2006 NFL Preview: The San Diego Chargers

Quarterback- In getting rid of Drew Brees this offseason, the Chargers solved one of their biggest personnel decisions in 2005: who will be the quarterback of the future in San Diego? Philip Rivers has gotten some token playing time the last two years in San Diego but the 2006 NFL season is the proving ground for Rivers’ high draft status in 2004. Rivers has a great arm but it is questionable if his two years on the bench are going to set him back or will have given him enough knowledge to put it all together on the field this season. Behind Rivers, General Manager A.J. Smith traded for A.J. Feeley last season in order to get a solid backup for the youngster. Feeley made his name as Donovan McNabb’s backup in Philadelphia and if Rivers goes down, look for Feeley to operate the offense efficiently. At the third quarterback position, rookie Charlie Whitehurst will get an opportunity to develop as a solid NFL quarterback under the tutelage of Coach Schottenheimer.
2006 NFL Grade: B

Running Back/Full Back- LaDainian Tomlinson needs to get some support on offense in order to have as long a career as the Chargers would like from him, but look for Schottenheimer and Co. to use him as extensively as the last two years as a runner and receiver. However, Michael Turner turned his game to a new level against the Colts in 2005 and third down back Darren Sproles reminds some of Dave Meggett, which bodes well for a young Chargers team in 2006. Look for them to use these other backs as much as possible to take pressure off of Tomlinson. Fullback Lorenzo Neal will give this group some leadership and his ability to block for Tomlinson makes him invaluable in the 2006 NFL season.
2006 NFL Grade: A

Wide Receiver/Tight End- Antonio Gates, the young but prolific tight end for the Chargers, will remain the best target for Rivers coming into 2006. Gates is too fast and too big to be contained by linebackers and corners, respectively, and could have a great year in 2006. That qualification is based on the performance of the receiving corps in the 2006 NFL season. Keenan McCardell had a great season for San Diego in 2005 and if he can keep his age at bay, the 2006 NFL season could be a solid one for him. Newly acquired Rashaun Woods has talent but may not have the head to compete in the NFL on a regular basis. The second starting receiver will more than likely be Eric Parker unless Woods can step up and perform in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

Offensive Line- The offensive line has few superstars but the line will work hard for Tomlinson and Rivers in 2006. Center Nick Hardwick is coming into his own as the central point of the line, while Mike Goff provides solid guard play, and veteran Roman Oben will keep pressure off of Rivers long enough to get the ball away. This portion of the Chargers need to get together early on, or the young quarterback and the formidable running back have no opportunity in the 2006 NFL season.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

Defensive Line- The defensive end combination of Igor Olshansky and Shawne Merriman could become one of the most potent in the NFL in 2006, with Olshansky providing some muscle on one side while Merriman is a pass rusher extraordinare. Olshansky will be a Pro Bowler in 2006, while Merriman will just rack up Pro Bowl numbers. In the middle, the Chargers have a formidable duo with big tackle Luis Castillo and veteran Jamal Williams, who will force offenses to make a tough decision between running outside to avoid them or taking their chances inside in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Linebacker- Between veteran Donnie Edwards and young linebacker Matt Wilhelm, the Chargers have a diverse group in the linebacker corps. Edwards is one of the team’s leaders and Wilhelm has shown that he is a solid tackler and gap filler. Look for Wilhelm to have a Pro Bowl season while Edwards has a consistent veteran performance. Carlos Polk rounds out the corps and will give a workman’s performance at the second level in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: B

Defensive Back- The Chargers’ first round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, is coming into a good situation in San Diego. The biggest question about Cromartie is that he is coming off an injury in his final season at Florida State, making NFL pundits wonder if he should have been taken in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. However, the Chargers already have two solid starters at corner in Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence and have no need to rush Cromartie into position. This means if Cromartie is ready to come in at the beginning of the 2006 NFL season, he will probably play in relief or in the nickel slot, which could make for an excellent defensive backfield. Look for one of the three cornerbacks to have a great year in 2006 because the quarterback has to throw it toward one of them.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Kicker/Punter- The Chargers are young at the specialist positions, as kicker Nate Kaeding and punter Mike Scifres only have a couple NFL season under their belt. Look for Kaeding to continue improving as a clutch kicker and to see if Scifres can continue his upward swing as a punter, especially in punt accuracy. In order for the Chargers to get back to the playoffs, they need both of these specialist to be working full force in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

2006 NFL Projection- The Chargers will go 9-7 and compete for the AFC wild card, but may fall short again.