Now that the offseason is here and the San Diego Chargers have much rebuilding to do many mock drafts are to follow. I keep coming across the same question over and over from people, “How do you come up with mock drafts?” While the answer can be simple I figured I could explain it better for fans through an article. I will be taking you through step by step of my process and what goes into my mock draft analyzation.

What are the needs of the team: The first thing you should do is understand what the team needs to do to improve themselves. Thoroughly look at every position and see which one drives you nuts. keep going down in order from there.

Projection: San Diego has a long wish list this year. In my mind the list should look something like this, Offensive line, Corner Back, Linebacker, Strong Safety, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Defensive Line, Free Safety.

Locate Free Agents that have a chance of leaving: Every team will have a list of people who will choose to leave or stay with the present team. While we can only predict what will happen, for an accurate mock draft you will have to assume where the team will go with the Free Agents they have. San Diego has a list of 24 free agents (20 unrestricted and 4 restricted).

Unrestricted means they may sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp (usually late July). At that point, his rights revert to his old club if it made a “tender” offer to him by June. His old club then has until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season to re-sign him. If he does NOT sign by then, he must sit out the season.

A restricted free agent is a player who has received a “qualifying” offer (negotiated in the CBA) from his old club, but is free to negotiate with any club through the free agent signing period. If he accepts an offer from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him, or not match the offer and possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.

Projection: With some key Free Agent signings San Diego can be competitive again, I also take in the tight cap situation. I think that the Chargers can wait out Philips and get a decent price tag on him. While they will almost have to be forced to make a decision between Cason and Jammer. When all the smoke clears I feel as if some of the holes that San Diego will fill is corner back and outside linebacker.

What will teams do before the Chargers: So now comes the difficult part, What will picks 1-10 do. With this part just take a look at the big board and draft till the 11th pick. This years order starts with the Chiefs and so forth. If you lack a little knowledge of what a team needs, or aren’t up to date, ESPN always has mock drafts as well as other websites that can give you an idea. Also don’t forget to watch the Combine due to the fact that you can get a lot of information on what makes a “player,” at the respected positions.

Projection: With the big position the Chargers are looking at is Offensive Line. I can’t see the Chiefs not going quarterback here. Another possibility is for them to go Defensive Tackle. The pick the Chiefs make will determine how the Chargers first round pick will go. The Eagles are bound to go offensive line. So that takes Luke Joeckle off the board. You can almost never project what teams will do on draft day. So don’t take it out on yourself.

Make your pick: So now that you decided where you think your team will go it is time to make a pick based on the information that you have gathered. Everything you have studied and read about comes down to this one moment. for a minute you get to be the General Manager of your team! Pick wisely!

Projection: With the 11th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers select… Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan.

Support your thinking: You will have haters but it’s up to you, as it is Tom Telesco, to defend your selection.

Projection: You can’t hide the fact that San Diego needs help on the line. They need to get some rocks in front of Rivers and Fisher is a great pick. He wouldn’t be a bad selection at all. Fisher is big, strong, and ready to go. He is a player that can make an impact right away. I just don’t see offensive linemen lasting too long in this years draft. You’ll see them fly off the board after this point. I don’t think they should take a chance waiting for a Kyle Long type from Oregon due to the fact that he just might not fall to the Chargers in the second.

Remember this, you are not finished! You need to update and keep people on their toes. They need to say, “I wonder who they projected this week.” Keep them coming back for more. As for the rest of the draft? Start out by looking at a full 7 round draft and judge by that with you’re own pick. You might not agree with everyone but the more and more you get experience the further and further you can go on your own. So who do you think the Chargers will draft?

GOOD LUCK AND BOLT PRIDE!

-Joey Nicks

September 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; The San Diego Chargers retired the number 55 worn by Junior Seau is displayed prior to the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In an announcement made by the family of Junior Seau, it has been discovered that Seau suffered from CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. 

CTE is known to occur from repeated blows to the head.  It carries with it symptoms such as dementia and depression. 

Many people out there may act as though this comes as no surprise.  Quite frankly, people had to find a way to justify such a terrible, horrible thing that happened on May the 2nd of last year. 

As I write this, I am cautioning myself to be sure that I only speak on behalf of myself and my feelings.  But I would not be surprised if my thoughts are shared by many of you. 

Hearing the news today reopened a wound that had yet to truly close.  A wound in which one tries wholeheartedly to avoid being selfish.  Although I lost a hero and an idol, this man left behind a family.  He left behind children.

All of the thoughts and justifications that rattle around in one’s mind.  How in the world could such a man take his own life while leaving behind so many that loved him.  So many people, such as myself, that had never even met him yet looked up to him for everything that he did on and off the field. 

Seau’s legacy is one that was forged by both his playing days and his contributions to the city of San Diego while not playing the game he loved.  The game that he needed.  The game that perhaps cost him his life. 

In looking back on that tragic day, there were so many questions that, at the time, had no solid answers.  There were talks of money issues and personal problems after a rough divorce from his wife.  Far be it from me to act like those things would not be reason enough to fall into such a dark place.

