Potential landing spots for Sproles are no real secret as it was reported that the back had visits lined up with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Washington Redskins, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the St. Louis Rams when free agency was set to begin. There four teams are definitely the places to start as none of them have answered their question marks at running back to this point in the process. What kind of return might the Bolts expect in return for one of the most electric players in the league? That question is a bit more difficult to find an exact answer to as obviously it won’t take the tendered first and third round draft picks that the Chargers have placed on him as a price tag but they could still reap some huge benefits from a player who was a 4th round draft pick in 2005.

From the interested teams picking near the top of the draft order, perhaps a sign and trade deal for a 2nd round pick from the Redskins, Chiefs, or Rams could be a possibility. Obviously the Bolts will look to avoid trading Sproles within the division at all costs which makes Kansas City the least likely destination, but if necessary they would still pull the trigger. With the Eagles, perhaps a deal where the Bolts and Birds swap 1st rounders and perhaps an additional 3rd or 4th is in the mix. All of these make a lot of sense for both parties as the Chargers are looking to gain maximum value for a player that they have no intentions of keeping beyond 2010 and all of these other teams are in need of an explosive game changer to help them win some games and sell some tickets.

Depending on where he eventually lands, Sproles could have a profound affect on the landscape of fantasy football as well. Although he wasn’t utilized all that often in San Diego aside from third down situational football or in the return game which made him at best a viable flex option, his versatility out of the backfield catching the ball and really stretching a defense in all directions could make him a worthy candidate in the future. He may never be a 20-25 carry a game player, but in terms of touches, there are multiple ways to get the ball into his hands and at these new destinations it is likely that they will utilize him in a variety of ways. The Chargers will definitely miss the explosiveness in the return game that Sproles brings to the table, but if they can stockpile enough draft choices the organization is confident that the GM Smith will find a more than adequate replacement.

Two wide receivers were given the highest restricted designation as well last week when both Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd were tendered at 1st and 3rd round levels. San Diego needs playmakers, but it is likely that even after the restricted period when they will be forced to re-sign these guys one of them will be moving on. Getting some value for one of them now makes a lot of sense with the depth chart having some largely unproven yet possible stars in the making at the wideout position in my personal favorite Legedu Naanee and former first rounder Buster Davis. There are plenty of teams in the market for a wide receiver this offseason and with the uncertainty always surrounding draft picks, perhaps one would be more comfortable trading those draft choices for an already proven player.

The Seattle Seahawks have already had the much maligned Denver Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall in for a visit, but nothing has been said to presume that they are close to working out a deal. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers parted ways with Antonio Bryant leaving them hurting for a playmaker on the outside as well. Even further up the coast from San Diego, the San Francisco 49ers might be interested in acquiring a receiver that they can pair with last year’s 1st round pick Michael Crabtree on the outside. Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins could use another option for Chad Henne as well with Ted Ginn Jr. providing explosiveness but not always consistency in the passing game. If the Bolts could work a deal with one of these teams to swap 1st round picks like Miami at 12 or the Seahawks at 14, they might be in position to snag themselves a replacement in the backfield in C.J. Spiller via the draft after all.

Fantasy owners could rejoice a trade that splits up two dynamic red zone threats like Floyd and Jackson as there are only so many footballs to go around in San Diego. If either of these two finds themselves a new home in 2010 they will likely see a huge spike in production and that’s saying something after Jackson had the biggest year of his career in 2009. Both of them offer similar skill sets with Floyd being the less refined of the two in the route running category, but still offering a long frame with the ability to out leap corners for deep balls downfield. It would be nice for a passing oriented offense like that Chargers to keep both of these guys in house beyond next season, but it hardly seems feasible with the outrageous contracts that are likely to be offered up if they become free agents.

With all of these trade negotiations still ongoing, San Diego still has an abundance of options at their disposal as far as filling their vacated running back position is concerned. It makes a lot of sense to bring in a veteran like maybe Thomas Jones if they are unable to make a trade to help groom any young back that they might draft in April. Although the talks of trading for Marshawn Lynch from the Buffalo Bills or DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers have diminished in recent weeks, it still makes a lot of sense for the Bolts to pursue these two potential options as hard as possible. With the Bills changing to a 3-4 defense in the upcoming season, perhaps the Chargers may even contemplate the idea of shipping linebacker Shawne Merriman out of town with last year’s first rounder Larry English waiting in the wings.

San Diego has not be devoid of drama thus far this offseason and its safe to assume that more is on the horizon in the coming months leading up to this year’s draft. With newly created need at cornerback from the Antonio Cromartie trade and the already vacant spot seven yards behind Philip Rivers waiting to be filled, A.J. Smith needs to work his magic to make this team worthy of being one of the favorites in Vegas for the Super Bowl next season.

San Diego did make the decision to place some tenders on their restricted free agents under the final year of the collective bargaining agreement placing the top level on five players. Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, Shawne Merriman, Marcus McNeill, and Darren Sproles all received that highest possible tender from the Bolts. This means that the Chargers retain these players for the 2010 season and while other teams are free to sign them to an offer sheet, the Bolts have the right to match within seven days and if they choose not to they receive a 1st and a 3rd round draft pick this season if the player leaves. While this seems like a win-win for the Bolts, often times teams are reluctant to part with draft picks in order to sign restricted players so it is more likely than not that San Diego will have each of these guys in their locker room next year. General Manager A.J. Smith explained his reasoning rather concisely saying: “Our intentions are to have all of our tendered players back. We feel good about these players and continuity is important to us.”

