Category: Latest Chargers news

3 Chargers takeaways from NFL Combine workouts: Day 1

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez drops three notable takeaways from the first day of the workouts at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Thursday with the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends working out on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Here are three Chargers takeaways from the workouts.

No. 1, Justin Herbert & Jordan Love shine

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

While LSU’s Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa spectated, Herbert and Love earned the spotlight as they threw in front of all 32 NFL teams in hopes of separating themselves as this year’s QB3.

Herbert, who has been commonly paired to the Chargers in mock drafts. The former Oregon product showcased his arm talent, delivering wonderful spiral and throw power while placing the ball in perfects throw locations. He made all of his throws look easy, especially on the deep ball.

Herbert is known for his athleticism, and the testing numbers reflected. The Eugene native ran a strong 40-yard dash, clocking in at an official 4.68. He also finished second among quarterbacks in the vertical jump (35.5 inches) and third in the broad jump (10-foot-3).

Love, who has faced questions about his inconsistencies during a disappointing redshirt junior season, threw the ball well. He delivered pretty passes with his loose and live arm to remind everyone that there’s plenty to like other than what the stat sheet showed in 2019.

As for the testing portion, Love finished tied second among quarterbacks with a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and finished fifth in the broad jump at 9-foot-10.

Herbert has just about solidified himself as a top-10 selection, but Love could have as well. On the NFL Network broadcast, Ian Rapoport said buzz was picking up about Love as a potential top-10 pick.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Why Chargers drafting QB Tua Tagovailoa is gamble worth taking

If the Los Angeles Chargers draft Tua Tagovailoa, it’s a risk but it could pay huge dividends.

Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa put his name on the map back in 2017 when he led the Crimson Tide to an eye-popping comeback victory in the National Championship Game after he replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the contest.

It was then when we knew that we had a star in the making.

Tagovailoa went on to win the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards the following year, along with SEC Offensive Player of the Year and second-team Associated Press All-American honors.

In 2019, Tagovailoa’s surge on the field continued, as he totaled 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions in nine games. He completed 71.4 percent of his passes and led the nation with a 206.9 efficiency rating.

With momentum riding his way during his junior campaign, the year that he was finally draft eligible and bound to make a quarterback-needy team happy, Tua suffered a significant injury in early November.

Tua dislocated his hip in what was his final drive against Mississippi State. Many questioned Tagovailoa’s participation from the start, as he was already banged up from a high-ankle sprain sustained a few weeks prior to the contest.

Many wondered if he would go pro in hopes that his hip would progress enough to convince an NFL team he is still worthy of a top pick? Or return to school and risk further injury, but prove he could stay healthy?

The Hawaii native and devout Christian relied on his faith to make the difficult decision, foregoing his senior season and entering the 2020 NFL Draft.

As Tua made his announcement that he would be making the leap, NFL teams knew the talent was there in the signal-caller, but the durability concerns loomed large.

With the Chargers needing a future franchise quarterback and being in that range to grab him, is it worth taking the risk to draft a player who suffered five injuries throughout his collegiate career?

His tape says yes, without a doubt as it shows an elite passer with some rare traits.

Coach Anthony Lynn wants someone who can take care of the ball, and Tua has spot-on accuracy to get the ball to his receivers no matter the area of the field.

He has done a great job at limiting turnovers in the air. Tua only threw 11 interceptions in his two seasons as the starter.

[wpvideo z86IQLcO]

[wpvideo eCsSUOrL]

His accuracy in the short areas of the field is exceptional, allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch.

Tua is efficient in the RPO game, showing sound footwork in his drop back and quickly pulling the ball out and getting it out even when under duress.

[wpvideo 46vxrpsi]

Tua has explosive hips and lower body twitch to get throws off quickly.

[wpvideo OymkQDmx]

Eye-discipline, which is important at the next level, is one of his biggest strengths. He shows the ability to make full field reads, manipulating coverages with his eyes and quickly flipping his hips and shoulders towards his target.

[wpvideo bnKdDpRU]

[wpvideo SkvLOEeg]

Tua has some of the best pocket awareness to get outside of it when pressured, where he will make some dazzling throws on the move or pick up some yards with his legs.

[wpvideo ZVJdHCW6]

[wpvideo k0MhbeTq]

There aren’t many negatives when it comes to Tua outside of the durability concerns. Tagovailoa has plenty of juice on his throws, but he doesn’t have the biggest arm in this class. Still, lack of arm strength isn’t something to be worried about with his game.

Another concern that’s brought up is that his game was elevated by a supporting cast made up of an abundance of future professional wideouts.

