May 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Michael Hill (23) stretches during Chargers rookie minicamp at Chargers park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers are officially on a long break, until they head back to training camp in late July. This is a perfect time to take a look at some of the players that Tom Telesco has brought in to compete, either via free agency, or through the draft. In this article, let’s focus on a handful of players that will be fighting for a roster spot. Some of these positions are deep, and will take a very impressive showing to break through to the 53-man roster. Other positions have depth issues, and may be easier to crack. We have already seen some of these players receiving praise for their performance in OTA’s. Let’s take a look, and see which players might be flashing the Blue & Gold in the regular season.

Kenny Okoro: The defensive backfield is an area that (obviously) needs depth. Last week, Bill Williamson of ESPN reported that Okoro was having a “strong spring”. This could be good news for the young man out of Wake Forest. There are a few of guys looking to capture a roster spot behind our starters. Okoro could be that guy, despite being an undrafted rookie this year. It’s also worth mentioning that he split time between safety, and cornerback last season.

Jahleel Addae: Another are area of concern is the strong safety position. Addae has already made his way into the hearts of Charger fans, and might be able to break the 53-man roster. Like Okoro, he was also mentioned by Williamson as having a strong showing in OTA’s. With Gilchrist moving to strong safety, rumors of Brandon Taylor possibly making it back by training camp, and special teams sensation Darrell Stuckey taking reps at practice.. Addae will have to perform very well to make the final cuts.

Dan DePalma: Wide receiver is the deepest unit on the team this year. It seems like this position is all but set, and they haven’t even put pads on yet. However, Chargers.com’s Ricky Henne posted an article yesterday, stating that DePalma “has caught almost every ball thrown his way, and as a result, has caught the eye of his coaches and teammates in such a short amount of time”. This can only be a good thing for him, since the competition is so tight. DePalma has received some positive attention from players, and coaches alike. If he keeps up the good work, could he make the team?

Marcus Cromartie: Cromartie is another cornerback that has a shot at making the team, and the fans like him too. Unless the Chargers sign a veteran stopgap player in the upcoming months, he will definitely get his opportunity to unseat Greg Gatson for a back-up role on the roster. Cromartie is tall enough at 6’0, and has the speed to compete in the NFL. As camp starts in July, we will all be keeping a close eye on this up-and-comer.

Michael Hill: The Chargers backfield has had its struggles, since the departure of Ladanian Tomlinson. The fact that Ryan Mathews can’t seem to stay healthy has only put a spotlight on what we have been lacking in the run game. Keeping a stable of young, durable running backs is a must to get Philip River’s passing attack rolling again. Michael Hill is also a fan favorite, and was the Division 2 rushing leader last season. He has competition in camp with last year’s 7^th round selection Edwin Baker, who is also looking to find a permanent spot on the roster. Tom Telesco brought in ex-Cardinal Fozzy Whittaker, who has ties to new offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt going in his favor. At 5’10, and 210 lbs, Hill has a very solid chance of making the roster. Quite a few backs have had success in the NFL, after going undrafted. If Hill can outshine his competition, he could be the newest member of that club, and the Chargers.

There are a few names to keep an eye on, coming into camp. I didn’t list everyone who could potentially make the team, but feel free to continue the discussion in the comments section below. Who do you think can steal a roster spot for the 2013 season, now that we have some early performance reports?!!!!

Keep Bolting Toward Excellence!!!

Peter Thompson

December 2, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Demorrio Williams (58) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Here we are again.  Last week I predicted that the Chargers would be going into week 5 at 4-0.  If you did not see that post,  you may want to go back to read my thoughts and the comments of your fellow BoltBeat faithful before you get too excited.  If you were in the mix last week and are back for more fun, thank you and I hope you are enjoying the ride.  Now, let’s head into week 5 with the kind of excitement we should be having as an undefeated team after four games!  Woo Hoo!

