2012 NFL Offseason: San Diego Chargers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

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San Diego Chargers (Last Year: 8-8)

2012 NFL Draft Grade: B+

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Finding some upgrades on the offensive line to protect Philip Rivers would be pretty helpful, but A.J. Smith doesn't seem interested in upgrading Jeromey Clary at right tackle. He'll focus on the defense instead. San Diego's poor pass rush and mediocre secondary need to be addressed.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: If the Chargers believed in drafting offensive linemen in the first round - they haven't done so since 1986 - they would have considered David DeCastro at No. 18. DeCastro will likely be the top guard in the NFL over the next decade, and he would have made the perfect replacement for the recently retired Kris Dielman.

Having said that, it's impossible to argue that Melvin Ingram selection. The Jaguars would have drafted him at No. 7, so he provided incredible value with the 18th-overall choice while filling a huge need. Meanwhile, Kendall Reyes and Brandon Taylor will help bolster a very leaky defense.

The Chargers had a good draft overall, but the fact that they once again ignored the offensive front until very late has to be taken into account. Philip Rivers played hurt for most of last year, and San Diego won't have much of a chance to secure a playoff spot if he's banged up once again in 2012.





2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

18. Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina: A+ Grade
Melvin Ingram was mocked as high as No. 7, so the Chargers are getting incredible value with him at the 18th slot. He also fills a big need; San Diego desperately needed a pass-rusher. This is one of the top picks in the 2012 NFL Draft thus far.

49. Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut: A- Grade
This pick doesn't really fill an immediate need, but the Chargers are getting really good value with Kendall Reyes, who was projected by some to be a late first-round possibility. Picking a better non-need over an inferior need is usually the way to go though.

73. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU: B+ Grade
This is a solid pick. Brandon Taylor fits the range and fills a huge need at safety. The Chargers haven't had a stud strong safety since Rodney Harrison. Taylor legitimately has a chance to be just that.

110. Ladarius Green, TE, Lousiana-Lafayette: A Grade
Antonio Gates is injured every year, so the Chargers had to obtain a competent backup and a future replacement. That could be Ladarius Green, who was projected by many as a third-round prospect.

149. Johnnie Troutman, G, Penn State: D Grade
I'm shocked that Johnnie Troutman was drafted higher than Round 7 - and I'm saying this as a Penn State alumnus. I don't know if he'll be able to make the final roster, but he'll fill a need if he does.

226. David Molk, C, Michigan: A- Grade
The Chargers don't need a center, but it doesn't hurt to have a really good backup. David Molk is nice value here; he was as high as No. 113 on Scouts Inc's big board.

250. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State: A Grade
The Chargers had no depth at running back. Edwin Baker probably will be able to fix that. He was 150th on the consensus big board, so he's good value at this juncture.

*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   NoDrama 05-14-2012 08:22 pm xxx.xxx.xxx30.8 (total posts: 8) 2     2 All draftees are now signed. erik 05-13-2012 10:34 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.100 (total posts: 2) 616     2 chargers! navw21 05-11-2012 04:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.217 (total posts: 11) 3     3 All draft picks signed except for 3rd rd pick SS Brandon Taylor. He will still be apart of this weekends rookie camp though. WinSomeLoseSome 05-10-2012 06:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx30.8 (total posts: 8) 4     3 San Diego sign 4th round pick TE Green. Ex-Charger CB Florence signs with Denver. navw21 05-08-2012 08:15 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.217 (total posts: 11) 11     2 Chargers sign: 1. Melvin Ingram 4 yr deal with team option for 5th year 2. Kedall Reyes 4 yr deal 3. David Molk 4 yr deal SanDiegoUnionTrib 05-08-2012 07:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx30.8 (total posts: 8) 20     2 Chargers release LB Travis LaBoy. @Their receivers suck 05-04-2012 05:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.75 (total posts: 5) 2     2 Because the last time SD was without VJ(2010), Rivers proved that he can make any receiver(even if he's a bum off the street) look good. Whether it was Seyi Ajirotutu, Floyd, or Kelley Washington as the #1 WR, Rivers made them look competent. The WR position just isn't important, or at least it isn't for the Chargers. Their receivers suck 05-03-2012 12:22 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.20 (total posts: 1) 2     2 Why didn't SD draft a WR? they have floyd as their number 1? not good J Griswold 05-01-2012 07:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.189 (total posts: 2) 6     2 Consider this... Castillo Garay Martin English/Barnes Mouton Gachcar Ingram Gilchrist Wright Stuckey Bigby That's a quasi-respectable lineup for a 3-4 D. Three first-rounders, several second-rounders and a few quality veterans. And this is the 2nd team defense for the Bolts! Considering the depth and injury problems of the past, this is fairly encouraging. And, they may not be done as they are still looking for a veteran NT and CB. SanDiegoOnionTrib 05-01-2012 05:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx30.8 (total posts: 8) 4     4 "If this offseason hasn Nick W. 05-01-2012 03:26 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.217 (total posts: 11) 11     2 Alright lets make a prediction... "Melvin Ingram your D.R.O.Y." That's Defensive Rookie of the Year if you didn't know. BOLTUP 05-01-2012 12:19 am xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 2) 1     1 **meant to say Troutman ISNT needed BOLTUP 05-01-2012 12:18 am xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 2) 9     3 Very good draft by SD. Troutman is needed right now though more depth cant hurt. sad he's out with an injury but im sure he'll be a mauler in future years. ladarius is a luxury pick. he cant play? cut him. if he shows signs he can be something early? keep him. we have plenty of depth at the TE position he cant hurt either. what people dont notice is he's very similar to jermichael finley coming out of the draft. Green is a tad lighter, but ran more than a second faster on his 40 and put up more reps at 225. you can google the rest but damn if he turns out better than most people think we've got one hell of a bargain. oh yeah that ingram guy isnt bad either :P J Griswold 04-29-2012 09:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.189 (total posts: 2) 4     2 Considering that the Bolts are high on Tyronne Green, the selection of Johnnie Troutman isn't really that bad because, if nothing else, he may light a fire under Louis Vasquez. Two years ago, it was reported that Green would challenge Vasquez and he responded with a career year. Perhaps the addition of Troutman will again, uh, inspire the big RG. ShowMeYourBolts 04-28-2012 11:29 pm xxx.xxx.xxx30.8 (total posts: 8) 4     2 The SD draft is getting generally positive reviews. Fox Sports was probably the most negative. They ripped both Taylor and Troutman selections in 3rd and 5th. Given the dearth of quality safeties this year, I don't think the Chargers overspent on Taylor. It was the cost of doing business. Pages: 12 3 4 ...10 11