Three months removed from his injury, there are positive reviews about Tagovailoa’s recovery. He has received overwhelmingly positive reports on his hip from teams who examined him the past two days in Indianapolis at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

The MRIs were as clean as could have been reasonably expected, according to the report, and the fracture is healed. The blood flow and range of motion both checked out as well.

Tagovailoa isn’t working out with the other quarterbacks on Thursday, but he could be cleared for a return at a checkup with his doctor on March 9. He hopes to hold his own Pro Day on April 9, which is two weeks before the draft in Las Vegas.

If the medicals check out, general manager Tom Telesco might have to work the phones to make it happen when factoring in who’s right in front of them in the draft.

The Dolphins, who are another a quarterback-needy team, should have their eyes on Tua. Miami is slated to pick No. 5 overall, which means that Los Angeles would have to jump them if they see Tagovailoa as their guy.

Fans are concerned with his health and feel like he’s not worth the pick. But like any quarterback taken early on in the draft, there is always an extreme risk if you expect them to be the centerpiece of your offense for years to come. But taking the chance could pay huge dividends.

Tagovailoa could benefit from being on a team like Los Angeles because he wouldn’t have to start Year 1 since Tyrod Taylor will likely be the starter in 2020, giving Tua enough time to sit and rehab back to full health for the 2021 season where he could then take the reins.

Tua would also be a great fit for the Bolts as they start a new journey in SoFi Stadium. With the desire to bring fans to the stadium, he would do just that since he was one of the most polarizing players in college football for the past few years.

The bottom line is Tagovailoa is as elite a quarterback prospect as they come. The former Alabama signal-caller had a magnificent collegiate career in Tuscaloosa, and he brings great leadership ability and a winning track record, who will thrive if he stays healthy at the next level.

Colts linked as ‘most logical spot’ for QB Philip Rivers

Could quarterback Philip Rivers be taking his talents to the midwest?

While the NFL Draft prospects at the 2020 Scouting Combine are the main attraction right now, free agency buzz that’s heating up continues to draw many people’s attention.

One of the bigger storylines is the potential destination for former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts are linked as the top fit for the 38-year old.

“It seems right now the most logical spot would be the Indianapolis Colts, who haven’t ruled out anything, may be in the quarterback market, who have Jacoby Brissett—they have to make some decisions on—and still may draft a quarterback,” Rapoport said. “Right now, that seems like the most logical spot for Rivers and if not there, it’s kind of anyone’s guess where else.”

The most important thing to note is that Rapoport didn’t say that they’re showing interest at the moment. It’s still a bit early, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Indianapolis is aggressive to try to acquire him when free agency begins on March 18.

Rivers is familiar with head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. Along with that, the Colts play indoors, have several playmakers on offense and one of the league’s best offensive lines to keep the veteran signal-caller on his feet.

Chargers had formal meeting with DT Neville Gallimore

The Los Angeles Chargers had a formal meeting with one of the draft’s most disruptive interior defenders.

According to former Oklahoma defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, one of his formal meetings at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine was with the Los Angeles Chargers, per Cowboys Report’s Tom Downey.

Gallimore, the 6-foot-2 and 304 pounder, was one of the nation’s most disruptive defensive tackles this past season. The Ontario native amassed 147 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in his four-year stint at Oklahoma.

The Chargers’ depth chart at nose tackle is extremely thin. Brandon Mebane only has one more year left on his contract, and both Damion Square and Sylvester are set to hit free agency in March.

Gallimore possesses the size for the nose tackle position at the next level and the toolbox to move the line of scrimmage, which would be a much-needed boost for the Bolts.

The former Sooner projects as a second or third-round selection in the draft.

Chargers’ Anthony Lynn on RB Melvin Gordon: ‘We’d like to have him back’

Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said that he’s hopeful the franchise can work a deal with running back Melvin Gordon.

Will running back Melvin Gordon, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 18, suit up in the blue and gold during the 2020 season?

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said that he’s hopeful the franchise can work a deal with Gordon.

“We love Melvin. He’s outstanding,” Lynn said on PFT Live. “He held out last year, that hurt us a little bit, but when he came back his attitude and the way he fit right back into the locker room was typical Melvin. We’d like to have him back, but it’s free agency and you never know what’s going to happen.”

Gordon, who was hoping to get a contract extension last offseason, sat out the first month of the 2019 season. He had a bumpy start before coming into his own. Starting in Week 9, Gordon had a five-game stretch that saw him total 526 total yards and four touchdowns. He tallied 908 all-purpose yards with nine touchdowns in 12 contests.

Even though Gordon has been productive the past few seasons, durability concerns loom as the former Wisconsin product has completed only one full 16-game slate in his five seasons since being picked in the first-round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

General manager Tom Telesco was asked how the situation has affected the team’s offseason plans on Tuesday, and from his comments it appears that the franchise is going to let Gordon test the free agency market.

