Chargers – Multiple Choice Exam
The possibilities are fascinating for the San Diego Chargers.
The signing of Denver Broncos young, veteran, offensive tackle-guard Orlando Franklin, is a huge upgrade over what they had on the field last year.
More importantly, his versatility fits right in, with the unique group of teammates he will join the trenches, once OTA workouts begin in May.
Franklin was a 3-year starter at right tackle in Denver, and I thought played well. Last year, he moved inside to left guard, and though the Broncos had problems, he and teammate Ryan Clady were not the issue.
The Broncos lost a couple of centers, had an injury at right tackle, and forced rock-solid right guard Louis Vasquez to go outside and play on the edge, not his normal slot. The end result, Denver wound up having problems at three offensive line positions, and the pressure and hits on quarterback Peyton Manning got worse and worse as the season wore on.
Franklin joins the massive DJ Fluker on that San Diego offensive line. Fluker has been a road grader at right tackle, but might be even better playing inside at right guard.
Chris Watt wound up as the starting center last year, a position that became a Mash unit, with all those injuries. Watt came out of college as a guard.
We know the Chargers, with the 17th pick in the first round, will get a shot at a very good offensive lineman.
Reports say Iowa’s guard Brandon Scherff will fall to them. Florida State center Cam Irving will be there too. LSU offensive tackle La’el Collins and Miami Hurricane Ereck Flowers could also drop.
Think of the mix San Diego could have. Scherr drafted as a guard. Watt is your young center, Fluker stays at tackle, and Franklin plays left guard, next to King Dunlap.
Or maybe Irving is the choice to play center, with Watt going back to guard, with Fluker on that right side. Franklin and Dunlap anchor the left.
Maybe Collins falls to them, and becomes their right tackle, Fluker kicks inside at guard, next to Watt, with Franklin and Dunlap rounding it all out.
Could the field tilt with the two wide bodies, Franklin-Fluker playing next to each other? You could keep Watt in the middle, bring back Chad Rinehart next to Dunlop, and go draft a running back or defense instead.
The signing of Orlando Franklin was a brilliant stroke, because he can do so many things, with guys who have already done so many things.
The possibilities for the Chargers are endless in this Multiple Choice exam they will take on draft day.
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Why not draft a running back in the 1st round?
Would love to see Chargers get Melvin Gordon-Wisconsin-don’t think he will be there at 17…could get RB in 2nd round..do think they get good OL at 17th pick