This continuity topic really raises some questions as the Chargers offensive line really needs to have a year where everyone remains healthy and misses very little time. Last year the casualties started early and came often for the Bolts up front on both sides on the ball at the line of scrimmage with the anchors Nick Hardwick on offense and Jamal Williams on defense missing the majority of or the entirety of the 2009 season due to injury. Williams’ release really comes as no surprise as he is now 34 years old and has probably lasted a year or two longer than is to be expected for the physical toll that his position takes on a player. Of this move Smith said: “This is a difficult time of year and the most difficult part of our job. Jamal has been an anchor of our defense for 12 seasons. He’s battled courageously at one of the most punishing positions on the field, and I respect him immensely.” Williams played through injuries on a number of occasions and was a key part of the Bolts run defense for more than a decade. This move brings up more than one question this offseason without a true nose tackle on the roster.

Could the Chargers actually change from a 3-4 to a 4-3 alignment in just one offseason?

Stranger things have happened and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is a mastermind of the vaunted Tampa 2 defense that he ran during his time with the Chicago Bears. The current personnel up front for the Bolts could easily be shifted into a 4-3 alignment if both Luis Castillo and Ryon Bingham moved inside to line up as tackles like they did during their collegiate days while Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips went back in time to their college years as well with their hands in the dirt at defensive end. The main problems would occur at the linebacker level where the Chargers really don’t have any sideline to sideline guys that are necessary to perfect the cover 2 defense. Dropping down the center of the field and playing like a safety is not a forte of Stephen Cooper or Kevin Burnett so that may present some problems if the team does make this dramatic change.

The secondary, albeit incredibly thin on the corner, is still not in that bad of shape with the trade of Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets for a conditional 2011 draft pick which is either a 2nd or 3rd rounder depending on playing time. Quentin Jammer is still locked in on the one side with presumably Antoine Cason taking over the void left by Cromartie. This trade does move corner up the list of needs for the Chargers however putting it in the mix with defensive line or running back as the top 1st round positional candidate. Some of these moves along with this near deconstruction of the Chargers lineup has to be disconcerting to Chargers fans who were optimistic that with a new running back this team could make another run at the Super Bowl next year. The big game is still well within reach, but some juggling is going to be necessary to make it happen as Smith tried to reassured people on Thursday saying: “We have a plan for the offseason. It’s a long offseason and we’ll have many options. We’re confident we’ll be able to add strong depth at all positions, including running back.”

There is a lot to digest here for fans and really get to the meat of just what may be happening in this organization. It’s awfully confusing to understand the logic of creating more holes to fix before even filling the deficiencies that are already present, but the Bolts are trying to stay ahead of the age game and nip these potential issues in the butt before they become full blown problems. Personally what the Bolts really seem to be moving toward is a smaller, quicker approach on defense which really makes a lot of sense with the trend in that direction by many of the successful teams around the league including this year’s two Super Bowl participants in the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. The only real issue that confuses me is why do all of this at one time?

It may be a stretch to say that the Chargers are ‘rebuilding’ considering the foundation that they have on offense with a Pro Bowl quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end, but the defense is in crisis mode at the moment. Although Jammer has never been one of my personal favorites, he is now the unquestioned leader of the defense with seniority and by far the most experience of anyone on that side of the ball. The secondary improved by leaps and bounds last year going from the 31st ranked pass defense in the league in 2008 to 11th in 2009. Antoine Cason is untested, but the team seems to like what they have seen from him enough for him to supplant Cromartie opposite Jammer on the corner. This wasn’t really the most conventional way to shift the dynamic in the secondary, but Smith never really does anything the way that many of his contemporaries do and that is what separates him from the pack.

The wild card in all of this 3-4 to 4-3 discussion is the fact that maybe after all of these thoughts and discussions that perhaps the Bolts are just accumulating picks to move up and snag Dan Williams out of Tennessee to replace big Jamal inside on the nose. There is still optimism that perhaps Jamal could be back with the team at a reduced price in the near future though according to some reports. Smith has never been one to trade up in the 1st round of the draft, but the Bolts may have seen some things from Williams at the combine that gave them the confidence that he could successfully replace the big fella inside. It may mean mortgaging the farm to move up into position to get the former Volunteers nose tackle which isn’t Smith’s MO either, but with the full cabinet of 2011 draft choices in this what have you done for me lately league he may be transforming his way of thinking to a more aggressive style of managing the roster. If Jamal returns, the elder Williams could give the Bolts an extra year to groom the younger Williams into a carbon copy of what his predecessor was to the Chargers team for twelve-plus seasons.

This certainly won’t be the last of the news from the Bolts as it appears they are going to take a more active approach than ever this offseason after a number of quiet years in the past. Smith has done some tremendous things for this franchise during his tenure with the team so expect nothing less than genius from him this time around as well.

It could be argued that there are more running backs in this draft capable of stepping into a starting role in year one than ever before. With the drills all in the books and the interviewing process for the Bolts taken care of for the time being, trying to sift through what might be available at any particular spot in the draft seems like a logical next step as general managers the league over sit down to try and formulate a rough sketch of a big board. Let’s delve into this running back class and find out what might be available from round to round for San Diego to find their next feature back.

ROUND 1

C.J. Spiller, Clemson – The only sure fire 1st rounder in this year’s class at the running back position is the speedster out of Clemson with a wealth of versatility. Spiller has tremendous hands offering a threat to turn wheel routes or short dump off crosses over the middle of the field into huge plays in the short passing game. His 4.37 40 time at the combine just further solidified his elite status in this year’s class. Spiller will in all likelihood be off of the board by the middle of round 1 so without a trade up scenario he will be off limits for San Diego, but stranger things have happened.

