Hi. I’m Matt, and I’m a Chargers fan.
I was recently brought in to be one of the editors for Bolt Beat, and before I start writing away, I wanted to let you all know a little bit about myself.
First off, I’m honored to be writing for Bolt Beat again. The first time I ever wrote about the San Diego Chargers was with this site (2014) thanks to the one and only Ernie Padaon. I never met him, but he let me in, and that is something I’ll always cherish.
While I have visited, I’m not a San Diego native. I’m 25 years old and from New Jersey (don’t worry, my temper is fine..sometimes), and I currently live in Connecticut working for the YES Network (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network). Unlike Ted Cruz, who called a basketball hoop a ‘basketball ring,’ I know my sports.
So how did I become a fan of the Chargers you ask? Well, my family and relatives are fans of many different teams including the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Because of that, I decided to go a different route in 2003-04 and picked my own team, and that happened to be the Chargers. The powder blues and representation of San Diego (it stood out because I’m a surfer) had a big influence on my decision.
And like the rest of you, I’ve been depressed ever since. All joking aside, win or lose, I’ll always be behind this team.
Enough about me, so let’s talk business. The 2016 NFL Draft will be here in less than 48 hours. As many of you already know, it’s the first time since the 2004 draft that the Chargers will be selecting in the top 10. Injuries hit them hard last season, and while they have talent and did well in free agency. they still have a few holes to fill–primarily at defensive end, safety and center.
My last article at Pro Football Spot, the previous blog I was writing for, was a seven-round mock draft for the Chargers. I’m new here, and I feel that it’s important to show you where I stand in terms of the first pick along with which players I see the Chargers targeting and why. I didn’t include any trades, but if the price is right, I can see the Chargers trading down for extra picks (possibly with the Jaguars, 49ers or even Dolphins); but extra picks don’t always mean you end up with the best players. That said, feel free to give it a read and share your opinions.
Again, I look forward to bringing quality content to the Bolt Beat family. Let’s hope the Chargers kill it at the draft! Take care now, bye bye then.