Week 5 – Sunday, October 6th @ 1:25PM vs. Raiders – Away game.  Well, we all know how this is going to turn out.  Charges will win by at least 3 touchdowns and the Raiders will have over 100 yards in penalties.  Record 5-0

Week 6 – Monday, October 14th @ 5:40PM vs. Colts – Home game.  Well, as I previously stated, the Chargers are not going to lose a home game this season and we are NOT going to be doing so on Monday Night Football.  So, while the Colts are going to come in and do some fancy passing there will be at least three interceptions by the Chargers and possibly more than one for a pick six.  That’s Luck!    Chargers will win this one with the help of points scored by the defense.  I am also taking my daughter to this game and it’s her 11th birthday.  The Bolts will not let her down.  Record 6-0

Week 7 – Sunday, October 20th @ 10:00AM vs. Jaguars – Away game.  Oh no, is this the week the Chargers put a number besides 0 in the loss column?  Possibly.  Away, early, East Coast again, coming off a huge game and a short week.  I suspect that the injuries and travel are going to catch up with our guys a week too soon and they will fall to the Jags by a small margin.  Record 6-1

Week 8 – Bye Week ~ Rest, learn, heal and adjust.

Week 9 – Sunday, November 3rd @ 10:00AM vs. Redskins – Away game.  Really?  Early East Coast game again?  Who did we make mad?  Fortunately, for the Chargers they will be coming off a bye week and will be nice and rested and healed up before heading to face the Redskins.  If RG3 is not injured he will be tossing the ball to at least one Charger for a TD.  While this game will be close and exciting as heck, the Chargers will win this game.  Record 7-1

At this point in the season the football analysts will be slobbering all over the AFC West.  I suspect the Bronco’s will be in peak form and for the first time in a long time the West will be the division to beat.  Well, not the Chiefs or the Raiders, but you get my point.  The Chargers will face the Broncos next week in a game everyone will be watching.  This is going to be good!  See you next Monday. 

#IBelieve

ChargerGirl Cindi

Dec 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass from San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the second half at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Seventeen weeks, 16 games and a whole new ballgame.  For the first time in many years we are headed into a season without trepidation.  The Chargers are starting with a new General Manager, new Head Coach, new auxiliary coaches, new players, new playbooks and a very important new attitude.  All of those things combined make this seasons outlook better than many years prior.  I am not looking back, but looking forward to a whole new era of Chargers football. 

That said, I am going to predict each games outcome in four game chunks to keep you coming back for more.  You know I am typically writing after my daily dose of “I Love My Bolts Kool-Aid” so please be kind on the comments.  As the season progresses I will remind you of my bold predictions and we will see how I did, or how you did on your counter predictions. 

Week  1 – Monday, September 9th @  7:20PM vs. Texans – Home game.  I gotta tell you.  This is our regular season home opener.  Monday Night Football and the Chargers are facing a team that is not a duck.  This is going to be an amazing game on both sides and for both teams but the Chargers will get the win.  Rivers – 330+ yards, Mathews – 1 TD, Gates – 1 TD.  Record 1-0

Week 2 – Sunday, September 15th @ 10:00AM vs. Eagles – Away game.  The Bolts first away game.  After a short week and having to adjust to the time zone combined with traveling to the East Coast may take a toll on the guys, but expect an explosive defense shutting down the Eagles all day.  With Rivers in the gloves and all weapons healthy the Chargers will win by a big margin.  Count on Rivers getting a lot of air time – 200+ yards and a few TD’s, but Gates will be double or triple covered leaving the rest of the offense to shine.  Record 2-0

Week 3 – Sunday, September 22nd @ 10:00AM vs. Titans – Away game.  On the road again in the same exact situation as week 2.  Any issues that came up due to time and travel should be adjusted and the guys will be in peak form.  The week 3 soreness/injuries are going to start affecting the Chargers game play.  This will be a close game possibly won by a field goal in the last few minutes, we may even see Rivers throw an interception here, but the Bolts will win.  Record 3-0

Week 4 – Sunday, September 29th @ 1:25PM vs. Cowboys – Home game.  Finally, back at home, attitude and confidence soaring.  The Cowboys could possibly be the first game where I get nervous, but while I’m rocking in my seat like Rain Man the Chargers are going to show me that I’ve got no worries.  We are not losing at home this season.  Chargers will win and have a record of 4-0.

I know you are thinking there is no need to come back next Monday and read how I predict the remaining weeks, but I promise, I’m not just basing this on my pure Bolt love.  There might be some science and math and possibly a dart board involved in these predictions.  Boltup!

#IBelieve

ChargerGirl Cindi