Chargers 4th OLB: Battle Of The Ex-Panthers
By Peter Thompson
Nov 16, 2012; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Graham Wilbert (14) is sacked by Florida International Golden Panthers defensive end Tourek Williams (97) during the second quarter FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Good afternoon Charger Fans!!!
Kind of a slow day today, so I figured we could break up the monotony with a nice little poll.
The Chargers are on break until late July, and it is still unclear what the team will look like. One player that I am secretly fascinated with is Florida International Panther, Tourek Williams. I posted a poll, after the draft, to see which draft pick fans were most excited about. Surprisingly, Tourek Williams didn’t get one vote. Even Brad Sorensen got votes. But, lately, it seems like people may have been more excited about the young man? Lets find out.
Our pass rush suffered an unfortunate setback when Melvin Ingram tore his ACL. Tom Telesco moved quickly, and brought in Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, to secure the starting position opposite Jarret Johnson. Behind him, we have Larry English, who seems to be a shoe in for the back-up role. He will get a chance to see the field more often, and show that he can play a full season, without getting hurt. Telesco also brought in Thomas Keiser through free agency, and drafted Tourek Williams in the 6th round of this year’s draft.
At this point, Keiser & Williams will be competing for the 4th OLB spot on the roster. I have seen some folks out there who think Keiser should make the team, and we obviously drafted Williams to see if we can groom him for the back-up pass rush specialist roll.
Sept. 1, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon (10) gets sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Thomas Keiser (61) while playing at Bank of America Stadium. Steelers win 33-17. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Ex Carolina Panther Thomas Keiser is a 24 year old undrafted free agent out of Stanford, and has two years of NFL experience under his belt. He was waived by the Carolina Panthers earlier this year, and hasn’t put up any real numbers. However, he was a back-up player, so no surprise there.
Tourek Williams (I kinda like the name Tourek.. not really sure why) played for Florida International, and made the All-Sun Belt first-team in 2012. He also made the All-Sun Belt second-team in both his sophomore & junior year. Here is what NFL.com had to say about Tourek Williams:
He has good speed around the edge, and great short area burst, but he has short arms, and doesn’t use his hands all that well. As of right now, he best projects as a situational pass rushing 4-3 defensive end.
So, what are your thoughts on who will lock up that 4th position? Williams, Keiser… or possibly someone else? Now… Go poll!!!!
Keep Bolting Toward Excellence!
Peter Thompson
Who Will Win The 4th Chargers OLB Position?