ROUNDS 1-2

Jahvid Best, California – Small is in these days in the NFL and this Cal product has both speed and quickness in his favor. Measuring in at the combine at 5’10” 199lbs. Best actually came in bigger than Spiller which is a bit of a surprise. Despite carrying three more pounds than Spiller, Best clocked in at 4.35 in the 40 yard dash recording the fastest time for a running back in this year’s class. One legitimate concern with him moving up to the NFL level has to be durability after missing a lot of time in college due to injury. His concussion questions have to be on the minds of scouts as well.

Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech – With a really underwhelming combine performance Dwyer is seeing his stock fall a bit as the scouting process gets underway. Dwyer has never been very high on my personal list as he ran in a quirky offense at Georgia Tech with a ton of misdirection and gadgetry that just doesn’t translate in the NFL. His 4.64 40 time is a big concern for teams as he lacks that breakaway speed to outrun corners and safeties to the edge of the defense when he gets loose. There is no questioning his productivity, but many (myself included) believe that those numbers are at least in part due to the system he ran in college.

Ryan Matthews, Fresno State – This is the kid with the bullseye on his chest for the Chargers as Matthews really is the total package at 6’0” 218lbs. running a 4.45 in the 40 yard dash. Speed really isn’t his strong point however, as often times he prefers to run over would be tacklers lowering his shoulder and running with a purpose. This reckless abandon could be seen as a bad thing, but the same knock was put on Adrian Peterson coming out of school and things have worked out pretty well for him. Matthews is extremely raw in the passing game looking awkward trying to catch the ball and really lacking instincts in blitz pickup. As a developmental player though behind a veteran for a year he would make the ideal complement to pick up short yardage and get the ball over the goal line.

ROUND 2

Joe McKnight, USC – Another smallish back with tons of open field ability as McKnight makes defenders look ridiculous at times often leaving them grasping at air trying to bring him down. At 5’11” 198lbs. he is similar in size to both Best and Spiller, but his frame is much less developed than those two players as he looks a bit lanky and needs to add some bulk to run between the tackles. Even though he offers a ton in terms of versatility catching the ball out of the backfield and stretching the field, McKnight reminds me of Reggie Bush more than just his collegiate uniform as a guy that will never be a 20-25 carry a game player at the NFL level.

Montario Hardesty, Tennessee – The physique on this kid is quite impressive at 6’0” 225lbs. he looks like he could run through a brick wall. His testing at the combine showed that he has some speed to go along with that powerfully built frame as well running the 40 in 4.49 and also recording the highest vertical leap among running backs at 41-inches. One big question is lateral quickness with Hardesty who at times looks a bit stiff in the hips and really not all that explosive in and out of cuts. Inconsistencies during his collegiate career raise some questions as well as to what he will bring to the table in the NFL.

Outside of Spiller, each of these guys are a viable option for the future of the Chargers backfield and each offer their own individual advantages if brought into the fold. Obviously my bias is difficult to cover up with Matthews as he would be a great pick for the Chargers even if they have to use their late 1st rounder to land him. After his workout, many scouts are jumping on board his bandwagon and with his stock rising everyday it might not be a reach to take him 28th overall. Even if San Diego does take a running back in the opening round or two of the draft, they will still need a complementary back to help ease the transition into the league.

The recent news that Thomas Jones will be released by the New York Jets could make for a nice fit in the short term transitional period for the Bolts. Signing him to a short term contract shouldn’t be all that costly and he obviously still has some gas in the tank after having the most productive season of his career last year at 31 years of age. There is no doubt that Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith will look into all available options this offseason to make the correct choices for the long-term health of the franchise. The addition of Jones and a young back through the draft would also provide some much needed tutelage to the rookie in showing him the ropes of the league while giving the Bolts a potent one-two punch at running back. Over the coming days, weeks, and months the picture will become clearer as to what direction the Chargers will be heading in for the 2010 campaign.

The Detroit Lions were being mentioned on Monday as the primary candidate to be in the market for Cromartie’s services and many sources around the league felt very strongly that a deal with Detroit could get done sooner rather than later. It’s difficult to say what the market value is for a guy of Cromartie’s caliber who is a Pro Bowl one week and a backup at best the next. His upside is undeniable however as shown in the 2007 campaign with the Chargers when he snagged 10 interceptions including the picturesque one-handed pick of Peyton Manning in the regular season collision between the Bolts and Colts.

Locker room chemistry is something that has been questioned by plenty around San Diego including LaDainian Tomlinson on his way out of town after being officially released by the Bolts a little more than a week ago. The disgruntled players without long-term deals have become an issue and the only way to rectify the situation is to either move them via a trade or sign them to bigger contracts. A.J. Smith has been frugal in his management of the salary cap with the Chargers and fans should expect that to continue as the team has never been one to sign big name free agents preferring to build primarily through the draft. Cromartie was the team’s 1st round selection in 2006, but his conduct along with his on-field effort has caused the team’s top brass to question his desire and work ethic.

Cromartie himself has been nothing if not brutally honest about how he believes that this offseason will unfold in San Diego saying of the team: “I think they’re going to make moves this year, especially for guys that are going to be expecting big contracts and things like that coming up. If that’s what they want to do, especially with the trade rumors that I’m hearing, that’s part of the business, that’s how it goes. If I’m there next year, I’m going to play to the best of my ability. If I’m not, I got to play somewhere else and help that organization out the best way I can.” Although his fate will not be a release like Tomlinson’s, Cromartie seems to be paving his way out of town in a similar manner to the way LT set the stage for his departure.

