Position Battles Going Into Chargers Training Camp

By Ernie Padaon
facebooktwitterreddit

July 26, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) runs a route while covered by cornerback Gregory Gatson (right)) during training camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of training amp just around the corner, let’s look at a few position battles that we will be watching at Chargers Park.

Here are a few battles that we will be watching during camp:

Vincent Brown vs Malcom Floyd
Danario Alexander looks to have locked in one starting wide receiver spot, but the other starting spot will be a battle between the long-time Chargers vet and the SDSU youngster. Brown has a lot of potential and I think that the offense that the Chargers will be moving toward benefits him better. Floyd will not let him easily take his starting spot away though. It will be fun to see how both guys perform in the competition.

Marcus Gilchrist vs Brandon Taylor
Still not sure how Taylor will look returning from his injury. Gilchrist is holding down the spot right now while Taylor is rehabbing, but Taylor will be back for training camp. There is an open starting job next to Eric Weddle and the best man for the job will take it. I think Gilchrist will start the season as the starter. If he performs well during the season, then I am sure he keeps the job.

Defensive Linemen Depth
There are a lot of jobs up for grabs at defensive line. The starters jobs are locked down, but there are several positions available for depth. Jarius Wynn, Kwame Gathers and Byron Jerideau all can win a backup job. I am interested to see if Tom Telesco adds any more players to compete for the depth at the position.

Return Specialist
This is the only way (barring injury) that I can see Eddie Royal making the roster. If he is able to provide a spark as a punt returner/kick returner, then he should be on the roster. Otherwise, the Chargers will use the roster spot for someone else. This is Royal’s job to lose.

The Defensive Backs
Someone on the roster has to step up to provide depth in the defensive backfield. There is not a ton of experience with this crew and we need a few people step their games up as depth. This is another position that I will be paying close attention to during camp to see if Telesco picks up some help.

facebooktwitterreddit