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.

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, Philip Rivers is facing his final audition.

“No one will say it, but I think that 2013 is the final audition of Philip Rivers,” – Kevin Acee

Is this for real? No one will say it? Maybe. nobody will say it because nobody is thinking it.

Final audition? First off, don’t think that Philip Rivers will fail this final audition, but we are talking about a quarterback that won 7 games without any players around him. Our best runningback last year was Ronnie Brown. Our best receiver was picked up in the middle of the season. Our starting left tackle was an undrafted rookie. And he still won 7 games!

Philip has struggled. He has made inexcusable throws. He needs to get comfortable again. He needs to play smarter. Still, why would this be his final audition?

I would take Philip Rivers over a lot of quarterbacks in the league. Alex Smith and Matt Flynn just joined the AFC West and I would rather have Philip running the show over them.

Philip will be better this season. We will get offensive weapons for him and the new coaching staff will get the offense rolling again.

Will Phillip Rivers Remain a San Diego Charger if QB Geno Smith is available when San Diego picks with the #11 overall pick?

Aprils Fools turned out to be no fooling around today, with three new quarterbacks going to three new NFL teams. Now that Buffalo signed Kevin Kolb, Arizona about ready to trade for Carson Palmer, and Oakland trading for Matt Flynn, some quarterback hungry teams aren’t that hungry any longer. These three transactions can very much alter this month’s NFL Draft, especially for the San Diego Chargers and their current draft needs.

San Diego cut ties with left tackle Jared Gaither last week opening a glaring hole at left tackle (which is their most important draft need). The top three offensive tackles (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher & Lane Johnson) could be taken before San Diego picks at number eleven. San Diego can elect drafting other needs in the first round (like outside linebacker, nose tackle, guard or even receiver ) but if Philadelphia, Arizona or Buffalo elect to pass on top rated quarterback Geno Smith, San Diego might be forced to draft a new quarterback.

Geno Smith has been projected the #1 overall draft pick, as well as the highest rated quarterback in the 2013 draft. Smith was first projected to go #1 to Kansas City, but the Chiefs traded for new starter Alex Smith. The Cardinals, Raiders and Bills all have had links to quarterback Geno Smith within the top ten picks, but all have NEW quarterbacks as of TODAY. Those same teams that all pick before San Diego could all draft the big three left tackles, and are now more likely to be gone by San Diego’s #11 pick.

New Chargers GM Tom Telesco has already said that San Diego will draft the best player available, regardless of position. If Geno Smith is available at #11, Telesco may have to draft him. But that would seem alright, right? New GM’s on new teams want to draft their guys. Plus San Diego has a new head coach, and head coaches are the same way as GM’s, they all want their choice in players. Phillip Rivers was old GM AJ Smith’s guy. The last two years, Rivers has had too many turnovers and very inconsistent play, but most of that blame has been swept towards the porous offensive line. Therefore Rivers is still tradable and may be at his final peak as tradable commodity.

Rivers could get traded immediately (probably demand two 1st round draft picks). One team that has been willing to trade high draft picks for veteran players (and has the salary cap room to take on Rivers contract) is Tampa Bay (not to mention all the Bucs & Darrelle Revis trade rumors). Bucs head coach, Greg Schiano, has no “ties” with their current quarterback, as Josh Freeman was he drafted by the previous coaching staff. No loyalty there. And who has better chemistry with Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson than Phillip Rivers? (other than Antonio Gates)

Or Geno Smith could be tutored by Rivers for a season (and watch & learn from the bench). This may be additional motivation for Rivers to perform better (kind of like what happened with Drew Brees with Rivers on the bench). But without a new 1st round left tackle, Rivers will probably perform badly as he need the protection he can get.

Or Rivers could be traded midseason, kind of like the Bengals and Carson Palmer. WHO KNOWS…

Of course, I’m only guessing if left tackles Joeckel, Fisher or L.Johnson are NOT available when San Diego picks the draft. And usually good quarterbacks like (Geno Smith and Matt Barkley) get drafted quickly. Quarterbacks always go ahead from their projections as this is a quarterback driven league.

…but what if Geno Smith is available for the NEW San Diego Chargers to draft?

Story by James Fedewa (nationalfanatic.wordpress.com)