Grading The Chargers Roster Prior To Free Agency And Draft
By Paul Maland
Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the tunnel before the game against the New England Patriots at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
In order to properly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Chargers roster entering the off-season, it’s important to know how it stands prior to both free agency and the draft. I have broken down the current official roster by position to only include players under contract in 2015. The problem with the roster breakdown currently is that the Chargers are rumored to make positional changed along the offensive line this coming season. If DJ Fluker slides in to guard and Chris Watt officially transitions to center, the draft and free agent signing strategy could look a whole lot different. Regardless, you will see the overwhelming need for contracted bodies along the offensive line.
A couple things to keep in mind when assessing the roster
Free agents such as King Dunlap and Brandon Flowers and viewed as top priority and if signed back, give significant boosts to their respective positions.
Players in positions with plenty of depth and on high dollar contracts like Jarret Johnson and John Phillips could still be cut or have contracts negotiated.
Philip Rivers
Kellen Clemens
Brad Sorenson (practice squad)
Danny Woodhead
Branden Oliver
Donald Brown
Antonio Gates
Ladarius Green
John Phillips
David Johnson
Dave Paulson (practice squad)
Keenan Allen
Malcom Floyd
Dontrelle Inman
Austin Pettis (reserve/future contract)
Torrence Allen (practice squad)
Javontee Herndon (practice squad)
DJ Fluker
Jeremiah Sirles
Kenny Wiggins
Chad Rinehart
Chris Watt
Johnnie Troutman
Craig Watts (practice squad)
Bryce Quigley (practice squad)
Jeff Baca
Corey Liuget
Tenny Palepoi
Damion Square
Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe
Chas Alecxih (practice squad)
Ryan Carrethers
Sean Lissemore
Kendall Reyes
Damik Scafe
Jarret Johnson
Melvin Ingram
Jerry Attaochu
Cordarro Law
Tourek Williams
Coltol Underwood (practice squad)
Donald Butler
Manti Te’o
Kavell Conner
Jason Verrett
Steve Williams
Chris Davis
Greg Ducre
Richard Crawford (practice squad)
Eric Weddle
Jahleel Addai
Darrell Stuckey
Adrian Phillips (practice squad)
Mike Scifres
Nick Novak
Bottom line:A lot is going to happen between now and 2015 NFL kickoff weekend. But you have to know where you stand in order to determine what it will take to get where you want to be. The Chargers can’t afford to miss on draft picks this year. They desperately need game ready talent who will have a rookie impact. Flowers and Dunlap remain the highest priority re-signings. Other beneficial re-signings include Eddie Royal, Andrew Gachkar, Marcus Gilchrist, and special teams player of the year Seyi Ajirotutu.
Oct 20, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers helmet lays on the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports