Category: Latest Chargers news

Chargers make assortment of coaching changes

The Los Angeles Chargers will have some new coaches in the 2020 regular season.

The Los Angeles Chargers made a handful of changes to the coaching staff on Tuesday.

After taking over as the offensive coordinator halfway through the 2019 regular season, Shane Steichen earned the right to be retained in the same role heading into the 2020 campaign.

Former offensive line coach Pat Meyer departed to Carolina to take the same position for the Panthers. Replacing him will be James Campen. Serving as the assistant offensive line coach will be David Diaz-Infante. Former assistant offensive line coach Mark Ridgley will coach the running backs.

Alfredo Roberts, who was the running backs coach last season, will now take over as the tight ends coach. Former tight ends coach Rip Scherer is now a senior assistant coach.

Former quality control coach Addison Lynch will now be the assistant defensive backs coach. Ryan, the son of defensive backs coach Ron Milus, takes over as the defensive quality control coach.

Will Chargers consider trading up in 2020 NFL Draft? Don’t count L.A. out

The Los Angeles Chargers could be looking to move up in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers possess the No. 6 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. It’s a good spot to land one of the premiere prospects, but it might not be good enough for general manager Tom Telesco.

Picking in the top-10 for the third time since 2004, this marks the first time that L.A. will likely be heavily considering a quarterback with their first-round pick since then.

But they might have to pay up a price to get one.

Teams are increasingly reaching the conclusion that quarterbacks that have potential don’t grow on trees and one of the most valuable assets is a starting quarterback on his rookie contract.

With that, teams are more eager than ever before to trade up and get the one they want. In fact, 10 of the last 13 first-round quarterbacks have been drafted by a team that traded up to get him.

There’s a high possibility that top-rated quarterback Joe Burrow will be off the board with the No. 1 overall selection to the Cincinnati Bengals, which leaves Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Utah State’s Jordan Love as the next tier of signal-callers available.

There is one team ahead of the Chargers that is in need of a quarterback – the Miami Dolphins (No. 5). Behind them that could be in the market for one are the Carolina Panthers (No. 7), Indianapolis Colts (No. 13), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 14) and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 19).

All teams mentioned above could very well be working the phones with the Washington Redskins (No. 2), Detroit Lions (No. 3) and New York Giants (No. 4) to move up for Tua, Herbert or Love.

Even if those teams aren’t calling to trade up after all, the Chargers have no idea what’s going on while they’re in the war room. If a player is that vital to them, the only thing they can control is doing whatever it takes to get their guy.

How much would it cost the Chargers, should they choose to go down this route? History suggests a pretty hefty price might be required.

In 2018, the New York Jets, who had the No. 6 overall selection, traded with the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 3 overall selection. The Jets gave up their 2018 first (No. 6 overall), two 2018 seconds (37th and 49th overall) and a 2019 second-round pick.

Seems like quite a bit, doesn’t it? It does, and even if they’re able to work out a better deal with a team, you’re looking at a player at a position that’s the most important on the field, who you are banking on being your signal-caller for the next decade, which means sacrifices will have to be made.

The bottom line is that it shouldn’t be surprising if Telesco were to jump up a couple spots on draft day when factoring how much of a need a quarterback is for Los Angeles, as well as the other teams that could be looking to pull the trigger to trade up.

It sounds risky to give up ammo for one player, but sometimes that risk could pay huge dividends in the long-run.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: TCU OT Lucas Niang

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang, a potential Los Angeles Chargers prospect, under the microscope.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang.

Honors and Awards

  • 2018 Pro Football Focus First-Team All-Big 12 (2018)
  • 2018 Second-Team All-Big 12 (2018)

Strengths

  • Certainly looks the part. Big, athletic frame carrying more than 320 pounds with ease. Vine-like arms and large hands.
  • Natural mobility for a man of his size. Gets range immediately off the snap. Ideal foot quickness in pass protection.
  • Able to mirror and counter stunts, twists or blitzes. Uses quick feet and hips to turn and recover when beaten. Secures combo block with a vengeance.
  • Combines upper & lower-body power and arm extension to consistently hold the point of attack. Adept at redirecting his body and striking moving targets.
  • Ascending mauler in the run game. Once he gets his hands and grip on defenders, he usually sustains and finishes to create lanes.
  • Mean and highly competitive. Toughness is evident. Played through hip injury in 2019 before getting surgery.

