I would like to start by saying that I can’t possibly thank Fansided, BoltBeat.com, and, especially, editorial director Ernie Padaon enough for the opportunity to be a staff writer for this website. I have truly enjoyed my time here and can’t put into words what it has meant to me.

The BoltBeat family is a close-knit bunch and that starts with you, the readers. Whether the comments left on my articles were positive or negative was not the point. It was the fact that you took the time to read them. I really appreciate all of the time and support that you all have given me.

With the help of the readers and Ernie, I have become a better writer and I owe you all for it.

Although I have learned quite a bit from this experience, I still have a lot to learn. That being said, I have decided to start my own Chargers fan site with the help of the producer from a Chargers show we’ll be doing that is coming soon as well. I will still be a huge fan of BoltBeat and retweet Boltbeat articles via Twitter. Thank you all so much.

And one last time…..

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

As we all know, it is now the mock draft season that will become the focus of our down time until late April.

Last year, my mock draft yielded only one correct player.  I also guessed the round in which he would be drafted. 

That player would be tight end Ladarius Green.  Although Green was rarely active during the 2012 season, I do believe he has a bright future in San Diego.  He will definitely need to bulk up to be able to compete in the NFL.  My confidence level has risen significantly, in that regard, knowing that the strength and conditioning staff has been fired.

But, enough of that talk.  Let’s jump right into my first mock of the Chargers 2013 draft.  I’ll do a brief write up below each individual player and why I’m suggesting that they would be a good addition.

Enjoy and please leave some comments at the bottom of the article.  I’d love to hear some of your ideas on who you would like to see wearing lightning bolts in 2013.

Round 1:

Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan

Fisher is having himself a great practice week in Mobile leading up to the Senior Bowl.  So good, in fact, that he may be forcing teams to draft him in the top ten.  That being said, I am counting on a couple of QB hungry teams to overdraft an incoming collegiate player far too soon.  Fingers crossed that Fisher is still on the board at 11.

Round 2:

Desmond Trufant CB Washington

Like Fisher, he may be having “too good” of a showing in Mobile.  He has looked fantastic in off man and man coverage in one on one drills.  He’s very aggressive and uses his hands very well.  He will have to be aware of the NFL’s rule about no contact after 5 yards though.  He is a guy that is capable of plugging in immediately if necessary.

Round 3:

Andre Ellington RB Clemson

Ellington is a bit smaller in stature but has that explosive burst that you love in a running back.  His vision has improved and he shows good balance.  He should run the forty yard dash in the low 4.4s at the combine. 

Round 4:

Nico Johnson ILB Alabama

Good size and good speed as well for the position.  Johnson would be a nice compliment to Donald Butler in the middle of the Charger 34 defense.  My opinion is that he would take a year to learn the NFL game and then be a big contributor in year two.  If drafted by the Bolts, expect him to contribute on special teams as a rookie.

Round 5:

Hugh Thornton G Illinois

In the 2012 draft, San Diego selected Johnnie Troutman from Penn State.  I expect the team to give him every opportunity to start in 2013.  I see Thornton as a value pick if he indeeds falls to the fifth round.  Depth on the offensive line is very crucial, as all Charger fans know very well.

Round 6:

Tyrann Mathieu CB (Formerly of LSU)

Similar to the issues that Alfonzo Dennard had going into the 2012 draft, I am going out on a limb and assuming that Mathieu will get into trouble between now and the draft.  Despite a checkered past, he is a serious ballhawk.  If by chance he can straighten up his act, he is easily worth a flyer this late in the draft.  I actually expect him to be drafted in the mid second to early third round.  But, again, there is probable cause to assume that he might have one more run in with the law that pushes him this deep into the draft.

Round 7:

William Campbell DL Michigan

Campbell is a behemoth of a man at 6’5″ 318 pounds.  He would most likely provide depth at defensive end for the Bolts’ 34. 

UDFA possibilities:

Onterrio McCalebb RB Auburn , Jake Stoneburner TE Ohio St, Cooper Taylor SS Richmond, Dayne Crist QB Kansas, Brandon McManus K/P, Eric Stevens FB Cal, Johnny Adams Cb Michigan State

Well there you have it.  This is the first edition of my mocks prior to the 2013 draft.  There will, of course, be many, many more. 

Stay tuned for my Free agent acquisition possibilities article that will come out tonight as well.

Thanks a lot for reading. 

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

Dec 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) gets a hug from center Nick Hardwick (61) after tying former Charger receiver Lance Alworth

As a number of teams suit up to lock in a position in the postseason, the Chargers will be putting their pads on for the second to last time of the season.  The Bolts have today’s game against the Jets and next Sunday’s contest at home versus the Raiders left on the schedule.

There will be no playoff appearance for the third consecutive year in a row.  Many of us were of the opinion that this season would be unlike the two that preceded it.

Unfortunately for myself and others, this season has actually been worse than the last two campaigns. 

Once again decimated by injuries and lack of depth, the Chargers have managed a record of only 5-9 through 14 games.  As we all know, two of those wins came against a terrible Kansas City team.  Needless to say, this year has been a supreme disappointment.

The Chargers are in New York to play the 6-8 Jets at MetLife Stadium.  Despite the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Jets, they do have a better record than the Bolts. 

Today’s game, along with a couple of others on the week 16 schedule, will have a serious implications on the outcome of draft positions for the top ten choices in the 2013 draft. 

Many fans have resigned themselves to hope that we lose out to ensure a better selection in the upcoming draft.  Although I am completely incapable of feeling the same way, I do understand why some fans would resort to such thoughts.

My feelings are that I would like the team to finish strong.  I look forward to what our younger guys can do while being given some more playing time.  There is no substitute for live game action in the NFL. 

Players like Brandon Taylor and Jonas Mouton have had difficulty even being active during the majority of this season’s games.  I’m hoping to see Shareece Wright rotated in more at either of the cornerback positions. 

Despite my hopes of seeing the younger players standout out, free agent acquisitions such as Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal have a lot to prove as well.  It’s looking like both will play and Meachem will start opposite Danario Alexander at the wide receiver spot.

The kids and I are all wearing our navy blue Philip Rivers’ jerseys in support of our favorite signal caller.  My biggest concern about this game is that he remains healthy and is able to walk off the field in one piece. 

Rivers is a gamer.  There isn’t anyone on this earth that could stop him from playing this game.  Here’s to hoping that the O-line gives him the time to have a good game.

Only two games left to watch my Chargers play this year.  It’s more than a little bit depressing to be quite honest.  Another long offseason overloaded with question marks that fortunately will not include whether or not we keep Norv Turner or A.J. Smith.

I feel a little bit better already after putting that in print. 

Go, Chargers, GO!

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP