Could Glenn be the answer at right tackle?

Two years ago San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith traded up in the first round to select Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. Moving up that much to select a running back usually means the team thinks of him as a future superstar. Thus far, Mathews, while showing flashes, hasn’t lived up to the hype. He hasn’t shown he’s capable of being anywhere close to what LaDainian Tomlinson was for the Chargers from 2001 through 2007. To be fair, however, Mathews hasn’t been running behind a very good offensive line, to put it kindly. One has to wonder why Smith would make such a move for Mathews when San Diego's offensive line was a below-average unit.

If the Chargers want to return to being a championship-caliber team, they need to fix the offensive line and improve the running game. The last two seasons have shown that quarterback Philip Rivers can’t win games by himself. He needs a running game to complement the passing attack and make the offense more balanced and complete.

Two positions in need of desperate upgrades along San Diego’s offensive line are left guard and right tackle. After today’s workouts at the Scouting Combine, one prospect, Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn, seems as though he could be a fit at either spot.

Measuring in at 6-5, 345 pounds, Glenn killed it on the bench press and 40-yard dash tests. With 36-inch arms, he put the 225-barbell up an impressive 31 times, and despite being one of the heaviest offensive linemen in Indianapolis, he posted an official time of 5.15 in the 40. A performance such as Glenn’s today, combined with productive college career—in which he started a total of 49 games at guard and tackle—could make him the ideal selection when the Chargers are on the clock at pick #18 in the first round. Given his size and athletic ability, some are warming up to the belief that Glenn will be an outstanding right tackle in the NFL.

Here’s what Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports Shutdown Corner wrote about Glenn today:

After a quality performance at the Senior Bowl, Glenn may have alleviated enough concerns to add his name to the top 20 overall as a draft prospect -- especially for teams that require a right tackle who can maul at the point of attack and still show enough agility to pass protect.

Right tackle would seem to be the best fit. As Glenn said, he's "just naturally a wide, girthy person," and I'd feel sorry for the defensive end who tried to take him head-on. "People try to bull rush me, but I'm pretty good at sitting it down. I just have a big, wide frame, so it's not a problem for me."

Recently, I wrote that Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams should be the Chargers’ first-round pick in April. I’m starting to like Glenn a lot, though, and wouldn’t mind seeing A.J. Smith grabbing the Georgia offensive lineman instead. If Glenn can’t cut in as a right tackle in the NFL, he could move inside and play guard. He sounds like a safe pick with great reward.

Cordy Glenn highlights I


Cordy Glenn Highlights II

Several defenders to watch at Combine

Coming off an 8-8 season will lead any team to believe it has to improve in a number of areas. Before the free agency period has begun, it’s clear the top priority for San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is to shore up the offensive line. Still, there’s no question that the defensive side of the ball is in need of more than a few changes, as well, so Smith and his staff will undoubtedly focus on the defensive prospects during the Scouting Combine over the next week.

There is a wealth of information being provided by several Web sites right now, but one article that caught my attention was written by Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports Shutdown Corner, in which he lists 10 players to watch during the Combine week’s drills. Of the 10 players mentioned in the article, there are six I believe Smith should pay close attention to.

2. DE/DT Jared Crick, Nebraska – The question about any defensive lineman around Ndamukong Suh, and the ability of those linemen to get free without the big man as a point of focus for any offensive line, isn't just an NFL concern. Crick heard it when Suh was humiliating college blockers on the Nebraska line, and his drop in production since (affected by injuries as it has been) have some wondering if Crick can be a real table-setter. He's a great all-around player who puts some in mind of Pittsburgh's Aaron Smith, but teams will want to know that he's totally recovered from his pectoral injury, and that he can flash enough explosiveness to be more than a safe pick.



3. DT Alameda Ta'amu, Washington -- Ta'amu is known as a gentle giant to those who play with and interview the Huskies standout defender, but that lack of nastiness has shown up on the field at times. Historically, Ta'amu has been an inconsistent player despite armloads of talent, but when he puts it all together (as he did during Senior Bowl week, when he looked like Vince Wilfork Jr. at his best), he's got the potential to be a great run-stopping and penetrating tackle at the NFL level. He'll have to answer questions about his weight fluctuation, inconsistent dominance, and his role in a Washington defense that completely imploded in the Holiday Bowl.