Now the question of just what will the Bolts receive in return if this expected deal were to come to fruition. Detroit has a plethora of draft picks to offer in exchange for Cromartie, but the Bolts are in search of an experienced running back to fill the void left by both Tomlinson and the soon to be free agent Darren Sproles. Enter Maurice Morris who signed a three year deal with the Lions last year and saw significant action down the stretch with the team after starter Kevin Smith tore his ACL. Morris ran for 384 yards on 93 carries last year providing the team with some depth at the running back position. That is likely the purpose that Morris would serve with San Diego who even if they acquire his services will likely nab a running back at some point in this year’s draft.

Considering the fact that the Lions may not be willing to part with much since Cromartie will be a free man after the 2010 season and likely won’t want to re-sign with Detroit, a deal including a mid-round pick and Morris might be a good option for both parties. Detroit may be a bit hesitant to part with Morris having Smith recovering from that torn knee ligament in 2009, but their secondary is in dire need of help and Cromartie could provide that instantly. On the Chargers side of things, Morris could be a nice stop gap solution at tailback in a season where huge transitions will be made offensively and likely a lot of pass plays will be called.

The on and off nature of the NFL rumor mill on Tuesday says that the Lions dealing for Cromartie has to be considered ‘highly unlikely’. San Diego’s demands of Morris as their primary target in negotiations has forced the Lions to back off and reconsider the potential deal to acquire the Bolts corner. As in any deals in the NFL, teams are great at talking out of both sides of their mouths so many feel that talks are still ongoing about the potential to move the skilled defensive back to the Lions. No deals will be getting done officially until March 5th anyway so there is no rush for either side. Anticipation will only build with mixed messages coming out of both camps as trade talks continue to brew behind the scenes.

For the Bolts to extract any more than the already mentioned trade scenarios, the demand would have to increase significantly from teams desiring Cromartie’s services. If San Diego were to find a way to pit two teams against one another in a bidding war, the Chargers might have a chance to get some better offers as the draft moves closer. Teams will be looking to sure up any positions possible before aligning their draft boards and prioritizing needs so any franchise in search of cornerback help may come calling at a late hour.

This is how the picks have transpired up to this point.

1. Rams – Ndamukong Suh
2. Lions – Gerald McCoy
3. Bucs – Eric Berry
4. Skins – Russell Okung
5. Chiefs – Joe Haden
6. Seahawks – Brandon Graham
7. Browns – Jimmy Clausen
8. Raiders – Rolando McClain
9. Bills – Bruce Campbell
10. Broncos (from Chicago) – Mike Iupati
11. Jags – Jason Pierre-Paul
12. Dolphins – Dez Bryant
13. San Francisco 49ers – C.J. Spiller
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Anthony Davis
15. New York Giants – Derrick Morgan
16. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) – Sam Bradford
17. Tennessee Titans – Carlos Dunlap
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brian Bulaga
19. Atanta Falcons – Taylor Mays
20. Houston Texans – Dan Williams
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham
22. New England Patriots – Sergio Kindle
23. Green Bay Packers – Earl Thomas
24. Philadelphia Eagles – Everson Griffen
25. Baltimore Ravens – Arrelious Benn
26. Arizona Cardinals – Tim Tebow
27. Dallas Cowboys – Trent Williams
28. San Diego Chargers – ???????????

With the recent news that Darren Sproles will likely not be back with the team next season as General Manager A.J. Smith chose not to tender him this offseason, running back is certainly at the top of the list when prioritizing the Chargers needs. Fortunately for San Diego, this class is really heavy with 2nd round talent for filling that void with guys like Toby Gerhart of Stanford, Jahvid Best of California, Joe McKnight from Southern California, and my personal favorite Ryan Matthews the workhorse back from Fresno State. With that luxury, the Bolts have the ability to fill a need a bit lower on the totem pole with their opening round selection should a huge value arise.

When evaluating the Chargers most pressing needs defensive line depth is certainly a concern, but it isn’t really a position in which the Bolts are in a state of emergency. The aforementioned value factor that often becomes an enticing proposition during the course of the draft has come to fruition for the Chargers in this Fanball version. At pick number 28, it’s really difficult to pass up the potential of Brian Price out of UCLA and all that he has to offer physically to a defensive line. Price may be limited at the next level in the 3-4 scheme to playing on the end, but the Chargers are quite thin all along their defensive front and his insertion into their rotation immediately improves their ability to both pressure the quarterback and stop the run. The push that Price can generate is phenomenal and his jump off of the line of scrimmage is second to none in this class.

Arguably the most impressive aspect of Price as a prospect is his relentless motor and his constant ability to wreak havoc on opposing backfields. It’s difficult for runners to evade a tackler when he is practically in their lap when the handoff exchange is made. One lacking area in his game is the fact that he tends to lose his feet too often and end up picking himself off of the ground after many plays away from the action. Strength in his lower body will definitely be a question mark at the NFL level as he struggles to shed blocks at times. The disruptive qualities of his game often mask the inefficiencies that he shows in other areas.

Price is an incredibly agile player and that allows him to line up in virtually any position along the defensive front. His versatility is an intangible that is difficult to teach and with a bit of physical development in his base he could become a dominant force on the Chargers defensive line. Although the defensive line in a 3-4 alignment isn’t the primary source of sacks and quarterback pressure, the Chargers lost much of that aspect in their front three with the departure of Igor Olshansky last season to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Reintroducing a player with a vast repertoire of pass rushing moves and a sizable frame to the defensive front is just what the doctor ordered for the Bolts aging line.

Although he may not be the ideal fit for the Chargers in this draft, without the ability to trade up or down Price becomes the most attractive option available. It could be argued that with Georgia Tech back Jonathan Dwyer still on the board there is no way the Bolts will pass him up, but A.J. Smith is always stubborn to take a back that high in the draft. Until this year it hasn’t been a glaring need for the team, but his propensity to find the hidden gems in later rounds at running back (see: Michael Turner, Darren Sproles) makes the decision to pass on one early a much easier one to make.

