In addressing the media (video) at the NFL scouting combine, San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco spent about 13 minutes taking questions from reporters.
He was immediately asked about the team’s situation at the tight end position, and indicated that Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green are two players that he wants to re-sign. He also indicated that the team should have the finances to make that happen once all is said and done.
Tom Telesco said Chargers to meet with Ladarius Green's agent this week. "He's someone we'd like to keep. We'll see how it goes."
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) February 25, 2016
Telesco stated that sparking the running game will be a big focus in 2016 when asked about how he felt Melvin Gordon’s rookie season went. Telesco downplayed Gordon’s struggles and instead focused on his improvements in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield.
It seems obvious that the Chargers must improve the offensive line if this team is going to go anywhere, but Telesco said he felt the fact that the team wasn’t able to keep the same five players on the field was more of a factor than anything. He admitted that the line struggled opening lanes in the running game, but actually called the pass protection “pretty good.”
Tom Telesco in rare form this morning saying Chargers O-Line, Jahleel Addae & Melvin Gordon all "played well" or "played good" last season
— Garrett Sisti (@GarrettSisti) February 25, 2016
When asked about the money available under the salary cap this year, Telesco gave a very general answer, comparing spending money under the cap to budgeting household finances. He seemed to indicate the team may not have as much money as he would like to lure players over from other teams.
One reporter asked Telesco about Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey, a player who is a strong possibility for the Chargers with the No. 3 overall pick. Asked whether Ramsey would fit best as a cornerback or a safety, Telesco said he was a talented player who could “go either way.”
Finally, Telesco was asked to talk about Eric Weddle and referred to him as “universally recognized in San Diego as the best safety that’s played there.” But he also referred to Weddle in the past tense and talked up Jahleel Addae before saying the team will be a lot younger at the safety position next year.
It will be interesting to see where Weddle ends up next year. Hopefully for the Chargers, it’s not with another AFC West team.