Season Summary:
The Chargers have finally fired Norv Turner, so maybe they'll finally stop slacking off at the beginning of the year and finally be consistent. Oh wait, I forgot how inept San Diego's ownership is. Another season of Norv and some painful underachievment coming right up!




Offseason Moves:

Chargers cut DE/OLB Travis LaBoy

Chargers re-sign FB Jacob Hester

Chargers re-sign OT Brandyn Dombrowski

Chargers sign OT Mario Henderson

Chargers sign WR/KR Michael Spurlock

Chargers re-sign DE/DT Luis Castillo

Chargers sign WR/KR Roscoe Parrish

Chargers re-sign NT Antonio Garay

Chargers waive S DeAndre McDaniel

Panthers sign RB Mike Tolbert

Chargers re-sign TE Randy McMichael

Chargers cut QB Billy Volek

Chargers sign SS Atari Bigby

Chargers sign QB Charlie Whitehurst

Chargers sign WR/KR Eddie Royal

Patriots sign SS Steve Gregory

Chargers sign FB Le'Ron McClain

Chargers sign DE/OLB Jarret Johnson

Chargers re-sign OT Jared Gaither

Chargers re-sign TE Kory Sperry

Chargers sign WR Robert Meachem

Buccaneers sign WR Vincent Jackson

Chargers re-sign C Nick Hardwick

Chargers cut CB Dante Hughes

Chargers cut OT Marcus McNeill

Chargers cut DE/DT Luis Castillo

Chargers announce retirement of G Kris Dielman


Offseason Needs:

1. Two Offensive Tackles: Marcus McNeill has missed 12 games in the past two years because of neck and back injuries, and reports have surfaced that he will be cut. Jared Gaither has proven that he can play well in relief, but he's a free agent. Right tackle Jeromey Clary sucks. Re-signed Jared Gaither and Brandyn Dombrowski; signed Mario Henderson
   
   
2. Guard: Kris Dielman has retired. What a shame.
   
   
3. Rush Linebacker: San Diego had major issues stopping aerial attacks. A major reason for this was its lacking pass rush. It's time to give up on Larry English, so another rush linebacker like Courtney Upshaw, Whitney Mercilus or Nick Perry could be in play at the No. 18 pick in April's draft. Signed Jarret Johnson
   
   
4. Cornerback: Quentin Jammer, 33 in June, isn't anywhere close to the player he once was. There's some talk that he could move to safety soon. That needs to happen quickly, so the Chargers might search for a talented cornerback this offseason.
   
   
5. Safety: As noted earlier, Quentin Jammer could move to safety in the near future. If that doesn't happen in 2012, the Chargers will have to find someone to play next to Eric Weddle in the defensive backfield. Signed Atari Bigby
   
   
6. Defensive End Depth: Luis Castillo won't be back next year, so depth will be needed behind Corey Liuget and Vaughn Martin. Re-signed Luis Castillo
   
   
7. Wide Receiver: San Diego will need help at receiver depending on what it does with Vincent Jackson. It appears as though Jackson will be back, as of this writing. Signed Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish
   
   
8. Center: Nick Hardwick the one player A.J. Smith absolutely needs to re-sign. Re-signed Nick Hardwick
   
   
9. Darren Sproles Replica: One of the excuses used for the Chargers' most recent collapse was that Philip Rivers missed Darren Sproles too much. LaMichael James could work in the third round.
   