4. DT Akiem Hicks, Regina -- Hicks chose LSU in 2009 after two years in junior college, but sat out over recruiting issues and chose to transfer to a Canadian college instead. His size will intrigue NFL scouts and personnel people, but his raw playing style leaves him with the dreaded "developmental" label. Unless ... he can show off in combine drills and show that the surprising athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 325-pound player is backed up by maturity in team interviews.



5. DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois -- Mercilus led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles in 2011, but his one-year status as an elite edge rusher may raise some questions about just how much of what he did in that can transfer to the next level. It's an optimal opportunity for him to show that he's not only ready to be that player again, but that he's expanded on his skill set -- right now, he's  a very good burst edge rusher, but that doesn't always transfer to a more complete game, and teams will want to know about his strength against the run, and his tendency to get blocked out in power situations.



6. DE/OLB Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy -- As we wrote in his Shutdown 50 scouting report, Massaquoi has many of the tools required of a pass-rushing outside linebacker, which is most likely where he'll kick out to after his collegiate career as an end. He's got freakish speed off the snap, good basic agility in coverage, and an impressive sense to stop the run in space. The questions that remain -- gap integrity, cure strength and more advanced technique -- can be answered to a degree in combine drills, but the best part of this week for Massaquoi is that he'll be able to compete against the best prospects, and teams will get a "like against like" read on him. Based on his athleticism, that may be enough to get a few teams buying in.



7. ILB/OLB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State -- With Burfict, the problems go beyond the penalties for which he is so very well-known -- many who have watched enough tape on the linebacker believe that he's more of a "highlight reel hitter" -- a player who will go for the kill shot at the expense of the wrap-up tackle. Former Sun Devils head coach Dennis Erickson once asked Ray Lewis to talk to Burfict about keeping the edge under control, but the results haven't shown up just yet. More than the on-field drills, Burfict will have to shine in one-on-one interviews with teams, especially when he's asked about his playing style and how his issues will improve.

Crick could be a defensive end in the Chargers’ defense, and there’s a possibility he’ll drop to the third round or later. That would be great value and provide nice depth to the position.

Hicks and Ta’amu sound as though they will play nose tackle in the NFL. San Diego could use a young nose tackle to develop, as there’s a strong possibility veteran Antonio Garay will not be retained, leaving Cam Thomas as the only one left for the spot.

Mercilus is a prospect who scares me a bit, what with his lack of consistent dominance throughout his college career. The last thing San Diego needs is to waste another first-round pick on a pass-rusher who won’t pan out in the NFL.

Massaquoi is a pass-rusher I’ve brought up in the past, and he seems to be gaining more attention as the draft season picks up. I’d love to see him in a Chargers uniform.

The same is true for Burfict, whom I feel would work very well in tandem with Donald Butler for many years to come. And very much like the Baltimore Ravens, who have Ray Lewis, San Diego possesses the luxury of a wise veteran, Takeo Spikes, who could serve as Burfict’s mentor and ease the transition to the NFL.

As I fantasize about it, perhaps very unrealistically, I would love to see the top four rounds go something like this:

1.      USC defensive end Nick Perry

2.      Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict

3.      Troy defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi

4.      Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick

Yes, that doesn’t help the offensive line, but the hope here is A.J. Smith will find a left guard and right tackle in free agency—along with bringing Jared Gaither back to play left tackle. Making those moves would enable Smith to acquire two intimidating pass-rushers in the draft, causing somewhat of an emulation of what the New York Giants have had going on in recent years.

Scouting Combine is here!

More than 300 prospects have just arrived to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Over the next week the 327 youngsters will partake in several enduring workouts and undergo intense mental acuity tests, both of which will play a factor in the prospects’ stocks rising or falling during what may be the most scrutinized mockery of a job interview.

A few days ago Sports Illustrated draft expert Tony Pauline rated his top 50 prospects before the workouts began. The following list includes players I feel the San Diego Chargers should seriously consider drafting in April.

7. Riley Reiff, T, Iowa* -- Reiff is a tremendous pass-blocking left tackle, though many scouts think he could shift to the right side. He possesses the footwork, body type and wherewithal to break into a starting lineup early into his rookie career.

10. Melvin Ingram, DL-OLB, South Carolina -- Few defensive prospects raised their game and draft stock as Ingram did last season. He's a playmaker who stands out in almost every aspect of the defense, with his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage or out to the flanks.

11. David DeCastro, G, Stanford -- Andrew Luck's top blocker has been the dominant force on Stanford's offensive line the past two seasons. He's rightfully being compared to All Pro Steve Hutchinson and offers potential in a variety of NFL blocking schemes.

