Would You Be Happy With Last Year’s Receiving Group In 2014?
By Peter Thompson
Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Eddie Royal (11) celebrates with receiver Malcom Floyd (80) after scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: TKirby Lee-USA ODAY Sports
There has been a lot of talk about drafting a wide receiver in May. Some people think that we should take a wide receiver in the first round, and others think we should address that need somewhere around the third round. Even if the latter happened, the wide receiver class is pretty deep this year, and there is still good talent to be found there. If we were to draft a receiver in the first round, there is no doubt that having that kind of talent opposite Keenan Allen would be a thing of beauty.
But, what if we fielded the same group as last season? Would anybody be upset with that? Let’s assume that Malcom Floyd comes back to be either our #1 or #2 receiver, and we had Vincent Brown, Eddie Royal, Seyi Ajirotutu, and a late round draft pick after that. Would people be comfortable with that group taking the field this season? Obviously, we are still waiting to hear something from the Chargers regarding Malcom Floyd’s recovery, so it’s hard to gauge what’s going on, and the draft is just weeks away.
Malcom implied that he intends on returning, if he is physically able to. Meanwhile, there were reports that Tom Telesco approached players like Hakeem Nicks, and Steve Smith in free agency two weeks ago. Does that mean that Malcom is out the door, or was Telesco just preparing for the worst, in case he didn’t come back? There are so many questions, and it’s not even certain that the Chargers themselves have the answers. It appears that some fans have already moved on, and are looking for San Diego to draft Floyd’s replacement. Others are holding out for news of his return.
Another thing to think about is Vincent Brown’s production from last season. We were all expecting good things out of the youngster. After all, he was pretty impressive at the end of 2011, and at the beginning of 2012. When he broke his ankle, we were all very disappointed at the loss. Upon his return, we were equally disappointed that he had an extremely flat year. Is that a product of the new system McCoy & Company has implemented, or was he just in a funk? Can he be better in 2014? It doesn’t look like he is going anywhere, but he will definitely be competing for his “normal” position on the depth chart. I’m pretty certain that practice squad players like Mike Willie, and Dan DePalma want a piece of the pie, as well. All of this could factor into where (or even “if”) we take a wide receiver in the draft. Also, the fact that injuries have hit this group regularly still looms over any decision that is to be made.
So, if Floyd comes back to play for the Chargers this season, how would you feel about going into the 2014 season with the same group of receivers, and possibly one other late round draft pick? Would that be enough for you, or would it leave you with a bad taste in your mouth? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and remember to vote in the poll.
Keep Bolting Toward Excellence!
Peter Thompson
Would You Be Happy Going Into The 2014 Season With The Same Group Of Receivers As Last Season?