Give the Youngsters a Chance

Charger Fans Listen up.

Since the Chargers are in a new regime, they can finally start doing things the right way. Norv Turner was a players coach, but for veterans not rookies. Lets take a look at some of the youngsters the Chargers have and who should get a chance to prove themselves to help the team.

This is in no specific order.

1. SS Brandon Taylor

Taylor was drafted in the 3rd round last year with high expectations to start next to FS Eric Weddle, but a few things happened. Weed smokin’ Atari Bigby was the starter instead and did a terrible job. Bigby wanted to make that big hit every play instead of making sure he’s the last line of defense and tackle the proper way. He’s finally gone and the Chargers haven’t signed any other SS via FA,  but they should bring back Corey Lynch for depth. When Taylor finally got his shot this past season he had the worst luck and got an season ending injury. New GM Tom Telesco has already said he likes Taylor so that is a plus, but he’ll have to compete for his job. I think Taylor has some promise and will win the starting SS job this off-season.

2. ILB Jonas Mouton

When AJ Smith was drafting last year for his job, he shocked people in selecting Jonas Mouton in the second round who was a projected fifth rounder. He got a lot of heat because of it and its not like Mouton made an impact his rookie year. He did provide depth, but now Mouton will get his shot to play opposite of Butler. If he wins the job over Williams and the drafted ILB, maybe Kiko Alonso from Oregon, I’ll be happy to congratulate him. The fact is, Mouton will get a shot to start and it might be his best chance to prove to the Chargers, Telesco, and the fans that he’s not a bust.

3. DT Cam Thomas

I really like Cam Thomas and I think he can play all three downs, but I’m not in charge. The fact is Telesco released Antonio Garay and let Franklin leave via FA so maybe he thinks the same. There is some rumors that Ex-colt Antonio Johnson visited the Chargers and will provide great depth behind Thomas if signed. Ever since Thomas was drafted, I always loved his potential and now its his time to tell everyone that he belongs in a Charger uniform. I remember when the Chargers had issues on the D-line and were set at the LB position, but now things have switched. The young trio of Corey Liguet-Cam Thomas-and Kendall Reyes is a nice tandem for years to come.

4. OG Johnnie Troutman

Charger fans for some reason want the Chargers to draft an OG in Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper in round 1, if Johnson isn’t available or OG Larry Warford in round 2 to start opposite of Chad Rinehart. I doubt the Chargers will look to draft an OG because they have Troutman who is finally healthy. When he was at Penn State, he started a OG for three years and never allowed a sack. It doesn’t matter what conference he was in, Big 10, if you don’t allow a sack at all in college that is impressive. Also, Troutman wasn’t even suppose to be available in round 5, but he sustained an injury right before the draft and that made him slip. He was projected as a 2nd rounder so us getting him three rounds latter is great. He’s probably the guy I want most to succeed because it will give the Fans some excitement for Telesco not drafting an OG and will make Telesco look like a genius when he delivers. I’m going on record lol.

5. WR Vincent Brown

I remember when the Chargers drafted Brown in round 3 and I was excited because he played at SDSU and had hands of glue in catching the football. He had some promise his rookie year and that led to big expectations as a slot receiver. Unfortunately, he got injured this past year and things didn’t go according to plan. Now I’m hearing that he’s injury prone and the WR position needs to be upgraded. While I do agree with people in adding another WR, it’s because of him, cough! Meachem and Royal cough!cough! If WR Ryan Swope is available in round 5 the chargers should take him or WR Kenny Stills. New HC Mike McCoy has already said he has big expectations for Brown and he should since he can help the offense like how Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal were supposed to. Brown’s spot will be his to lose, so unless he gets injured again or gets beat by other WRs, he’ll be our slot receiver.

6. Shareece Wright/ Marcus Gilchrist

I like the signing of CB Derek Cox to start because he has loads of potential, but he just needs to stay healthy. If Cox can, Wright and Gilchrist will compete for the other starting CB position and the other will be the slot corner. Both will get playing time because more teams are spreading the offense out, but the job will go to the person who performs better this off-season. While there are rumors going around that it’s Wright’s job to lose, Gilchrist has more experience playing. Gilchrist does an awesome job in the slot, but he’s versatile enough to play outside. I think the job will go to Gilchrist and the Chargers will have Wright as backup in case Cox gets injured. While the Chargers did claim Johnny Patrick off waivers, they should still draft a CB in rounds 3 or 4, someone like Leon McFadden from again SDSU.

Well that is what I think Charger Fans.

If you want to share your thoughts, comment below please. I don’t mind if you disagree with me because this is my opinion.

Excited for the upcoming draft and next season.

-Thomas Bell