All in all, the value of Price was just irresistible with the 28th pick in the 1st round as not many scouts see him getting beyond the 20th selection come this April. If this scenario were to play itself out in two months it will be interesting to see just which direction A.J. Smith leans with the Bolts pick. It’s really difficult to see him going for a running back who played in a primarily option based offense in college. Many of Dwyer’s carries came off of misdirection plays with strange designs that are nowhere to be found in the Chargers playbook. This wouldn’t be the first curveball from Smith if he did decide that Dwyer was the man for the job in San Diego, but it would be one of the most surprising for sure.

With the CBA still in limbo and an uncapped year only a little over a week away from becoming reality, Jackson will be under a restricted free agent designation with the Bolts in the upcoming season and a certain tender will be placed on him according to what the team feels he is worth. The likely step for General Manager A.J. Smith is to place the highest tender on Jackson and potentially look to shop his rights around the league leading up to the draft. Plenty of teams have been said the show interest in his services from the Miami Dolphins to even potentially the New England Patriots.

It has been said that the Pats are near signing their massive nose tackle Vince Wilfork to a long-term extension after slapping the franchise tag on him just two weeks ago, but the idea of trading Jackson to the Pats for Wilfork is an intriguing one. Even if it required an additional 4th or 5th round pick from the Chargers, that deal would greatly improve the team as a whole. As for New England, it seems rather doubtful that they could withstand yet another loss of a keystone player on the defensive side of the ball, but they need a gamebreaker to replace Moss after 2010 when he will most likely leave via free agency.

Getting back to the issue at hand however, just what is going on inside of the Chargers locker room? It’s painful to preface a sentence like this, but now ‘former’ Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson spoke about what seemed to him to be a divided locker room with underlying issues. These off-field issues aren’t always an indication of an on-field personality, but many times if players have problems away from the game those issues follow them into the workplace. Just like any professional walk of life, it’s very difficult to separate personal life from the day to day grind.

According to Chargers troubled cornerback Antonio Cromartie: “Last year my head wasn’t in there. I was dealing with my kids and their moms. It had my mind somewhere else.” If the fact that he used the plural form of both of those nouns wasn’t troubling enough, Cromartie actually has seven (yes SEVEN (7)) children out of wedlock in five different states. As if this ridiculous behavior wasn’t bad enough, in November Cromartie allegedly struck someone in a bar over the head with a champagne bottle. Obviously there is no sex in the champagne room according to one Chris Rock, but that doesn’t mean there is a need for violence instead.

In a recent interview on the radio, Cromartie was quoted as saying: “It may be time to move on. I have complained to the coaches about certain stuff, about the way we play, and they know that. To me, I felt like we played too much zone. As we would say, we felt like we had two of the best corners in the NFL, me and Jammer, and we played too much zone coverage, rather than man.” Not only does he continue to prove the point of what a terrible locker room influence he is, but in the process he throws some coaches under the proverbial bus as well. Combine nearly every conceivable off-field issue possible with the fact that he woefully underperformed on the field for the second year in a row and is an awful influence in the locker room and what do you get? Hopefully a one-way ticket out of town for Cromartie in the near future.

As far as Jackson is concerned, obviously the organization loves his talents and would love to keep him around as long as possible, but not at the expense of the other guys on the team. With a potential suspension looming for his DUI convictions as well as the fact that his value will most likely never be higher after his stellar 2009 season, that makes Jackson a prime candidate to be moved this offseason. The Chargers depth chart has guys capable of filling the void that he would leave behind in Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, and Buster Davis who has looked much improved on the practice field. Add in next season the debut of 2009 7th round selection Demetrius Byrd who was in a serious car accident before the draft and unable to get into condition to hit the field this past year, the Bolts have the makings of a more than adequate receiving corps sans Jackson.

Perhaps another piece that has to be mentioned is linebacker Shawne Merriman whose off-field troubles have given A.J. Smith headaches for far too long already. Merriman will be another restricted tender player with the potential to be moved after March 5th. This may sound like a vendetta on these particular players, but the overall health of the locker room with team oriented goals rather than individual showboating is what really makes sense. Cleaning house would be a bit too strong of a way to put things as the Bolts have a solid core nucleus of players in place, but the extraneous junk that comes attached to the egos of certain self-described superstars has to be dismissed.

Really what needs to be questioned is the make-up of the Chargers locker room as their talent is inarguable, but for whatever reason that hasn’t translated into on-field success deep into the postseason. Perhaps Smith and the player personnel department needs to reexamine the pieces in place and sort through them carefully weeding out the parts that don’t seem to gel with the bulk of the locker room. Even if that begins with trading away two very talented players, if the Bolts can improve into a cohesive team by making those tweaks to their roster then by all means necessary they should be done. It just doesn’t seem like something that LT would make up on his way out the door to poke a little jab at the Chargers organization. There has to be some validity to what he said about the lack of one united goal in the locker room.

There are plenty of reasons, actually. First of all, if Williams leaves via free agency in 2011, sure the Panthers will get a compensatory pick for his departure, but that wouldn’t be nearly as high as the potential pick that Williams could warrant this offseason if shopped around. Another reason that Carolina may not even need the services of Williams any longer is their other young grinder in the backfield, Jonathan Stewart. Stewart was the 13th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and could be poised for a breakout season when not sharing carries with Williams. Although the two running back system in the NFL has been catching on around the league, some backfields just don’t have enough footballs to go around and Carolina’s just might be a prime example of that.

