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