   

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

1. Jarret Johnson, DE/OLB, Ravens. Age: 31.
   Signed with Chargers (4 years)
   
   Jarret Johnson doesn't rush the passer well despite playing outside linebacker in a 3-4. He's amazing in all other facets of the game, however. He's one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
   
   
2. Le'Ron McClain, FB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
   Signed with Chargers (3 years)
   
   Le'Ron McClain is only a decent run-blocker. He barely got any carries last year despite the injury to Jamaal Charles.
   
   
3. Robert Meachem, WR, Saints. Age: 27.
   Signed with Chargers (4 years, $25.9 million)
   
   It's frustrating, but Robert Meachem has never lived up to his potential. He has talent, but it appears as though he's destined to be a mediocre wideout for his entire career.
   
   
4. Eddie Royal, WR/PR, Broncos. Age: 26.
   Signed with Chargers (3 years)
   
   Eddie Royal has inexplicably completely regressed as a receiver, but he's a pretty dynamic punt-returner.
   
   
5. Atari Bigby, SS, Seahawks. Age: 30. -- Signed with Chargers (2 years)
6. Michael Spurlock, KR, Buccaneers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Chargers
7. Roscoe Parrish, WR, Bills. Age: 30. -- Signed with Chargers
8. Demorrio Williams, ILB, Chiefs. Age: 32. -- Signed with Chargers (1 year)
9. Dante Rosario, TE, Broncos. Age: 27. -- Signed with Chargers
10. Charlie "Whithart" Whitehurst, QB, Seahawks. Age: 30. -- Signed with Chargers

San Diego Chargers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

1. Nick Hardwick, C, Chargers. Age: 30.
   Re-signed with Chargers (3 years)
   
   Nick Hardwick is one of the top centers in football, but he told the media recently that he's going to consider retirement this offseason.
   
   
2. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers, Chargers. Age: 29.
   Signed with Buccaneers (5 years, $55 million; $26 million guaranteed)
   
   Vincent Jackson amazingly has never caught more than 68 passes in a single season, but with his size (6-5, 230) and downfield ability, he's one of the top physical talents at the wide receiver position in the NFL.
   
   
3. Jared Gaither, OT, Chargers. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Chargers (4 years)
   
   Jared Gaither was amazing down the stretch in relief of Marcus McNeill. If Gaither is completely over his back issues - a big if - then he'll be one of the best tackles in football going forward. Having said that, he'll be a risky signing for any team because his back could flare up without warning.
   
   
4. Marcus McNeill, OT, Chargers. Age: 28.
   Marcus McNeill is a top-tier tackle if healthy. The problem is that he's missed 12 games in the past two seasons. In addition to two knee surgeries, McNeill had a serious neck injury that knocked him out for the year in 2011. McNeill will be a high-risk, high-reward signing.
   
   
5. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers. Age: 26.
   Signed with Panthers (4 years)
   
   If you play fantasy football, you know about Mike Tolbert. He is a power runner with solid pass-catching ability.
   
   
6. Antonio Garay, NT, Chargers. Age: 32.
   Re-signed with Chargers (2 years)
   
   Antonio Garay is no longer the player he once was, but he is still a decent run-stuffer.
   
   
7. Luis Castillo, DE/DT, Chargers. Age: 29.
   Re-signed with Chargers (1 year)
   
   Luis Castillo still has the talent to start, but he's always hurt. He's way too unreliable to receive a contract with lots of guaranteed money.
   
   
8. Billy Volek, QB, Chargers. Age: 36.
   I can't say I understand why the Chargers cut Billy Volek. He can still serve as a really reliable backup quarterback and passable spot-starter.
   
   
9. Jacob Hester, FB, Chargers. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Chargers
10. Tommie Harris, DT, Chargers. Age: 29.
11. Steve Gregory, S, Chargers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Patriots (3 years)
12. Scott Mruczkowski, C, Chargers. Age: 30.
13. Travis LaBoy, DE/OLB, Chargers. Age: 31.
14. Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers. Age: 33.
15. Dante Hughes, CB, Chargers. Age: 27.
16. Paul Oliver, S, Chargers. Age: 28.
17. Randy McMichael, TE, Chargers. Age: 33. -- Re-signed with Chargers (2 years)
18. Na'il Diggs, ILB, Chargers. Age: 34.
19. Stephen Cooper, ILB, Chargers. Age: 33.
20. Brandyn Dombrowski (RFA), OT, Chargers. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Chargers (1 year, $1.26 million)
21. Kory Sperry (RFA), TE, Chargers. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Chargers (1 year)
22. Tony Moll, OT, Chargers. Age: 29.
23. Bobby Sanders, SS, Chargers. Age: 31.

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon



Divisional Rival History:
Denver Broncos: The Chargers have won nine of 12, but Tebow Time got them late in 2011.
Kansas City Chiefs: The host has been victorious in 21 of the previous 28 battles. San Diego has won seven of the past nine matchups - and it would have been eight out of nine if Philip Rivers hadn't botched a routine snap in Arrowhead.
Oakland Raiders: The Chargers won 13 in a row in this rivalry prior to 2010. The Raiders have won three of four since, but the one loss knocked them out of the playoffs this past year.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
2. Detailed season preview
3. Fantasy football projections
4. Positional rankings
5. Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages


2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25


2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22


Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7