Chargers add a traditional fullback

For the first time since Lorenzo Neal departed following the 2007 season, the San Diego Chargers will have a traditional fullback leading the way for their featured runner. This afternoon general manager A.J. Smith signed Le'Ron McClain, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, to a three-year contract.

This is good news for Ryan Mathews, who hasn't had the luxury of running behind a true fullback since entering the NFL in 2010. McClain spent four years with the Ravens after being selected in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. During that time he blocked for Willis McGahee and Ray Rice, who gained over 1,200 yards in each of the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In 2011 McClain was brought in to Kansas City to block for Jamaal Charles, but Charles suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2.

If needed, McClain has shown he can be an effective workhorse, as he led the Ravens in rushing during the 2008 season, finishing the year with 902 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's also caught an average of 19 passes over the last four years, about a third of them resulting in first downs.

While this may not be the big splash Chargers fans have been waiting anxiously for, this signing, along with the addition of outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, is a step in the right direction towards becoming a much more physical team. Hopefully Smith isn't done yet.