Oct 2, 2011; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie (78) prior to the game against the New York Jets at M

Well, the NFL draft 2013 is in the books. The Chargers upgraded the right tackle position by selecting D.J. Fluker from Alabama in the first round of the draft; with their second round pick they grabbed Notre Dame´s star linebacker Manti Te´o. With the next two picks they brought in wide receiver Kennan Allen and defensive back Steve Williams. Furthermore, they added depth at outside linebacker (Tourek Williams) and quarterback (Brad Sorenson). But they did not address the position the Chargers are in biggest need of an upgrade: the left tackle spot.

The top three offensive tackle prospects already were off the board after the Philadelphia Eagles snagged away Lane Johnson at No. 4. And with only six draft picks and countless holes in the roster, General Manager Tom Telesco wasn´t able to bring in a guy for the left side of the offensive line. So the question now is, how can we make sure, Philip Rivers´ blind side will be better protected than it was last year?

That´s when the name Bryant McKinnie comes in.

McKinnie, 33 (turns 34 in September), gets linked to the Chargers since weeks and yesterday he had a meeting with the new Chargers´ brass here in San Diego. The former seventh overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft is a member of this year´s Super Bowl winning squad from the Baltimore Ravens. He backed up starting left tackle Michael Oher in all 16 regular games last year, but was inserted into the starting lineup for the postseason after the line struggled down the stretch. He had a stellar postseason and protected Joe Flacco´s blind side very well in all four playoff games.

But I guess it´s fair to question if Bryant McKinnie is the right fit for San Diego.

Being a starter for most of his career, McKinnie got benched in 2012 after showing up to training camp out of shape due to some excess weight. He had some injury issues over the last years and his teammates already began to question his motivation. Ugh! This sounds awfully familiar, doesn´t it? We just got rid of Big Lazy Jared Gaither weeks ago, and now we´re trying to replace him with a guy who obviously has a hard time to stay disciplined and in shape?

Alright, maybe I´m overdoing this. The 33-year old veteran surely isn´t committed to the same level of slothfulness as the former Chargers´ bench warmer who wore the #78 jersey. But players don´t start questioning a teammates´ motivation for no reason. In his two seasons in Baltimore he has been trapped in Harbaugh’s doghouse a couple of times for a poor work ethic and an inability to keep his weight down. Unfortunately, he was cut by the Minnesota Vikings in 2011 for the same reasons. But McKinnie made it clear that he wants to play at least another year, but only if he is guaranteed the opportunity to compete for a starting spot:

“I definitely want a starting job,” the 6´8” giant said. “I want it to be fair for somebody to beat me out of my position instead of saying you want to try something new. Give me the opportunity to actually be fair and let somebody beat me out for the position.”

Well, there´s not much competition in San Diego at left tackle (King Dunlap, Mike Harris), he definitely could be in pole position right from the start.

Another issue is that he´s coming off a Championship season. So he already had problems finding his commitment to this ball game before he won the coveted trophy; now that he is a world champion, will it be easier for him to find his motivation? And I´m afraid money will be an issue too. He was a $4.2 million cap hit for the Ravens last year. With a Super Bowl ring on his finger, I´m not too sure he´ll come in cheap. But if he does, then he would be a nice solution for the left tackle spot on the offensive line for the 2013 season. We surely would have to try to fix that spot in 2014 by using a high draft pick on a great left tackle prospect.

So, I have my doubts about this big man. But if the price is right, then get him in! We´re pretty desperate for an upgrade at that position on the left side of the offensive line.

What are your thoughts Bolt Family?

Thank you for reading.

BoltnRoll!

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) celebrates with cornerback Shareece Wright (29), safety Sean Cathouse (40) and linebacker Larry English (52) after intercepting a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Experts have previously unveiled that our beloved San Diego Chargers are at 40:1 odds to win next year’s Superbowl. Wait a second!! The combine is upon us, the gate has yet to be opened for free agency, the draft takes place a few weeks from now, and then comes mini-camp and the pre-season, how can they possibly predict the Chargers or any team for that matter to be favored to win the Superbowl? Teams are incomplete, there are plenty of signings and talent evaluations that need to take place before anyone can truly judge the potential of each franchise. Granted the powerhouse teams from last season will likely be in the running but that doesn’t make any team incapable of making a strong run for the Lombardi trophy. Take the 2011 San Francisco 49ers run all the way to the NFC Championship game. Didn’t see that coming now, did we?

At 40:1, the Chargers are in the middle of the pack of potentials to win it all. I don’t care! 40:1 means nothing to me until Tom Telesco starts drafting young talent and signing key free agents. After that is done, it’s up to Mike McCoy to utilize our new talents to their fullest potential and then it’s Ken Whisenhurst’s time to revitalize our Quarterback. There’s plenty of work to do! I’m going to say an extra prayer for Telesco, he’s going to have to contend with a depleted salary cap, find talent in several areas of the team and evaluate future rookies in the draft. The Chargers have seven rounds to find seven talented players. Then hopefully find a couple of undrafted studs. Good luck Tommy, I believe in you!!!

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Now that looks like a fun way to celebrate winning the Super Bowl. I am pretty sure I would be one of those players on the ground doing that very same thing. Confetti angels!