographs, and it took Gates about 20 minutes to walk roughly 100 yards because it took him that long to sign every helmet, football and picture that was presented to him.
Late round picks are valuable
As I addressed on the site Thursday, the Chargers don’t have a second, third or fourth round pick in April’s draft (although that could change with the likelihood that the Bolts will receive a compensatory pick for losing Donnie Edwards last year in free agency).
However, a quick look at the Bolts’ recent draft history shows that A.J. Smith and company should still be able to help the team with late round picks.
Last year, the Bolts used their fifth round pick on Legedu Naanee and their seventh on Brandon Siler. Naanee was a contributor as a rookie and could have a bigger role in the offense next season. Siler led the Bolts in special teams tackles and saw more time with the defense later in the season.
Tim Dobbins was a fifth-round selection in 2006 and has been a solid special teams player. A round later that year, the Bolts grabbed Jeromey Clary, who this season became the team’s starting right tackle.
In 2005, the Chargers used a seventh-round pick on guard Scott Mruczkowski. “Mooch” has given the Bolts strong depth on the interior line as he can play three positions.
The Bolts have gotten significant results from the late rounds of the 2004 draft. Running back Michael Turner (fifth round) was the best backup running back in the NFL for three seasons and will get a chance to start for another team next year as he’s an unrestricted free agent.
The Bolts used their seventh-round picks in 2004 on defensive end/tackle Ryon Bingham and offensive tackle Shane Olivea. Bingham has been a big part of the rotation up front, and Olivea started his first three seasons.
Going all the way back to 2003, the Bolts found the NFL’s best punter in the fifth round when they drafted Mike Scifres. Two rounds later, they took fullback Andrew Pinnock.
As you can see, A.J., Buddy Nix and the Bolts' scouting staff can find players on Day 2 that develop into key pieces of the Chargers’ puzzle. I can’t wait till April to see who’s next.
Big names
Things started to pick up around noon as two of the top prospects entered the media room at the same time. Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston took the podium on one end of the room and Miami’s Calais Campbell manned the one on the opposite end of the long corridor.
Gholston is a junior who made the difficult decision to enter the draft early. If his stock holds up, it will likely be a wise call. He’s projected to go in the early first round. Gholston said the fact that he redshirted and had four years of college experience helped his decision. Some 3-4 teams are looking at Gholston as an outside linebacker. If he’s selected by a 4-3 team, he’ll play defensive end.
Campbell’s stock was high this time last year and he considered leaving school with two years of eligibility remaining. Instead, he returned and earned Bachelor’s degrees in sociology and advertising. He still has one year of eligibility, but he decided it's time to move on.
Of all the players I’ve been around this weekend, Campbell’s size struck me more than anyone else. He stands nearly 6-8 and has 35-inch arms. In his latest mock draft, ESPN.com’s Todd McShay has Campbell going to the Eagles at the 19th overall pick.
News links for Sat 2/23/2008
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The Chargers have just five picks in April's draft, not one until the 27th choice in the first round and most likely none ...
Slow morning
Chargers.com’s Casey Pearce is in Indianapolis this weekend and will provide regular updates from the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
There have been a few prospects roll in this morning but it’s a little slower than yesterday. West Virginia defensive end Johnny Dingle, the Big East Defensive Player of the Year last year, was the first to take the podium. He said he may be a distant cousin of former Charger Adrian Dingle.
North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer is the biggest name to visit the media center today. He’s seen his stock rise after a strong senior season. Balmer had a pleasant personality and came across very well.
Some prospects that come to the Combine, particularly many of the top prospects, choose not to work out and only participate in interviews and the medical portion. Balmer is one first-round projection that will do everything.
“That’s what we came here for, so why not?” Balmer asked.
Later this afternoon, I’m going to head into the Chargers’ suite inside the RCA Dome. I’ll check back and share anything noteworthy.
Rolling again
It’s Saturday morning and for the first time since I arrived in Indianapolis Thursday morning, the snow has stopped falling. Not that many media members have noticed, seeing how we’ve spent the vast majority of our time holed up in the Indiana Convention Center chasing down draft prospects and team executives.
Friday was the busiest and most star-studded day of the Combine. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers visited with the media yesterday. Big names such as Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, Illinois running back Reshard Mendenhall, Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart and Cal receiver DeSean Jackson were among the prospects who made their way to the interview room on Friday.