15. Courtney Upshaw, DE-OLB, Alabama -- Upshaw was the feared pass-rusher in Alabama's suffocating defense, and scouts expect much the same from him at the next level. The lingering question is which position will Upshaw play at the next level, outside linebacker or defensive end? Or both?

17. Mike Adams, T, Ohio State -- Adams returned to the Buckeye lineup after missing seven games last season due to suspension, then played inspired football. He's a terrific pass-protector at 330 pounds, with the strength to overwhelm defenders while run blocking.

20. Nick Perry, DE-OLB, USC* -- The Trojan underclassman is a pass-rushing terror who combines quickness and speed to harass opposing quarterbacks. He offers tremendous potential and can stand up over tackle or be used out of a three-point stance.

23. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin* -- Konz is the best center prospect in the draft since Nick Mangold was selected in the first round in 2006. He's powerful at the point of attack as an in-line blocker and takes defenders from the action blocking on the move.

24. Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama* -- A force in the middle of the Tide's defense, Hightower is a dominant run defender who controls the action in the box. He quickly makes waste of blockers and stop ball-carriers dead in their tracks. More of a two-down defender, Hightower can be a liability in coverage.

25. Mark Barron, S, Alabama -- Barron performed brilliantly as a senior at Alabama after a tough campaign in 2010. He's a dominant run defender who does not get enough credit for his coverage skills. Recent hernia surgery will set Barron back, but he'll quickly produce in the NFL once at full health.

28. Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia -- Glenn has been an impressive offensive line prospect scouts have watched the past three years, and he continues to improve his game. He's a big-bodied lineman who excels as a pass-protector and run-blocker. The ability to line up at right tackle or offensive guard further enhances Glenn's attractiveness to NFL teams.

31. Vinny Curry, DE-OLB, Marshall -- Curry harassed quarterbacks for three years playing at Marshall and is one of the best pass-rushers in this draft. He's athletic, fluid and exceptionally quick. Whether Curry lines up at outside linebacker or defensive end all depends on how fast he runs at the Combine.

32. Whitney Mercilus, DE-OLB, Illinois* -- Mercilus is yet another pass-rusher who graces the top part of the draft. He came out of nowhere in 2011 and was omnipresent behind the line of scrimmage. He's another prospect who projects to multiple positions in the defense.

42. Andre Branch, DE-OLB, Clemson -- Branch is the next in a long line of athletic pass-rushers who have come from the Clemson program. He forcefully makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and easily chases the action in pursuit. Like many of his predecessors from the school, many question his every-down intensity.

50. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State* -- Burfict, once considered a top-10 selection, has taken a big tumble down draft boards. He's a dominant defender at the top of his game, but Burfict was plagued with inconsistency, poor decision-making and a lack of maturity much of last season.

Some thoughts I had after reading over the list:

1.      Chargers general manager A.J. Smith might be wise to trade down in the first round and acquire an additional second-round pick. My logic behind such a move is there’s a possibility he could select an offensive lineman or pass-rusher in the latter part of the first round, and then use the two second-rounders on other positions of need. It would be nice to get Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first and Clemson defensive end Andre Branch and Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the second.

2.      It’s somewhat surprising to see South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram rated so high. I have concerns about him making a smooth transition to outside linebacker in a scheme such as San Diego’s, so I wouldn’t mind seeing him being selected in the top 15.

3.      It appears Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff is well out of the Chargers’ reach. His stock is rising so high he may even go in the top five. That’s too bad, as he’d be the ideal fit at right tackle for the Chargers.

4.      I’m beginning to really like USC defensive end Nick Perry a lot, as he seems to be an ascending talent with a very high upside. He’s one of the top guys I’ll be focusing on over the next few months. As of right now he appears to be a realistic option for San Diego’s 18^th overall pick in the first round.  

Free agent news

We are 22 days away from the opening of free agency, and the San Diego Chargers will have plenty of options to choose from when that day arrives. There were a couple interesting developments I noticed while scanning the internet this morning.

1.      The Detroit Free Press reports Lions defensive end Cliff Avril wants a long-term contract worth about $12 million a year. Avril says he may hold out if the Lions slap the franchise tag on him.

"I don't want to be franchised," Avril said. "That's basically what I got last year. The tender was basically the same thing. I just want security and longevity."