Now why would the Bolts trade away a 1st round pick for someone that they could likely get next year in free agency? This answer is painfully obvious as well with the championship window for several teams (including the Bolts) always shrinking, San Diego needs to build themselves a title contender not and this addition would add another dimension to a highly potent yet often predictable offense over the last two seasons. Williams could eliminate that predictability and give defensive coordinators across the league headaches trying to gameplan against the Chargers offense.

What type of price would the Chargers be willing to pay for Williams though in terms of picks plus the inevitable financial compensation that he would be coveting in a sign and trade scenario? If Williams is shopped around on the open market, it could turn into a bidding war with a team like the Houston Texans who is reportedly interested in his services as well. The Texans hold a higher draft choice than the Chargers which would likely force the Bolts to up their offer with a 3rd or even a 2nd round pick as well. General Manager A.J. Smith is not about to get involved in a war where San Diego loses all of its flexibility in the draft for just one player. Still the possibility of trading the 28th overall pick this year and a 2nd rounder in 2011 is a deal that Smith may be willing to swing.

With all of the reasoning sorted out (at least on the surface), now it’s time to evaluate what other moves would likely follow such a deal. Once again this needs to be prefaced with the disclaimer that often times deals sound great on paper, but just don’t get done for one reason or another so multiple trades make this entire ordeal even less likely. However, if the Bolts could land Williams for their 28th overall pick in this year’s draft they may look to in turn replenish that pick with a trade of cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie may not fetch a late 1st rounder, but he could possibly land a 2nd in 2010 from a team like the Minnesota Vikings or the Baltimore Ravens and a 3rd in 2011 which would at least give the Bolts enough ammunition to move around in the draft if necessary.

Without a 1st round pick (even though it would be late in the round), the Bolts would avoid all of the costly guaranteed money that is given up front to an unproven player which is always a positive on the business side of things. If San Diego were to somehow finagle their way into a deal for Williams while keeping their own 2nd rounder at the 60th overall selection and perhaps gain a 2nd rounder (Minnesota at 62 or Baltimore at 57), this would position them to get a top tier corner to replace Cromartie in the nickel as well as a potential replacement for an aging Jamal Williams on the nose.

In this pipedream scenario with a backfield featuring DeAngelo Williams and no 1st round pick, the Bolts would deal Cromartie to say Minnesota for the 62nd overall choice and own the 60th and 62nd picks. Some possibilities at their need areas come that point in the draft could be a number of potential prospects. It might be a stretch to think that Terrence Cody will still be available at this point in the draft, but with his question marks in terms of fitness as well as work ethic, he may stick around until the Bolts are on the clock. Cody could be groomed into a player similar to Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton who seems to have difficult saying ‘no’ to the buffet at times as well. His natural power and instincts make him the perfect fit in the 3-4 for disrupting the running game and his impact on special teams has been evident during his time in Alabama. With some coaching and a bit more discipline in terms of diet, Cody has the ability to become a Pro Bowl caliber player at the next level.

As for filling the potential hole left in Cromartie’s wake, candidates at corner near the end of round 2 would have to include three big name underclassmen. Michigan’s Donovan Warren, Rutgers’ Devin McCourty, and Iowa’s Amari Spievey all could be available at this point in the draft. All three of these players have tremendous upside, but questions of experience and body of work have to weigh on each of their stocks a bit. Warren had a big year in 2009, but looked average during his first two seasons in Michigan and has been susceptible to giving up the big play at times. McCourty doesn’t offer eye popping numbers in terms of production, but his play is less about numbers and more about effectiveness in coverage. Spievey has the least in terms of body of work, but at 6’1” 190lbs. he really mirrors the Cromartie appearance when the Bolts drafted him in 2006 and his athleticism makes him an extremely attractive option for continued growth as a cover corner.

The Combine will reveal a lot in terms of where these players will fall comparatively athletically with their fellow brethren at their respective positions, but with these possibilities floating around for the Bolts the temptations are limitless. Much like the drive to continue improving on a day-to-day basis, the rumor mill will never cease and until some sort of resolution is found in the Chargers backfield as well as on the corner with Cromartie, the outlandish trade scenarios will continue to surface. Of all of the potential ideas that have popped up thus far, this trade with Carolina seems to make the most sense for both parties as the Panthers are without a 1st round pick this year and they have two top tier running backs at their disposal. It’s all about making both sides happy here at ChargingBolts and we will continue to strive to accomplish that eternally (wow that was cheesy).

It’s been a long time coming, but the inevitable finally became reality on Monday afternoon as the Chargers announced the release of eventual Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. This move does not come as a surprise at all, but that doesn’t make it any less melancholy of an occasion. Obviously the salary cap played a huge role in the decision in tandem with his significant drop in production over the last two seasons as Tomlinson was due over $5 million for the 2010 season and churned out only a career low 730 yards in his 2009 campaign. His 3.3 yards per carry was tough to watch at times and the Chargers running game as a whole really struggled to get much going this past year.

Immediately following the move Chargers team President Dean Spanos released a statement saying: “It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career. I’m proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field. No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger. His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger.” During Tomlinson’s incredible career with the Bolts he accumulated 12,490 yards and 153 touchdowns as well as holding or tying 28 team records in the process. His decade with the franchise was one filled with class and dignity during even the most tenuous of times.

Probably the most indelable moment personally in following Tomlinson’s time with the Bolts was actually that draft day when it was doubtful that the team was going to get the TCU back after trading down from the number one pick with the Atlanta Falcons. Each pick that rolled off prior to the Bolts selection at number five overall was a nerve-wracking experience, but it all paid off when the humble Tomlinson’s name was called by the Commissioner at the podium and he came onto the stage, shook his hand, and put on a Chargers hat. His post draft interview showcased his humility and just what a great person as well as football player that the Bolts would be getting for the next decade.