“They’ve always been great discussions. His representation is doing their job, never contentious, and that’s the way these things go sometimes. You try and get to a place where both people think it’s going to work. It didn’t quite get there last year during training camp, but we always had good, constructive discussions with them. We’ll probably have them again here. But it is what it is right now,” Telesco said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Even though the Chargers are slated to have $48 million in salary cap space, they have other needs that will need to be prioritized, including looking to sign non-household players, franchise tagging tight end Hunter Henry and extending defensive end Joey Bosa.

Los Angeles has Austin Ekeler, who will likely be tendered this offseason and Justin Jackson, two players that have proven themselves. The team could look to solidify the backfield by drafting a back late, signing an undrafted free agent or re-signing Troymaine Pope (if Gordon isn’t brought back).

2020 NFL Combine: Matt Peart stands out as offensive tackles measure in

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez drops some of his takeaways from the offensive tackle’s measurements at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The offensive tackles were among the positional groups that measured in on Tuesday at the 2020 NFL Combine.

For the Chargers, addressing the position sits the near the top of their to-do list this offseason. Therefore, they will likely be in the market for one in the early rounds of the draft.

Here is a look at the measurements of the tackles courtesy of CBS Sports, followed by some of our takeaways:

Takeaways

  • Matt Peart was arguably the biggest winner. The former UConn product boasted the longest arms and wingspan, which is extremely beneficial at the position. At 320 pounds, he looks the part with an NFL frame. Peart put together solid tape at the right tackle position, stamping himself as a top-100 pick. He should help his stock even more after showing off his athleticism this week.
  • Standing at a whopping 6-foot-8 and 365 pounds, Mekhi Becton has an enormous frame with natural girth and a wide base, along with octopus-like arms. Becton has seen his stock rise throughout the past couple of months, and he should be picked within the top-20 selections.
  • There’s been plenty of chatter of kicking Tristan Wirfs inside to guard because of his arm length, but those talks were put to rest after coming in at 34-inch arms. At 320 pounds and an 80-inch wingspan, Wirfs looks the part as an NFL offensive tackle.
  • Robert Hunt has also been on the fence of whether or not he needs to move from tackle to guard, but after coming in with a solid 82-inch wingspan, it’s safe to say that he can stay on the outside.
  • Ben Bartch, the small-school standout, didn’t have the most ideal measurements for the position. Bartch came in with the shortest arms of anyone in his group and he fell short of 310 pounds. His tape suggests that he should be able to play tackle at the next level, but he will likely have to put on a little bit more weight.
  • There were concerns in regards to Ezra Cleveland’s arm length, but he came in at 33 7/8 inches with a wingspan of 80 7/8 inches. We currently have Cleveland stamped as an early-third rounder, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he moves himself into top-50 consideration after this week.

Chargers have formal interview with OT Ben Bartch

The Los Angeles Chargers have a formal interview at the NFL Combine with a small-school standout.

According to former St. John’s offensive tackle Ben Bartch, one of his formal interviews at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is with the Los Angeles Chargers, per Texans Wire’s Mark Lane.

Bartch is a 6-foot-5 and 309 pound converted tight end who raised eyebrows at the Senior Bowl, stamping himself as one of the best tackles in Mobile, AL throughout the week.

From his tape and showing at the Senior Bowl, the small-school standout showed everything that you could ask for in an NFL offensive lineman: Footwork, play awareness, great hands, ability to anchor and strong at the point of attack.

Bartch played strictly left tackle during his time at St. John’s. He’s more than capable of manning one of the tackle spots at the next level, but he could slide inside to guard, too. Regardless, versatility is something that the Bolts covet in their offensive linemen.

If the Chargers take a quarterback in the first-round, Bartch should be in strong consideration on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

4-round Chargers mock draft, pre-NFL Scouting Combine Edition

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez releases his latest four-round projections for the Los Angeles Chargers.

With the National Scouting Combine kicking off this week, the NFL draft picture has started to come into focus. As big boards become more evident, what might the Chargers do when the big day rolls around come April?

Below is our own four-round mock draft that sees Los Angeles get their future franchise quarterback, a weapon for him, some protection and an impactful cornerback.

Round 1, No. 6, Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This has been the most common pairing to this point, but Herbert to Los Angeles makes a lot of sense on many levels, as the team looks to find Philip Rivers’ replacement.

Herbert is a physical specimen, who has the skillset, traits and tools that coach Anthony Lynn is looking for in a signal-caller. The area of his game that gets scrutinized the most is primarily mental, but he took a leap last month at the Senior Bowl to defy those.

