May 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle D.j. Fluker (76) and guard Johnnie Troutman (63) during Chargers rookie minicamp at Chargers park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

When we hired Joe D’Alessandris away from the Buffalo Bills, most people were predicting that The San Diego Chargers would be moving to a “zone blocking scheme”. As we all know, this scheme focuses on having a smaller, more athletic offensive line. With the first pick of the draft, Tom Telesco drafted “Mount Fluker” to hold down the right side of the line. This prompted the Bolts to move our ex right tackle Jeromey Clary (who is also a very big boy) to the right guard position. Initially, there was an expectation of our run game being pulled to the right. King Dunlap was to be the starting left tackle, and is not very dominant, when it comes to the run game. After signing Max Starks to the left tackle position, there seems to be a little bit more hope that we can run left, as well. If the season started today, I believe that Chad Rinehart would be the starter at left guard, until Johnnie Troutman can prove himself, and possibly take over a guard position at a later date. For the time being, he will probably be used to rotate in, and get some much needed NFL experience. The left guard position seems to be the most “up-for-grabs” position on this unit. Dunlap, Ohrnberger, Troutman, and Rinehart will all compete for that spot, and could potentially be the starter.

I have been thinking about what this would mean for the zone blocking scheme that we were all expecting to see. Before the draft, and recent weeks of free agency, we were looking at King Dunlap being the only plus sized player on the line, except for Clary. Now we could possibly have the Twin Towers of Fluker & Starks on the bookends, Clary &.. “my conspiracy theory” pick.. King Dunlap at the guard positions (who has experience playing both guard positions). Nick Hardwick would be the smallest player on the line at 6′ 4″. Wow… that is a lot of beef up front!!!! Could we still run a zone blocking scheme with those guys? It seems like that would be more suited to a power blocking scheme, to me.

Of course, there are still a lot of variables out there. Clary could be cut after June 1st to make more cap space, and be replaced with a more athletic free agent guard like Brandon Moore.. or, simply lose out to another guard on the roster (which I would doubt, if he stays). The left guard position could be held by Reinhart, who was used in coach Joe D’s zone-blocking scheme in Buffalo. But, if we end up with (from right to left) Fluker, Clary, Hardwick, Reinhart, Starks… is that line even close to athletic enough to play a zone-blocking scheme? Furthermore, (even though coach Joe D’ is a great o-line coach, regardless), what was the point of bringing in a zone-blocking expert, if we were planning on signing all of these huge “not-so-athletic” players?

Perhaps there are still more changes to come, and it is too early to tell. What do you all think of the way the o-line is playing out? Which scheme do you think we will end up running.. zone, power, or a combination of both? Can the players we have on the roster now plug into a zone scheme? Would Philip be able to see over the line if Dunlap secures the left guard position? Are you more comfortable with the run game, now that we have added more starting caliber players to the line? Please post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Happy “Memorial Day Weekend” Friday, and Keep Bolting Toward Excellence!

November 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd (80) celebrates with offensive guard Louis Vasquez (65) after scoring on a 21-yard reception during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

When I used to play league organized football and occasionally an offensive lineman didn’t show up to practice, we would often leave a trash bin on the spot where the lineman would be, just as a place holder. I realized how much more effective that trash bin was compared to San Diego’s line in 2012. Anyways, it’s no secret it’s time to build Philip Rivers a “Fortress of Standitude” one that will give him time to throw.

In the 2009 draft, Louis Vasquez was the second Guard to be taken behind only Andy Levitre. Both men became free agents this past offseason and were highly coveted and sought after and it didn’t take long before both men found new homes. With Vasquez gone to division rival, the Denver Broncos, we are in search for two starting guards, the other being vacated by Tyronne Green. We brought in Chad Rinehart, Rich Ohrnberger and we have a healthy Johnnie Troutman. Between the pack Rinehart has the experience and the short-term capability to start. With uncertainty between Troutman and Ohrnberger, the Chargers will unquestionably use one of their picks on a guard in the draft.

What I want to know is “can Johnnie Troutman be a starter?” Initially projected to be selected in the early rounds of the 2012 draft Troutman’s draft stock tumbled after sustaining a pectoral injury. Troutman was a gamble pick in round five and expected to be a future business investment. AJ Smith knew Troutman wouldn’t be ready to play but perhaps he was preparing to see both Vasquez and Green walk in free agency. Nevertheless, Troutman is ready and he needs to prove he was worth the wait.

Drafting one starter and potentially seeing Troutman as the other starter could be some of the missing pieces to Philip Rivers’ “Fortress of Standitude.” In the 2012 season, Rivers’ blind side was a train wreck; we need an immediate upgrade from Green, Gaither, a trash bin and whoever else was standing in the left guard and tackle spots.

Johnnie Troutman, started three seasons for Penn State. Troutman was known for his run-blocking abilities and is highly capable of finishing blocking assignments. The most impressive stat of Troutman’s is that he didn’t allow a single sack as a starter in college. For the running game, the massive JT has the combination of size and quickness that can make plays in space. Troutman has recently been vocal about stepping up with the desire to become a starter. There is no arrogance in his voice, only confidence, which hopefully can radiate onto the field.

Feb 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Johnnie Troutman runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers placed Rookie OL Johnnie Troutman on the non-football injury list (Adam Caplan). As part of the non-football injury list, Troutman will not count against the 90-man roster and will not be allowed to participate in practice during training camp.

Troutman tore a pectoral muscle while working out before the draft and had to have surgery. The Chargers say there is a possibility that he could be healthy later in the year, but he is not expected to be used at all.