Head Coach Norv Turner offered his insight on Tomlinson’s departure as well saying: “LT is a true pro. He’s one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can’t do justice to the things he’s accomplished on and off the field.” There is no doubt that the Chargers and the city of San Diego have a huge void to fill with this news coming down today. For the organization, finding another player near the caliber of Tomlinson will be a tough enough task, but trying to locate another man of LT’s quality is going to be next to impossible.

San Diego’s improvement in pass defense was one of the biggest differences from 2008 to 2009 as the Bolts went from 31st in the league allowing 247.4 yards per game to 11th this year surrendering just 209.2 yards per contest. Some of that progress has to be credited to the increase in sacks from 28 to 35 year over year, but the Bolts secondary definitely stepped up its game as a unit this past season as well. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera certainly deserves a large portion of the credit for the Chargers development on defense as his schemes and play designs utilized all of the tools at his disposal to the maximum of their abilities. 2008’s struggles against the pass may have been at least in part due to the lack of familiarity with Rivera’s defense in his first season with the club. Now the growth process has really begun to show itself and the Bolts reaped the benefits in 2010.

With that being said, Cromartie’s vacant spot on the corner that will be filled by Cason is going to be a large question mark heading into next season and the Bolts really lack any depth at corner as it is let alone after dealing one of their starters. It’s time to investigate some options that may be available to the team this offseason to help fill those voids and keep this secondary progressing in the right direction.

Of course the Chargers would like to find someone who can come into the fold and contribute right away, but those are few and far between in the draft as even the league’s best corners take a while to adjust to the size and speed at the NFL level. Many draft gurus call corner the most difficult position to transition to and project from college to the professional ranks which may explain why there are so many early round failures at the position. In 2003, the Chargers were unfortunate enough to find themselves on the raw end of a deal in which they drafted three secondary players (two corners and a safety) in the draft’s opening two rounds and only one of those players is still in the NFL. Drafting a solid instinctual player out of college is an unpredictable science that often backfires so the Bolts would love to find a way to sure up their secondary in free agency which would also give them more draft flexibility.

First up on the list of available veterans will be Ken Lucas who has had stints with both the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers. Lucas’ play has dropped off a bit over the last two seasons, but he is still a very serviceable player that could bring an additional experienced voice to a team that needs more leadership. At 31 years of age, Lucas definitely fits the stop-gap role with a presence that may push Cason a bit while allowing him to develop more as a player in the process.

Another name that could be on the Bolts wish list is Anthony Henry who has bounced around a bit recently and will be looking for his third team in as many years this offseason. At 33, Henry has definitely slowed down which has forced him to not only change cities frequently but positions as well. After spending some time at safety with the Dallas Cowboys in both 2007 and 2008, Henry was dealt to the Detroit Lions last offseason and moved back his corner spot where he was a situational player in the Motor City. Henry’s experience could offer some much needed tutelage to every member of the Chargers secondary with his multi-dimensional prowess in coverage.

Certainly the draft remains a likely destination for the Bolts to find some depth and even if they do land one of these free agent acquisitions they will likely draft a corner at some point to develop into a nickel or situational player for years to come. As stated above, corner is one of the deepest positions in this year’s class with talent oozing from nearly every round as so many early entrants really bulked up the corner crop. One of those early entries that might be of interest in the late 2nd or even late 3rd round is Michigan Wolverines corner Donovan Warren. Warren is remarkably fluid in his backpedal and on film nearly always maintains proper positioning between himself and his man. His instincts are off the charts for having limited experience as he breaks on the ball with authority and makes quarterbacks think twice about throwing into his area of the field. With his inexperience however comes the fact that he may not be an instant addition to help the team now which is really what the Bolts need with the window to win in the NFL always inching closed.

Brandon Ghee is a player that could be had anywhere from late round two to the middle of round four and he offers a similar stature to that of a current member of the Bolts in Jammer. Ghee plays a physical and sometimes too physical style of play (sound familiar?) which may result in some illegal contact calls under the current ‘hands off’ NFL rules. There is no doubt that Ghee will translate into the next level though as he really has tremendous instincts to go along with a solid collegiate career with tons of experience. Probably not a ton of upside to be had in terms of off the charts development, but with Ghee you know exactly what you are going to get. His selection would be a safe one and if he is still on the board during the 4th round the Chargers may be dialing his number.

One kid who came into 2009 with high expectations and really underwhelmed scouts this season is Kentucky Wildcats corner Trevard Lindley. San Diego could find him available into the latter stages of the draft perhaps the 6th round and his value would be just amazing at that point. Lindley is a four year starter with incredible natural athleticism and instincts to make plays in the secondary and cash them in once he gets to ball in his hands. One question with him will be timed speed as many believe he will be a 4.6 plus guy in the 40 yard dash which really won’t make anyone all that anxious to select him in the draft’s early going. Although he has the intangibles to succeed, size may be an issue and he will definitely need to bulk up a bit if he is going to be a successful nickel corner covering split out tight ends and slot receivers at the next level.

Don’t put it past General Manager A.J. Smith to throw a curveball and take a corner in the opening round either as Smith is certainly known to go against the grain and throw conventional wisdom out the window quite often. If the Bolts do look corner in the draft’s opening round, names like Florida State’s Patrick Robinson, Alabama’s Kareem Jackson, and Boise State’s Kyle Wilson could get some looks. These three are all mirror images of one another with the exception possibly being Jackson who is still a bit unpolished in his coverage skills. All three are just a shade under six feet tall and right around 190lbs. featuring fluid movement and remarkable tackling for cornerbacks. All of these names will be ones to look out for in the coming weeks leading up to April’s draft.