With the weapons around him, headlined by Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry, as well an improvement to the offensive line (which can be addressed in free agency and rounds following the first) Herbert could really reach his full potential.

This week in Indianapolis, the interview process will be the most important part for Herbert. This will be his opportunity to show that he is capable of leading an NFL team and impress the coaching staff when they put him on the whiteboard.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Top takeaways from Tom Telesco’s press conference at NFL Combine

Tom Telesco held his annual press conference at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco held a press conference, where he discussed the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as several items about the Bolts’ offseason.

Here are some of the top takeaways from the session with reporters:

What is Telesco looking for in their next quarterback?

Telesco was asked what the team is looking for in their next quarterback after the departure of Philip Rivers. “Truthfully, a lot of attributes Philip Rivers had. You want that intangible part. It’s very important for the quarterback to be able to lead, to have work ethic, preparation skills, handle adversity. And then you want the physical skills, too. To be able to have a quick decision-maker on the field and arm strength,” Telesco said.

Confident in Tyrod Taylor

All attention has been shifted to how the Chargers will address the quarterback position this offseason, but Telesco is solely confident in Taylor, who has one more year left on his contract, saying that he could enter the year as the starting quarterback. “Right now we have Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback. We’re confident we can win with Tyrod. We’ll look at all the other options that are out there. It’s still early in the process,” Telesco said.

No comment on possibility of adding Tom Brady

Brady has been commonly linked to the Chargers this offseason, but Telesco, who stays tight-lipped with the team’s plans this early, isn’t giving out any information on any of the signal-callers that could draw interest. He said the Chargers are looking at everything from a wide-angle lens, not eliminating anything. “He’s a good player, but I don’t think it’ll be good for me to comment (about upcoming free agents),” Telesco said.

Not planning on adding a quarterbacks coach

The only positional coach that needs to be filled is for the quarterbacks, but it’s unlikely that the team will add one. Telesco said he does not expect to hire a quarterbacks coach. Senior assistant Rip Scherer will work closely with the quarterbacks.

Hunter Henry

Henry is a pending free agent, but Telesco is looking to retain the tight end. Telesco says the franchise tag is an option for him.

Mike Pouncey

Telesco said that Pouncey hasn’t been medically cleared yet. Pouncey suffered a neck injury in Week 5 which ended his season. The center said after the season that he hopes to continue playing.

Austin Ekeler

Ekeler is a restricted free agent, but it’s more than likely that he will have a tender placed on him. Telesco said he views Ekeler as a guy who can handle the touches over the course of an entire season, and hopes to see him have a large role moving forward.

James Campen

Campen was hired as the team’s new offensive line coach last month. Telesco says he will have a way in what kind of linemen the team tries to bring in but feels the current group fits the scheme as well. Campen has a proven track record at developing mid-late round players into Pro Bowlers.

Top takeaways from Anthony Lynn’s press conference at NFL Combine

Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn held his annual press conference at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn held a press conference, where he discussed the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as several items about the Bolts’ offseason.

Here are some of the top takeaways from the session with reporters:

Debunking myth of needing a mobile quarterback

Given his history as a coach and who he’s worked with in the past, many believe that Lynn only wants a quarterback that can win with his legs. Lynn says he wants a “winning” quarterback and doesn’t care if he’s mobile. “I believe that guy in New England won a lot. He’s not very mobile,” Lynn said. He’s referring to Tom Brady. When asked about Brady possibly coming to L.A., Lynn laughed, saying, “I don’t know. Just rumors. All options on the table for us though.”

Backfield situation

With Melvin Gordon set to be a free agent, all eyes are on Austin Ekeler, who many believe could become the No. 1 RB. But based on Lynn’s comments, it could indicate that Gordon will be back or the team will look to bring someone in as the bellcow role. “I like him (Ekeler) as a tandem guy,” Lynn said. He alluded that he likes him with another back. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Ekeler can’t manage the starting role, though. Lynn had high praise for Justin Jackson, saying that he has the best instincts of all in the backfield.

No love for Q?

Lynn said he spoke to center Mike Pouncey last week, but he hasn’t been cleared. Interesting enough, Lynn added that Dan Feeney is an excellent center without mentioning Scott Quessenberry, who took over as the starting role when Feeney had to revert back to the guard spot after Forrest Lamp suffered a season-ending injury.

Faith in Jerry Tillery

Tilley, the team’s first-round selection from 2019, didn’t have the rookie season that many were anticipating. The former Notre Dame product didn’t  make much of an impact up front, struggling with the technical aspect of the position. But Lynn believes that Tillery will use this offseason to make a leap in Year 2. “I think Jerry Tillery has a lot of potential for growth,” Lynn said.