San Diego Chargers 2010 Roster Rundown
Quick-hitting analysis on every significant contributor to the 2010 San Diego Chargers.
Head Coach: Norv Turner (4th year)
*new veteran
**rookie
Offense
Coordinator: Clarence Shelmon
QB: Philip Rivers
No quarterback in football throws better with defenders bearing down on him.
RB: Ryan Matthews**
Chargers moved up 16 spots in the first round to get him at 12. Ironically, he wore number 21 at Fresno State to honor his favorite player, LaDainian Tomlinson.
RB: Darren Sproles
You don’t find many $7 million backups in this league. Electrifying when he gets room to operate.
FB: Jacob Hester
Firm lead-blocker who can also handle the rock. He and backup Mike Tolbert might both be top 10 fullbacks.
WR: Vincent Jackson
Is threatening to holdout, which makes sense football-wise but probably not business-wise. An amazing deep threat. Also, 58 of his 68 receptions last season moved the chains.
WR: Malcom Floyd
Perhaps even more talented than Jackson, though not quite as polished.
WR: Legedu Naanee
Versatility is a major plus. Development has been somewhat slow but consistently progressive.
TE: Antonio Gates
A mismatch-creating nightmare. His presence as a receiver over the middle is one of the greatest schematic elements in football.
TE: Randy McMichael*
Has the necessary tools to play in this system, though can’t get abused as a blocker here like he did with the Rams last year.
LT: Marcus McNeil
Good in pass protection when he gets his powerful hands on opponents. Must be more consistent in his footwork.
LG: Kris Dielman
Lands blocks well and shows good balance and mobility for a player of his build.
C: Nick Hardwick
Injuries have eradicated his Pro Bowl status, though can still be a viable filler in the box.
RG: Louis Vasquez
Transitioned extremely well from Texas Tech’s spread offense as a rookie last season. Naturally quick getting out of his stance.
RT: Jeromey Clary
No matter who’s lining up, right tackle has continuously been an area of weakness in this offense (though Chargers have done a good job of masking it).
6 OL: Scott Mruczkowski
Doesn’t have great power, but nimbleness makes him effective in space.
Defense
Coordinator: Ron Rivera
LDE: Luis Castillo
Was a stud as a rookie but has regressed into being just another guy. No longer commands double teams or gets in the backfield.
NT: Ogemdi Nwagbuo
Undrafted third-year pro is just keeping the seat warm until fifth-round rookie Cam Thomas is ready.
RDE: Jacques Cesaire
You only remember him when you’re trying to remember him. No explosiveness or ability to shed blocks. Has generally been a third-down player.
4 DL: Travis Johnson
Slow off the edge; no quickness or energy to his game.
LOLB: Shaun Phillips
You’d be surprised to know he’s a better playside run-defender than weakside pass-rusher. Upper-tier force, but not a star.
LILB: Stephen Cooper
Far and away the front seven’s best player. His leadership and consistent tackling are huge.
RILB: Brandon Siler
Made more big run stops each week down the stretch last season. Has excellent chemistry with Cooper.
ROLB: Shawne Merriman
The earth-shattering pass-rusher died on the operating table two years ago. In his place is a fringe starter with decent strength but poor movement skills.
5 LB: Larry English
Chargers should be extremely alarmed about how lackluster this first-round pick looked as a rookie.
CB: Quintin Jammer
Not a playmaker, but definitely a quality play-stopper.
SS: Darrell Stuckey**
Fourth-round rookie doesn’t have great speed, but scouts liked the way he played with shrewd angles at Kansas.
FS: Eric Weddle
Hasn’t come close to being the second coming of Troy Polamalu, but hasn’t come close to losing his starting job either.
CB: Antoine Cason
2008 first-round pick was demoted from nickel duties in ’09. So why are the Chargers so comfortable with him starting?
NB: Nathan Vasher
Hopes a change of scenery will help him rediscover the confidence he built (then lost) in Chicago.
6 DB: Paul Oliver
Played safety in nickel defense last season, mainly because starter Kevin Ellison was a glorified linebacker.
Special Teams
K: Nate Kaeding
Everyone’s eager to see what impact the playoff struggles will have on the Pro Bowler’s psyche.
P: Mike Scifres
Can punt however he wants for the rest of his career….he’ll always be remembered for his epic postseason performance against the Colts in ’08.
RS: Darren Sproles
A constant threat to go the distance.
