Monday, February 25, 2008

CHARGERS: Construction zone

By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer

While the NFL scouting combine takes place below, A.J. Smith is spending
most of his time in a suite high above the end zone at Indianapolis' RCA
Dome ---- and he's not just thinking about which collegiate players impress
him.

The Chargers' general manager is finalizing his game plan for the offseason
and analyzing what the team needs for the 2008 season.

While his Chargers won a dramatic playoff game over the Colts in the same
building just six weeks ago, Smith is more interested in a different type of
building ---- the construction of the 2008 Chargers.

There is a meeting room adjoining the Chargers' suite, and it is there that
Smith is seeking input from the organization's coaches, scouts and personnel
people.

But no matter how long the discussions go, one thing is clear: There won't
be a lot of movement this offseason, not with 37 players signed through at
least 2009.

"It's pretty obvious to look at our team and know that more than the
majority of the people are here," Smith said. "Our team is pretty much
built. There's always a little bit of change but we're beyond a lot of
change."

The Chargers made their first offseason addition on Sunday by signing inside
linebacker Derek Smith to a two-year contract. The 34-year-old Smith was
recently released by San Francisco.

But basically, the roster that played in last month's AFC Championship Game
will remain intact. The AFC title game appearance was just the second for
the Chargers in the NFL's 42-season Super Bowl era. They notched their first
two playoff victories since the 1994 postseason before losing to the New
England Patriots.

Smith is happy to see that the team's playoff victory drought is over, but
the hard-charging GM is not the type of person to relax and rest on his
team's laurels. He craves winning what he terms a "world championship."

"So close to a Super Bowl," said Smith, "so I have to reflect back and say
we're making progress. I like where we're headed and hopefully we can learn
and grow and get into '08 and keep moving forward. I like the direction that
we are going in now.

"I feel we have a chance. The fact that we won a bunch of games and ended up
in the AFC Championship Game, we did have a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
We just didn't get it done in Foxborough. So that year is over and a new
year begins."

Smith is waiting until Thursday to talk specifics in terms of his offseason
plan. He will meet with the media that day, close the door on the 2007
season and look forward to the ensuing campaign.

But here's a look at the Chargers' roster:

Quarterbacks

Philip Rivers (2009), Billy Volek (2007; unrestricted free agent), Charlie
Whitehurst (2009).

Rivers is rehabilitating the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee
and is projected to be ready when the Chargers begin the 2008 season. Volek
is a free agent and could become a valued commodity in a market that is thin
in quality quarterbacks.

Whitehurst, entering his third season, could be ready for the backup role.

Running backs

LaDainian Tomlinson (2011), Michael Turner (2007; unrestricted free agent),
Darren Sproles (2008), Lorenzo Neal (2010), Andrew Pinnock (2010).

Tomlinson has won back-to-back rushing titles but also will turn 29 in June,
which means he's getting up there in running back years. With valuable caddy
Turner leaving, perhaps Tomlinson's eventual replacement will be found in
April's NFL draft.

Sproles is a valuable reserve but isn't viewed as an every-down back.
Pinnock will supplant Neal as the team's main fullback; Neal could become an
ex-Charger later this week.

Receivers

Chris Chambers (2009), Vincent Jackson (2009), Eric Parker (2010), Craig
Davis (2011), Legedu Naanee (2010), Kassim Osgood (2009), Malcom Floyd
(2007; exclusive rights free agent).

Chambers was an excellent midseason addition and Jackson stepped up with a
terrific postseason. Parker missed all of last season with a toe injury and
could be a valuable third-down weapon. Davis was forced into action last
September before he was ready, but the team remains high on his potential.
Naanee is an intriguing prospect. Osgood's value lies solely in special
teams, while Floyd could be hard-pressed to make the roster in 2008.

Tight ends

Antonio Gates (2010), Brandon Manumaleuna (2009), Scott Chandler (2010).

Gates appears headed toward toe surgery and is expected to be fully
recovered by the time the season rolls around. Manumaleuna is a bruising
blocker and a fine complement to Gates. Chandler will find it hard to get on
the field unless there are injuries to Gates and/or Manumaleuna.

Offensive line

LT Marcus McNeill (2009), LG Kris Dielman (2012), C Nick Hardwick (2011), RG
Mike Goff (2008), RT Jeromey Clary (2007; exclusive rights free agent), T
Shane Olivea (2011), C Cory Withrow (2009), OL Scott Mruczkowski (2007;
restricted free agent).

McNeill played in his second consecutive Pro Bowl and Dielman just made his
first, so the left side is in good shape. Hardwick is one of the top centers
in the NFL and Goff is a fierce warrior. Clary supplanted Olivea as a
starter; the two will likely battle for the right tackle spot. Withrow is a
versatile reserve.

Mruczkowski, who has one start in three seasons, could receive some interest
in the free-agent market. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Chargers scanned
the free-agent list in search of depth.

Defensive line

Jamal Williams (2010), Luis Castillo (2009), Igor Olshansky (2008), Jacques
Cesaire (2010), Ryon Bingham (2010), Brandon McKinney (2007; exclusive
rights free agent).

Williams continues to accumulate nicks and bruises but has another good
season or two left in him. Finding an eventual replacement for Williams will
eventually become a priority. Castillo missed several games with an ankle
injury for the second straight season. Olshansky is coming off his best
season and entering the last season of his contract. He's looking for a big
payday.

Cesaire and Bingham are valuable reserves. McKinney provides depth behind
Williams.

Linebackers

Shawne Merriman (2009), Shaun Phillips (2012), Stephen Cooper (2010), Matt
Wilhelm (2011), Derek Smith (2009), Marques Harris (2007; restricted free
agent), Jyles Tucker (2008), Anthony Waters (2010), Brandon Siler (2010),
Tim Dobbins (2009), Carlos Polk (2008).

Merriman's contract has two years to run but the closer he gets toward free
agency, the harder he will be to sign. He'll still be just 25 years old when
his contract runs out. Phillips, Cooper and Wilhelm are all locked up for at
least three more seasons. Wilhelm could be challenged this offseason by the
newly signed Smith, a former mainstay of San Francisco's defense.

The Chargers are high on Waters' potential and Siler is a tough hard-nosed
player. Dobbins is a capable reserve and valuable special teams player. If
Harris were to depart, Tucker's second-half emergence would soften the blow.
Polk's main value is on special teams.

Secondary

Quentin Jammer (2012), Antonio Cromartie (2010), Drayton Florence (2007;
unrestricted free agent), Clinton Hart (2008), Marlon McCree (2010), Eric
Weddle (2010), Paul Oliver (2010), Cletis Gordon (2007; exclusive rights
free agent), Steve Gregory (2007; exclusive rights free agent).

Jammer had a solid season and Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions,
so the starting corners are set. Finding a capable third corner with
Florence leaving will be important, since it is unknown whether Gordon is
ready for the role. The club is expected to sign Hart to a contract
extension and part ways with McCree; the latter move would make Weddle a
starter.

Oliver could be moved to safety, while Gregory is solid on special teams.
Adding a veteran safety through free agency could happen.

Specialists

K Nate Kaeding (2012), P Mike Scifres (2011), LS David Binn (2008), K Dave
Rayner (2007; restricted free agent).

Kaeding is a dependable kicker, Scifres is one of the game's top punters and
Binn is one of the best long snappers. Rayner, signed to handle kickoffs
after Kaeding fractured his plant leg, will be seeking employment elsewhere.

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