Avril is 26 and finished with 11 sacks last season, a career high. He seems to be a player on the rise, something the Chargers could use to complement outside linebacker Shaun Phillips next season.

2.      According to the Sporting News, the New Orleans Saints still don’t appear to be close to reaching a long-term deal with quarterback Drew Brees, who’s scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next month.

The following three paragraphs from the Sporting News article should get Chargers fans excited, as Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks is a player who would provide a huge upgrade on San Diego’s blocking unit:

If GM Mickey Loomis can't complete talks with Brees and his handlers in time, there is a possibility he could designate Brees the Saints' franchise player, Jeff Duncan notes on NOLA.com. That tag must be applied by 3 p.m. March 5, but it would give the sides the certainty they are believed to want while continuing negotiations on a long-term deal.

Part of the problem for the Saints might involve their long list of potential free agents. In addition to Brees, Loomis is looking at the possibility of losing top wideout Marques Colston, guard Carl Nicks, wideout Robert Meachem and starting cornerback Tracy Porter.

So the Saints likely have a math puzzle to answer. Do they keep Colston to retain a top playmaker for Brees? If so, does that necessarily eliminate Nicks unless he agrees to a hometown discount? Complicating that equation is the seven-year, $56.7 million contract they cut with Jahri Evans last year. Evans, like Nicks, is a guard—and SI.com suggests Nicks is better than Evans.

In the past, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has been reluctant to spend big money in free agency, but these are two players he should be monitoring closely over the next month. And if Avril and Nicks happen to reach free agency, Smith should pursue each of them with great conviction.

Avril will not accept hometown discount in Detroit

Stating the obvious, which is refreshing when one considers most athletes aren’t bold enough to do so, the Detroit Free Press reports Lions defensive end Cliff Avril told SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Adam Schein and Rich Gannon that he won’t accept a hometown discount when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next month.

"I just want to be paid as one of the guys that's helping the team grow," Avril said. "I want to be there. We have a young D-line. But I know it's a business, and you only hit free agency once or twice in your career, so you definitely have to take advantage of it."

Asked whether he would give the Lions a hometown discount, Avril didn't hedge.

"There's no such thing as a hometown discount in the NFL," he said. "Once you can't play anymore, they're going to let you go, so you definitely have to strike gold when you can.

"That said, if they and another team present the same thing, I'd definitely stay with the Lions."

The article states Avril mentions he’s been told he’d be a good fit in the New England Patriots’ hybrid 3-4, 4-3 defensive scheme. While that’s true, I believe Avril would fit in just as nicely in the San Diego Chargers’ 3-4 defense now coordinated by John Pagano, a former linebackers coach.

Hopefully Chargers general manager A.J. Smith will make a serious run at Avril once free agency begins next month. Signing Avril to man the outside linebacker spot on the other side of Shaun Phillips will ease some of the pressure to reach for a pass-rusher in April’s draft.

Classic Videos

For this edition of the blog I’m posting a short clip from NFL Films' America’s Game: Missing Rings episode of the 1981 San Diego Chargers. The clip showcases Dan Fouts’ boldness and toughness as the field general, ultimately inspiring a nickname I will not repeat.

Dan Fouts MFIC

Jones “not a big-time pass-rusher”

The Super Bowl hangover is in full effect, and more prospects’ names will be unearthed to quench the thirst football fans possess as we get closer to the Scouting Combine. While looking over the mock drafts a few days ago, I stumbled across the name Chandler Jones, a defensive end prospect from Syracuse who may become a pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL. A few mock drafts I looked at had him going in the second round.

At 6-5, 265 pounds Jones recorded 4.5 sacks last season. That may seem like an unimpressive stat, but he missed five games with a knee injury. His best game was against West Virginia, in which he finished with two sacks and six tackles, helping the Orange top the Mountaineers by a 49-23 score.

According to Wes Bunting of National Football Post, Jones plays too high and tight but he “possesses a tall, lean frame with a long set of arms and a lot of growth potential.”

Bunting finished the scouting report by stating the following:

“I love his size and length. But I worry about defensive linemen who play upright, lack a great get-off burst and struggle to change directions. I don’t see him as a big-time pass-rusher. But if he improves his pad level he could mature into a potential starting option."

My take: The San Diego Chargers need an impact pass-rusher. Jones doesn’t look like he’s the answer. At best, he appears to be a fourth-round pick.