Weaknesses

  • Footwork can get sloppy and undisciplined, causing base to narrow.
  • Relies too heavily on length over feet. Pad level rises at contact, robbing him of optimal leverage.
  • Knocked off balance by power pass rushers due to poor balance during deep sets and inconsistent footwork.
  • Suffered hip injury during senior campaign that caused him to miss the last half of the season.

Summary

Niang, the 6-foot-6 and 336 pounder is an ascending offensive tackle prospect with the frame, foot quickness, mobility and range that NFL teams don’t pass up for very long. The Connecticut native will need to be much more consistent with his pass set technique, particularly his footwork, rather than just relying on his athleticism and physical tools, as well as making sure he can stay healthy if he is to reach his full potential in the pros.

Chargers Fit

All of Niang’s snaps for the Horned Frogs came at right tackle. The former TCU product would be a plug-and-play for Los Angeles over Sam Tevi in Year 1. Improving his footwork upon getting to the league and consistently staying healthy will be key.

Projected Round: Early-Mid Second

2020 NFL offseason: Important dates for Chargers in February

With the Super Bowl completed, here are all the key offseason dates for the Chargers remaining in the month of February.

With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIV, the offseason is in full swing.

The Los Angeles Chargers begin their process to building a roster that can hopefully get them to Super LV.

Even though there isn’t a lot of notables taking place in February, it’s still important to keep up with some of the dates throughout the month that have some value.

Here’s a glance:

Feb. 3: Waiver system begins for 2020.

Feb. 11: Beginning at 12:00 p.m ET, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.

Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.

Feb. 25: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition players.

Poll: Who wins Super LIV?

Time to cast your vote on the winner of Super Bowl LIV.

The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off in Super Bowl LIV, which will be a battle between one of the NFL’s best defenses and one of the league’s top offenses.

After finishing among the league’s worst teams in 2018, the 49ers turned things around in a matter of a year, finishing with a 13-3 record during the regular season. San Francisco boasts a prolific defense, as well as a strong rushing attack.

For the Chiefs, they were one game shy away from reaching the Super Bowl in 2019, but they suffered defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship.

Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City’s high-powered offense has continued to cause fits for every team they’ve faced.

With that said, who do you think comes out victorious tonight?

Vote in the poll below.

[polldaddy poll=10500062]

Report: Chargers expected to pursue QB Tom Brady if he becomes free agent

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to pursue quarterback Tom Brady this offseason.

There’s been murmurs of quarterback Tom Brady being a potential option for the Los Angeles Chargers for months now.

It appears that could be a real possibility.

The Chargers have emerged as a legitimate option for Brady if he leaves the New England Patriots this offseason, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

There’s a big question mark surrounding the Bolts’ quarterback situation. Like Brady, Philip Rivers is set to become a free agent after a season where he threw 20 interceptions, contributing to nine of their 11 losses that were determined by a touchdown or less.

The 38-year old has said that he would like to play next season, but where remains to be seen. L.A. hasn’t officially closed the door on Rivers and they’re still exploring all options at the position.

Los Angeles could appeal to Brady because he would like to join a team that has weapons on the offensive side of the ball. He would have wide receiver Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry – if they’re retained.

Other teams besides the Chargers are likely to show a lot of interest in Brady should he hit the open market, too. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Las Vegas Raiders plan to pursue the 42-year old.

While other franchises are expected to pursue the three-time MVP, the New England Patriots are going to push hard to re-sign him, which could include paying him slightly north of $30 million annually to keep him.

Report: Chargers’ Anthony Lynn signs multi-year extension

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn’s job is secured for a few more years.

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed coach Anthony Lynn to a multi-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Lynn was entering the final year of his current deal, so the extension serves as a measure of security as the Chargers are set to enter their new stadium this year.

Schefter reports that Lynn signed the extension shortly before the Super Bowl.

During his three seasons with the Bolts, Lynn has a 26-22 record, including one trip to the playoffs. The 2019 regular season marked Lynn’s first campaign under a .500 record.

Even though things didn’t go as anticipated for the Chargers this past season, it’s hard to fault the coaching staff after injuries to key players, including safety Derwin James, offensive tackle Russell Okung and tight end Hunter Henry depleted the roster right out the gate.

With the majority of the talent on roster staying intact and a good amount of salary cap space available to spend on free agents, there’s plenty of reason that Lynn and company can turn things around next season.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: Auburn OT Prince Tega Wanogho

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez examines Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho, a prospect on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at hundreds of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho.