But it always felt like there was more.  At least it did to me.  I suppose I can’t really elaborate on why I felt that way. 

Seau was fueled by the energy and the love that he provided the fans of the San Diego Chargers.  He gave every last bit of himself to ensure that we all knew how much we meant to him.  He left every bit of himself out on the field every gameday.  He did so for his family, his team mates, the fans, and himself.  His passion playing football was only rivaled by his desire to do great things off the field as well. 

In closing, to think that I would not have known about Junior Seau had he not been in the NFL, is much more than bittersweet, in hindsight.

Had it not been for his gladiator-like playing in the NFL, the world would possibly still be blessed by the presence of everyone’s buddy.

Thanks a lot for reading.

Dave Peters

10- Michael Vick, Eagles- Why so far back, because he can’t seem to stay healthy and came out of a couple games last year. Rushing yards from a quarterback that can throw are amazing but not when he is getting popped all the time. In the NFC East that WILL take a toll. ESPECIALLY when you play the Giants two times a year who look forward to beating your brains in. Vick has some great receivers though. Ones that can really make things happen! If he can stay healthy he will definitely be higher then 10.

9- Ben Rothlisberger, Steelers- Not a fan, but with Mike Wallace as a receiver who wouldn’t want this guy on your team. Big Ben plays tough, but that is the problem Ben can be a great quarterback. Hard to tackle, smart decisions, can run the ball, and can make big plays happen. For some reason though he thinks he has something to prove. He can’t escape the injury bug and still plays, but do you really want that? Steelers improved the offensive line though and we will see what pans out. At the right price, Ben is a good option.

8- Matt Ryan, Falcons- A promising young talent. He is on the up and up. With two receivers, in White and Jones, that can stretch the field look for an improvement on his career. With a solid running game I find it VERY hard for him not to have a great year. Plus Ryan hasn’t really felt the injury bug, remember a healthy quarterback is a happy quarterback.

7- Drew Brees, Saints- THIS LOW!?!?! HOW!?!?! They have a bundle of problems down in the Cajun City. One is that Brees wants a BOUNTIFUL amount of money (HA!). Plenty of people told me that Sean Peyton will not have an effect on Brees, I beg to differ. Brees is a product of the system, and while he is a great quarterback, he needs his coach there to show him the way. That goes for any quarterback at this level. While Meach headed for the coast Colston stayed and Grahm is still the man, but with all that is going on I don’t expect a repeat of last year.

6- Tony Romo, Cowboys- How tough was this one to place. Romo has some AMAZING offensive talent on his side of the ball. Romo shows great vision and ok decision making, the only problem is how terrible his offensive line is. Don’t get me wrong Witten will get you points, but Romo would be healthier and a LOT more effective with a decent offensive line. This guy may be, a we’ll see, but I think he has a pretty good year.

5- Eli Manning, Giants- Eli knows how to win, but winning doesn’t help you in my fantasy league. Manning put up some decent numbers last year on a Super Bowl season. In the beginning of the year alls he talked about is how he was an elite quarterback. Well here you go Eli I am giving you the respect that you deserve. While Nicks can drop some pretty easy passes he can make some GREAT plays for Eli. Manning is also durable so you won’t have to worry about him missing any games for you.

Two great quarterbacks. Which ones better?

4- Philip Rivers, Chargers- The man with the reigns! I hope to have underestimated Rivers on this list. While I really wanted to put him in the 3 spot, his numbers were pretty hurtful last year. Rivers will be better this year. I don’t believe he has “reached his peak,” or “blown his load,” just yet. Rivers has all the potential in the world and now he has all the weapons in the world. He has speed in Meach/Royal, height in Floyd/Brown, and pure dominance in Gates. I expect him to take better care of the ball this year too.

3- Matthew Stafford, Lions- Stafford has proven that he can stay healthy for a year, but can he stay healthy for two years? The Lions have shown that they are on the up climb and aren’t going to slow up. Stafford had a GREAT year in 2011 throwing for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson is the leagues premiere wide out and is on the cover of Madden. I would worry about the curse of Calvin before the shoulder of Stafford.

2- Tom Brady, Patriots- The man hasn’t showed any real signs of slowing down. He’s experienced and that is a plus. What can be better? Oh, Wait! He also had 5,235 yards passing last year ranked number 2 in the NFL. If it’s possible to have Brady and Wes Welker on your team then it makes it that much of an option. Double points ALL DAY! You also don’t want to forget that if you are in a big play bonus league Brady and Rogers are your best friends, so really push for Rogers if not Brady will be a great plan B.

1- Aaron Rogers, Packers- This man has fulfilled his expectations for last year! His 45 touchdowns was a second best to Drew Brees, and 502 attempts was ranked 16th! These numbers show that his production is up! That is EXACTLY what you want from a quarterback. Rogers also has a weapon at almost every position on the field!

I found this to be a very difficult list to make. One thing you want to remember is to draft a quarterback that is reliable and stays away from injury. Play it safe even if you have to take Rivers over Stafford for example. Quarterbacks are a BIG part of a fantasy team! So who do you see leading your team to glory?

-Joey Nicks