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NFL rookies come into the league with high hopes and high expectations. Until they take the field every first-rounder's a perrenial pro-bowler while each second and third can become a day one starter. The truth generally comes up something short of expectation, that is especially true when additional factors add up to boost those expectations beyond the ordinary pressures afforded a rookie. How many will fold under that pressure and how ...

What makes a dark horse? Everyone has their own definition and opinion, but the most common shared theme is a player whose hype ranks far below his performance. What rookies have that? And how do you judge where the hype ranks? This slide show will attempt to look at it based on the criteria of being drafted later than the second round (and preferably on day three) while ...

San Diego is a team that has prided itself on overcoming injury. Despite a host of injuries, including three separate defensive tackles going on IR, the team put up an impressive 13-3 record in 2009 before succumbing in the divisional playoffs. The team’s great depth is a tremendous asset, but something it may be forced to cut into when a host of players under contract are staring down free agency in ...

San Diego entered the offseason coming off a 13-3 year with three predominant holes—a starting running back, cornerback depth, and a bigger body in the nose tackle rotation. San Diego filled out depth at corner while upgrading the nickel position when they signed free agents Nathan Vasher and Donald Strickland.  The needs at running back and nose tackle were addressed when San Diego selected Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews in the ...

While resisting the ‘mock’ fracass for as long as possible, it would appear the temptation has grown too great. Before delving into a full first-round mock-up, it seemed befitting to start here, with the San Diego Chargers. Mocking a round is far different from a team. With a league it is almost entirely based on what you think a team will do. When it comes to your team ...

The final position on this off-season series, defensive ends falls into the same situation as safety and inside linebacker. The three-man rotation of Luis Castillo, Jacques Cesaire, and Alphonso Boone is solid but ultimately unremarkable.  Travis Johnson also remains in the equation but thus far he seems to fit into the equation as a multi-tool backup along the defensive line rather than a regular rotation guy. For the team to truly ...

Paired with running back as the most obvious need for San Diego, the position of nose tackle also stands as one much more difficult to fill. The deep running back pool this year means that San Diego can afford to miss out on their first or second choice while still securing a great back. At the nose position the well runs dry much sooner. Dan Williams is the consensus top prospect at the ...

San Diego has had its fair share of transactions so far this offseason. From unloading former pro bowlers Ladainian Tomlinson, Jamal Williams, and Antonio Cromartie to bringing in a pair of veteran corners the team has been active. But how do those moves outside San Diego's control impact the team? The uncapped year has kept many free agent with their 2009 teams, but a host of trades have to ...

Very similar to the safety position, San Diego has great depth at the inside linebacking position while lacking any true game-breaker. The rotation among Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler, Tim Dobbins, and Kevin Burnett is much more active, with non-starters Dobbins and Burnett still seeing a lot of field time even when the lineup is completely healthy. Because of the stability and depth, it is unlikely for San Diego to actively pursue an ...

San Diego's need at outside linebacker is completely dependent on how they view current starter Shawne Merriman.   The restricted free agent tender afforded Merriman only guarantees they will be able to retain his services for one year.  Unless they can strike a long term deal they will once more be forced to deal with the issue of his contract next offseason. That long-term deal is not very likely in the current climate.  ...