Honors and Awards

  • SEC Academic Honor Roll (2015, 2016)
  • All-SEC First Team – Pro Football Focus (2018)
  • All-SEC First Team – Athlon, Lindy’s, SEC media, SEC coaches, PFF (2019)

Strengths

  • Long, athletic frame, great foot quickness. Possesses terrific lateral range and reaching ability.
  • Gets depth with smooth, fluid kick-slide and does a good job of mirroring. Agile enough to win the edge in pass protection and has the strength to reset and hold his ground if the defender counters.
  • Doesn’t latch on and drive with raw power in the run­ game. Instead, he seems to latch on and get opponents moving with finesse and instincts. Has strength to anchor, hands carry power.
  • Explodes out of stance into defender. Accelerates feet after contact and finishes. Works well at the second level.
  • Has length and strength to redirect around pocket when beaten around the edge.
  • Reliable football character. Competitive toughness is evident. Will play though the whistle.
  • Bruce Feldman’s 2019 college football freaks list for his ability to bench 415 pounds, squat 560, run a 4.95 40 and jump 32 inches.

Negatives

  • Inexperienced at the position and still raw. Didn’t play offensive line until he came to Auburn.
  • Base can get too wide on pass protection, struggling to regather himself.
  • Appears stiff when facing vertical rushes. Impatient and will panic if a defender does start to crowd him.
  • Grip strength, hand placement and carrying out blocks are areas that need to be improved upon.
  • He can struggle to engage athletic defenders at the second level.
  • Works with technique on pass sets but loses that technique suddenly at the high point of the pass rush.

Summary

A Nigerian native, Tega Wanogho left home and arrived in the United States at age 16 with basketball ambitions. But he found his way on the football field, where he was a defensive lineman. He was recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball, but moved to the offensive line, earning a starting spot when he was a sophomore.

The 6-foot-7 and 310-pound Wanogho has terrific feet and overall athleticism. He has power in his hands and a frame that most offensive tackles would kill for. But he is raw and still is learning the finer details of the position. His instincts and technique are a work in progress, but he should blossom with some more coaching at the next level.

Chargers Fit

While Wanogho refines his technique and gets caught up to NFL speed, he still has the physical tools and a skillset that would allow him to instantly start at right tackle. By Year 2 or 3, he could be a viable left tackle with Pro Bowl potential.

Projected Round: Early 2nd

Chargers legend believes QB Tom Brady to L.A. makes ‘zero sense’

Former Chargers player isn’t in favor of Tom Brady playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.

The Los Angeles Chargers have been the most popular potential landing spot for quarterback Tom Brady. For the most part, the opinions have been mixed on the 43-year old possibly coming to the City of Angels.

Former Chargers center Nick Hardwick isn’t in favor of the idea. Hardwick believes that Brady going from New England to Los Angeles would be a step down.

“He goes from the New England Patriots, an organization that owns two private 737s with Patriots logos on the side, and then to come out to L.A. and comes to an organization that is not an owner but a renter of a stadium I can’t conceptualize that,” Hardwick said.

Many speculate that Brady would help the Chargers sell tickets in their new stadium that will be opening up this year, but Hardwick isn’t buying it. Instead, he thinks the only reason why he would join the team is to get a head start on his retirement that will likely come after the 2020 season.

“It makes zero sense to me. Other than perhaps he wants to be in the (media) production business and to get closer to that. If you’re Tom, you’re not going somewhere to just kill time. He’s not going somewhere to pick up an additional three years and in my opinion, tarnish your legacy.”

Like Philip Rivers, Brady is set to become a free agent in March. He’s spent the past 20 seasons with the Patriots. Despite his age, he will certainly draw interest from other teams, given his accomplishments throughout his professional career.

Are the Chargers going to make a push for the veteran if they move on from Rivers? That remains to be seen.

4 pending free agents in Super Bowl LIV the Chargers could consider signing

There are four pending free agents in Super Bowl LIV that the Los Angeles Chargers could consider signing.

The biggest game of the year is just days away, as the San Francisco 49ers are set to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.

While many around the world are gathering around to watch the contest for entertainment purposes, teams across the league are using this as a part of their evaluation process for the offseason.

Each team will have a slew of soon-to-be free agents that could draw their attention. With that, here are four players that the Los Angeles Chargers should have their eyes on:

WR Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs

Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams held the positional group down this past season, but there was hardly any production outside of those two, which means that adding a third wideout is an absolute must this offseason.

Robinson would be the perfect addition because he can stretch the field to open things up. He flourishes as a deep ball and after the catch threat, winning with his straight-line speed and creating slivers of separation with his athleticism and route rhythm to give his quarterback a manageable window.

Overshadowed by Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and rookie Mecole Hardman, Robinson still managed to rack up a career-high 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns during the 2019 regular season.

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