Grading The Chargers Roster Prior To Free Agency And Draft

Philip Rivers will maintain his A- grade with a 67 % completion rate. He can be counted on for the next couple seasons at least, barring another injury setback. He will benefit greatly having multiple safety valves including a healthy Danny Woodhead and an ageless wonder in Antonio Gates.. <strong>Quarterback</strong>. . . A-

<strong>Running</strong><strong>back</strong>. . . C+. A healthy Danny Woodhead will be a breath of fresh air for the Bolts in 2015. However, they are lacking the downhill between the tackles rusher they need to get their run-game back on track. Brandon Oliver was an excellent undrafted signing, but is better suited in a complementary role

Antonio Gates’ 12 touchdowns led all tight ends alongside Rob Gronkowski and Julius Thomas. Until he can’t run anymore, consider him elite.. <strong>Tight End</strong>. . . A

. . C+. Keenan Allen is a great possession receiver but needs a compliment. Malcom Floyd will be 34 and has a history of injuries. Inman showed flashes of brilliance in limited play, but look for the team to either resign Eddie Royal or bring in some competition.. <b>Wide Receiver</b>

D-. Despite the first round investment in DJ Fluker, he has yet to develop into the force he was drafted to be. Rumors has circled that he could also be moving to guard this upcoming season, but the team has yet to confirm. Unless King Dunlap is resigned, the position is on high-alert.. <b>Offensive Tackle</b>. .

D-. Chris Watt is showing to be a nice developmental talent, but could be moving to center full time unless the team drafts or signs one. Rinehart and Troutman have both had solid outings, but are better suited as depth players. . <b>Guard</b>. .

F. After having four players at center in 2014, some of which had never played a single snap at the position, the Chargers either need to move Watt to center full time or invest a draft pick in finding the next long-term solution. The lack of familiarity was evident in Philip Rivers’ timing and play. <strong>Center</strong>. .

. . B. Corey Liuget is the sole reason this position receives the grade it does. He has developed into one of the best defenders on roster and has earned a contract extension. He is the only viable force along this defensive line. Tenny Palepoi played well in limited snaps and accrued multiple tackles for loss.. <strong>Defensive Tackle</strong>

. . C. Carrethers is an intriguing future player after showing some raw talent despite limited play in his rookie season. He could develop into the true big bodied nose tackle the Chargers have been missing. Lissemore is a mediocre talent but never seems to make big plays or disrupt the backfield. While some have the Bolts investing in a first round DT/NT I don’t see it happening.. <strong>Nose Tackle</strong>

After a promising rookie season, Reyes has been anything but spectacular and has seemingly hit his ceiling. The Chargers won’t help their lack of a run stopping front until they invest an early pick or free agent contract into this position.. <b>Defensive End</b>. . . D

B. Jarret Johnson is praised for his leadership and energy that he brings to the team, but with so many holes he might have to take a pay cut to stay on roster. Ingram and Attaochu are both talented young rushers with early round draft investments. This position will be a strong suit for the Bolts in 2015.. <b>Outside Linebacker</b>. .

. B-. Butler has seen a slight dip in productivity since his big pay day. Meanwhile, Manti Te’o is improving with each game. Andrew Gachkar played great this season in rotation, but is an unrestricted free agent. Nonetheless, aside from a depth signing the inside backers are set in place. Te’o is still slightly weak in run support and would greatly benefit from a stronger D-Line.. <b>Inside Linebacker</b>.

. . D+. Verrett is the only viable starting option, with Williams being a borderline starting nickel talent. If Flowers is resigned, which should be a top priority, this group gets a solid B rating. However, even if he is resigned look for a Shareece Wright extension or another investment via free agency or draft as the depth of this position isn’t a strong suit.. <strong>Cornerback</strong>

B-. The better half of the tandem, Eric Weddle, is heavily influencing the grade boost here. Weddle, entering the final year of his big contract, will continue to produce and make clutch plays. Jahleel Addai is a big hit strong safety but sometimes appears to play the hit more than the ball. An additional strong safety could be added in mid-to-late rounds of the draft or picked up via free agency.. <b>Safety</b>. .

A. When Scifres is protected and healthy, few in the NFL are better than him.. <b>Punter</b>. .

B-. While his accuracy is commended, his leg strength is sufficient but not elite. He ranked lowest in the league in touchback rating. The Chargers need to either groom Scifres into a kickoff specialist or find a way to start getting some more touchbacks to help their defensive field position.. <strong>Kicker</strong>. .