It really boils down to who the Bolts bring in during their team workouts during the scouting process and which players wind up on their radar. In due time the pieces will begin to fall into place, but currently the puzzle is still relatively disheveled for what direction San Diego is heading in at corner. If Cromartie is in fact dealt however, let the fireworks begin as A.J. Smith is likely to put on a grand display for the Chargers front office.

There is no arguing with Cromartie’s talent and physical abilities at 6’2” 203lbs. running sub 4.4 in the 40 yard dash, but his mental prowess is another story entirely. Early in the year during investigative reporting on Bobby Bowden’s tenure at Florida State (Cromartie’s school), a history of allowing less than capable athletes academically into the school was unearthed. Cromartie’s name was one that came up as a student with a very low IQ that could not have possibly made it through the years of school that he completed without a great deal of assistance. That is not to say that the reason the Bolts want to deal him is his lack of intelligence, but his sorry effort on the field in many cases as well as suspect off the field conduct could certainly be linked back to these factors. His heartless action in the video below is absolutely nauseating to watch just as a disclaimer if you are a Bolts fan get the barf bag ready before you click.

Exploring the ideas for dealing Cromartie is a fun proposition as corners with his talent are tough to come by in this league and it just takes one team to fall in love with the potential to make a deal. San Diego would obviously be looking for a back in return to fill the eventual void of LT’s inevitable departure and more likely than not Darren Sproles leaving the backfield stable as well. If the Bolts fail to find a back in a trade that would fulfill their needs, the likely option is to receive a draft choice or two in return and use one on a runner or perhaps package some picks to move up in the draft. The possibilities will likely be plentiful as the draft nears and many teams are forecast to be in the market for a corner, but just what kind of deal is most likely to suffice the Bolts needs?

One potential suitor that has been mentioned is the Dallas Cowboys and the obvious connection back to Wade Phillips during his days in San Diego. The Boys also have a plethora of capable running backs to offer up in a package deal with Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice each in the backfield. There aren’t enough footballs to go around to keep all three of those guys happy and none of them have much wear on their tires. Choice is the back that has been whispered as the most likely to be moved and he would be great fit with the Bolts in my opinion. He has prototypical premier tailback size at 5’10” 212lbs. and is quite versatile with the ability to be utilized on third down just as much as first down. The value of both of these players has to be a bit of mystery though as Cromartie was once a Pro Bowler and top three corner in the league candidate but now considered fringe while Choice just hasn’t had enough carries to truly evaluate his worth. His ability to catch passes as well as pick up the tough goal line yards though make it a deal worthy of consideration as a straight swap with no picks involved.

Next on the list with expendable backs is the Baltimore Ravens with Willis McGahee who has been overtaken in the starting role by the bowling ball with legs Ray Rice. McGahee isn’t really someone that personally would make me very happy if the Bolts took him on due in large part to his history of injuries and inability to stay healthy for a full season. Swapping out Tomlinson for McGahee just seems like a fruitless cause as the two of them are only two years apart in age and both have become quite injury prone. McGahee also has a HUGE cap number that would need to be greatly reduced before the Chargers took him on board, but even cutting his salary in half wouldn’t make that an attractive option for San Diego. If Baltimore would look to shop a draft choice for Cromartie however, that deal could get done. The 25th pick may be a little too much to ask, but maybe swap first round picks and get a 2nd this year or in 2011 would be a more likely scenario. Moving up three spots would get the Bolts closer to C.J. Spiller (maybe) and if not at least in prime position to take Jonathan Dwyer if they so desire.

Moving on, the third player in this sweepstakes has been rumored to be the Green Bay Packers and their already formidable corner duo of Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Harris has really struggled to stay healthy of late and both of those guys are getting into their mid 30’s which is near quitting time for corner at the NFL level. Cromartie could be a great addition in Green Bay with the chance to learn the ropes under their tutelage for a season before taking over for one in a year’s time. What would the Packers be willing to part with, well that could be a similar trade to the suggested Ravens deal. Swapping 1st rounders would gain the Bolts five spots while maybe gaining a 2nd or 3rd this year or in 2011 makes a lot of sense for San Diego. Add the Packers to the list as just another in the multiplicity of potential teams looking to acquire Cromartie’s services.

The final team with interest may be the New York Giants who have two running backs that could be considered superfluous in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs took a huge dip in production and has had his heart questioned by the team after signing his big extension last offseason. His angry running style is definitely something that could entice the Chargers into a straight up swap for his services. Cromartie would instantly be the most talented member of the Giants secondary in this potential deal and could really help a pass defense that has looked average at best in recent years. This one would be highly unlikely in a capped season, but with zero cap ramifications after March 5th on the signing bonus of Jacobs, the Giants might be willing to deal him if things work out right.

So now it comes down to the man in charge, General Manager A.J. Smith, and whether or not he can swing a deal that will satisfy all parties involved. When asked to comment about the entire situation, Smith coyly replied: “Yeah, I’ve heard that (Cromartie’s on the block). Every day is a new adventure. I’m not commenting on it.” At least he didn’t jump up and down while berating the reporter for asking such a ludicrous question. In all seriousness though, this really does have the feel of something that is imminent and it could come on the heels of LT’s release (whenever that occurs) just to divert some of the attention away from an iconic figure leaving town. Everyone knows that the Bolts need to address the running back position and having this many options with which to do so is a good thing for the organization. Good luck A.J. and hopefully you can swing another sh-Eli Manning, Philip Rivers type of deal for the long-term benefit of the Chargers franchise.