Top priority of the offseason: Fix the offensive line

Nowadays the inveterate, collective opinion among most football fans is the NFL is “quarterback driven”. With all the rules that have been altered to favor the passing game in recent years, the validity to such a statement is quite sturdy. Even so, what football at any level comes down to is the battle in the trenches. And with that in mind, the San Diego Chargers’ top priority this offseason should be to fix the offensive line.

Two years ago Chargers general manager A.J. Smith traded up to acquire running back Ryan Mathews in the first round of the 2010 draft. At times in his first two seasons Mathews has shown sparks of elite ability, but he needs better blocking in front of him to become the 1,500-yard rusher Smith and head coach Norv Turner expect him to be. Moreover, Mathews’ emergence as a top runner could ease some of the pressure on quarterback Philip Rivers, who could benefit from shorter distances on third-down plays.

As of right now there’s an overabundance of questions regarding San Diego’s situation along the offensive line. Left tackle Marcus McNeil and left guard Kris Dielman may retire. Center Nick Hardwick is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Jared Gaither, who stepped in at left tackle for an injured McNeill over the final five games, is also set up to be an unrestricted free agent. Right tackle Jeromey Clary signed a four-year contract last summer, but it’s probably safe to say he’s one of the worst players at his position in the entire NFL.

With a tremendous desire to see my Chargers win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy, here are what I believe should be the following steps Smith should take to make the offensive line a formidable unit:

1.      Sign Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs to play left guard

In my humble opinion, Dielman should retire and move on with his life. The concussion he suffered during a loss to the New York Jets last October, along with the seizure that followed, should be enough for him to realize that there’s more to life than playing football.

Nicks would be the ideal replacement, as he’s arguably the best guard in the NFL right now. Signing him would be a great first step towards making the Chargers a tougher team physically. But since Nicks will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, Grubbs is an excellent fallback option and would be a fixture on San Diego’s offensive line for many years to come. Either player would serve as the mauler the Chargers’ offensive line desperately needs on the inside.

2.      Re-sign Jared Gaither

After being picked up by San Diego late in the year, Gaither performed like an elite left tackle while protecting Rivers’ blind side. With McNeill unlikely to return to the Chargers, bringing Gaither back is crucial, as Rivers obviously needs to feel comfortable in the pocket.

There’s a concern that Gaither will become lazy if he receives a long-term contract. In that case, Smith would be wise to sign the massive pass-protector to a two- or three-year deal, since it’s unlikely Gaither will receive a long-term offer anywhere else.

3.      Release Jeromey Clary

Clary was given a four-year, $20 million contract last summer, and I still have no idea why. Anyone who has watched the Chargers over the last few years knows that Clary has been the weakest link on the offensive line, which leads to a mystery of why he hasn’t been replaced. With Smith on the hotseat, he can’t risk going into another season with Clary starting at right tackle. An upgrade at that spot is well overdue.

4.      Have Colin Baxter and Tyronne Green battle it out for the starting center spot

Hardwick will be 31 in September and has expressed some thoughts about possibly retiring soon. As far as I’m concerned, that shouldn’t inspire Smith to sign the center to a long-term contract.

The Chargers have two hungry players, Baxter and Green, who could battle it out for the starting center spot in training camp. Competition breeds success, and the winner earning the job will gain a ton of respect from his linemates. The loser, meanwhile, will still provide solid depth. It seems like a win-win scenario.

5.      Select Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first round

As of right now it doesn’t appear San Diego will have a chance to pick any of the top three offensive tackles—USC’s Matt Kalil, Iowa’s Riley Reiff, Stanford’s Jonathan Martin—in April’s draft, unless Smith is able to move into the top 10 selections. The next best option, and an offensive tackle who isn’t that much of a dropoff from the top three, is Adams.

At 6-7, 320 pounds Adams possesses the skills to start immediately at right tackle for the Lightning Bolts, and he has the ability to switch over to the left side later in his career. After a dominant effort during Senior Bowl week, he has positioned himself to be selected around the time the Chargers are up in the first round.

Making these moves would lead to San Diego’s starting offensive line looking like this in September:

Left tackle: Jared Gaither   
Left guard: Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs 
Center: Colin Baxter or Tyronne Green
Right guard: Louis Vasquez
Right tackle: Mike Adams

Under normal circumstances, bringing back just one starter from the offensive line that started the previous opening day would lead to disaster. The Chargers’ offensive line hasn’t been better than average for a while, though, so these types of moves are completely necessary.