McFadden, considered by many to be the top running back prospect in the draft, was a triple threat in college. He regularly ran what was called the “Wild Hog” formation where he would take the snap from out of the shotgun and have the option to run, pass or handoff to another back. On Friday, he mentioned that he appreciates LaDainian Tomlinson’s ability as a passer and said he’d love to see running backs get more opportunities to throw the ball.
While McFadden is an LT fan, he claims that another San Diegan, former Bronco Terrell Davis, has always been his favorite running back.
Ryan was impressive at the microphone as he addressed the media with confidence. At 6-5, 218, he has prototypical size for an NFL quarterback and will most likely be the first signal caller taken in April’s draft. Another player who continues to gain steam is Delaware’s Joe Flacco.
Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, a likely top-five pick, continued to impress Friday as he recorded 37 reps on the bench press. No player threw the 245 pounds up more times than Long.
Kickers, punters and long snappers were the first group to take the field Friday. Offensive linemen and tight ends will take part in the physical drills today. Among tight ends, USC’s Fred Davis and Notre Dame’s John Carlson will likely draw the most eyes.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes as many as six offensive tackles could be drafted in the first round this year, an unprecedented number. Long is the unquestioned leader of the pack, a group that includes Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams, Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh and Gosder Cherilus of Boston College.
Defensive linemen and linebackers will be in the media center today, so we’ll have a chance to chat with Virginia’s Chris Long, LSU’s Glenn Dorsey and USC’s Sedrick Ellis, all three of whom could come off the board in the top 10.
Keep checking throughout the day as we’ll keep you informed of anything noteworthy happening in Indianapolis.
February 22, 2008
Seeing double
If I had closed my eyes this morning when LSU wide receiver Early Doucet was speaking to reporters Friday morning, I might have thought I was talking to his good friend and former teammate Buster Davis.
They sound alike, have the same respectful demeanor and carry the same humble yet confident attitude. They appear to have similar personalities, and Doucet doesn’t mind being compared to the Bolts’ top pick in last year’s draft.
“We’re just laid back guys,” Doucet said. “We don’t like all the attention.”
Even looking at Doucet, I could have still mistaken him for Davis.
“They say we look alike as well,” said Doucet, who has strikingly similar facial features and measures 6-0, 211 while Davis is listed as 6-1, 207.
Like Davis, Doucet has a chance to be drafted in the first round. Like Davis did this time a year ago, Doucet spoke of how much he benefited from playing a talented group of receivers that included Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City’s first pick in last year’s draft.
“Practice was definitely competitive…,” Doucet said. “The type of players we were, we weren’t really caught up in how many balls we caught. We were just trying to make each other better. We had that pretty good relationship.”
As he prepared for the Combine, Doucet leaned on Davis for a little advice.
“I talk to him all the time,” Doucet said. “He basically just told me to be myself in the interviews and don’t put too much pressure on myself.”
News links for Fri 2/22/2008
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Charlie Whitehurst has more NFL rushing touchdowns -- one -- than passing scores. In fact, he has never thrown a pass in a regular-season game.
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The Chargers will try to trade fullback Lorenzo Neal rather than release him, Neal's agent and the team confirmed today.
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The NFL is considering changing the postseason so seeding would be based on records rather than division titles.
At the Combine: Day 2
Chargers.com’s Casey Pearce is in Indianapolis this weekend and will provide regular updates from the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
Players started rolling into the media center around 9:30 Eastern time Friday morning. Among the first to meet with reporters was Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco, a small-school star who has seen his stock rise after an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm just wrapped up his media session.
Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs will fill the media center throughout the day. I hope to catch up with a pair of signal callers with ties to America’s Finest City, San Diego State’s Kevin O’Connell and University of San Diego’s Josh Johnson.
Every NFL coach makes their way through the RCA Dome at some point this weekend, and that’s given me an opportunity to catch up with a handful of former Bolts stars. Chargers Hall of Famers Gill Byrd, who is now a defensive assistant with the Chicago Bears, and wide receiver Wes Chandler, now the Cleveland Browns wide receivers coach, are among those I’ve bumped into.
Vikings running backs coach Eric Bienemy and Lions wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson are also around this week.
The most significant thing that happened this morning involved the flipping of a quarter. The Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs had identical 4-12 records and their strength of schedule was also the same. That required a coin toss to determine the order the three teams would pick in the first round.
The Falcons won the the toss and will pick third. Because the Chiefs finished ahead of the Raiders in the AFC West, Atlanta's victory in the flip automatically gave Oakland the fourth pick and Kansas City the fifth.
Had the Raiders won the first toss over the Falcons, there would have been another flip between Kansas City and Atlanta to determine the fourth and fifth slots.
A big fan
When the Chargers drafted offensive tackle Marcus McNeill two years ago, it opened the door for Auburn offensive tackle King Dunlap to begin building his NFL resume as he assumed the starting left tackle job vacated by McNeill.
Dunlap now hopes to follow McNeill again, kind of.
“Hopefully (I’ll be) better,” Dunlap said. “Both being 6-9 and having long arms, I got that comparison (to McNeill) a lot down at Auburn.”
Dunlap, who Pro Football Weekly currently projects as a mid-round draft pick, is grateful for the relationship he developed with McNeill both on and off the field.
“I played behind him a couple years and we’re good friends,” Dunlap said. “We used to hang out and have a good time. I don’t get to see him much but I talk to him every now and then. Just watching and learning how to play the position. I watched him play the game and watched the techniques he used. He helped me learned the offense while I was waiting to play.”
A Family Affair
The 2008 Combine features several players who look to join famous family members with long NFL careers. Virginia defensive end Chris Long, who will likely go in the top five and is vying to be the first overall selection in April’s draft, is the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.
Others in Indianapolis this weekend with famous fathers and/or siblings include Florida wide receiver Andre “Bubba” Caldwell, the younger brother of former Charger and current Redskin Reche Caldwell; Texans safety Marcus Griffin, the twin brother of Titans safety Michael Griffin; Missouri tight end Martin Rucker, younger brother of Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker; and Minnesota defensive back Dominique Barber, son of former Jets running back Marion Barber, Jr. and brother of current Cowboys running back Marion Barber, III.
On Sunday, Chargers.com will catch up with Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, a cornerback from Tennessee State who is one of the top prospects in the draft. He’s also the cousin of a pretty good NFL player who plays the same position, Bolts cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
February 21, 2008
Live from Indianapolis
Chargers.com’s Casey Pearce is in Indianapolis this weekend and will provide regular updates from the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
It’s a typically cold February day in Indianapolis but the 2008 offseason is just starting to heat up. Free agency begins next Saturday, and this weekend the 2008 NFL Draft picture will become much clearer for each team as the NFL Scouting Combine is underway at the RCA Dome.
Over the course of the next few days, more than 330 college prospects will have the opportunity to audition for their dream jobs in front of general managers, personnel directors, scouts and coaches from all 32 teams.
Kickers, punters, long snappers, offensive linemen and tight ends arrived Wednesday. On Thursday, they were measured and went through medical evaluations, met with the media, went through psychological testing and began their individual interviews with teams. They’ll have a meeting with the NFL Players Association on Friday along with more psychological testing. Specialists will workout Friday, while offensive linemen and tight ends will be on the RCA Dome turf on Saturday. The first group will leave Sunday.
Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers get to Indianapolis Thursday and their schedule will be one day behind that of the specialist, offensive linemen and tight ends. Defensive linemen and linebackers get in Friday, and the last group to arrive is the defensive backs, who arrive Saturday.
Not all players who attend the Combine chose to work out as some prefer to participate in interviews and save the physical portion for their college’s pro day. Players who do workout will be tested in the 40-yard dash, bench press, three cone drill, broad jump, vertical leap, 20-yard shuttle, 60-yard shuttle and position specific drills.
Check back throughout the day as we’ll have continual updates from the RCA Dome’s media center.
News links for Thu 2/21/2008
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By one accounting, the Chargers are $23 million under the NFL's $117 million salary cap, which would seem to position them to act strongly during a free-agency procedure beginning March 1.
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Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman made a commitment to become a leader both on the field and in the community when he first arrived to San Diego as a rookie in 2004.
February 20, 2008
News links for Wed 2/20/2008
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All along, the Chargers have insisted they basically have given up on a new stadium within the San Diego city limits because ...
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In many ways, rating the draft evaluators heading into the 2008 scouting combine is no different from identifying the teams with the best chance to win.
February 14, 2008
News links for Thu 2/14/2008
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A year-and-a-half ago, he was picking off passes from the likes of San Diego State and Wyoming.