NFL Expert Adam Caplan's Chat Roundup
Scout.com's NFL Insider Adam Caplan has been busy this week answering questions from fans around the network. Caplan dishes about Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson and other big names in the league. He also explains what last year's prominent rookies need to improve on, which draftees will make the biggest impact and much more in this exclusive Q&A feature. [Link]
Resilient Rivers Speaks of 'Extra Motivation'
It was somewhat of a surprise to see Philip Rivers dropping back, hitting receivers and looking pretty good in the recent minicamp. Never mind he is rebounding from an operation which repaired a torn ACL in his right knee. [Link]
Rivers, L.T. Answer Critics at Mini Camp
LaDainian Tomlinson was back before the media, talking about water under the bridge and riding a wave which hopefully places the Chargers in Tampa, Fla., for the Super Bowl. The rough waters originated during last season's AFC championship game. L.T. was forced to the bench after four plays when his sprained knee was unable to respond. [Link]
Chargers Draft Analysis: OT Corey Clark
Jaime Cattano concludes her five-part series evaluating the Bolts draft selections with a closer look at OT Corey Clark. The Texas A&M product is equipped with great size, impressive technique and solid work ethic. The Bolts know that once Clark finds his aggressive tone on the field, he could push Jeromey Clary for playing time. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Defense
With the NFL draft behind us, here's an updated look at the best available free agents from the defensive side of the ball. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Offense
Here's a post-draft look at the best available NFL free agents from the offensive side of the ball. [Link]
Insider Exclusive: CB DeJuan Tribble Q&A
SDBoltReport.com's Michael Kranzler continues his exclusive interview with DeJuan Tribble by asking the questions that matter. How is Tribble's injured knee holding up? How did he balance football and academics at Boston College? And who got the better of the practice-field rivalry, Tribble or top-three pick Matt Ryan? [Link]
Exclusive Interview with CB DeJuan Tribble
DeJuan Tribble will battle all offseason long to earn his place in San Diego's crowded secondary. With his first mini camp in the books, Tribble offers an exclusive interview to SDBoltReport.com's Michael Kranzler. Tribble talks about his senior year at Boston College, his progress thus far and his projected role on the team in this exclusive Q&A. [Link]
This NFL offseason has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL offseason? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
This NFL off-season has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL off-season? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
News analysis: Ravens QB situation
Move over Kyle Boller, there's a new quarterback in town. [Link]
News analysis: Ravens QB situation
Move over Kyle Boller, there's a new quarterback in town. [Link]
Chargers Draft Analysis: CB DeJuan Tribble
Jaime Cattano proceeds with her five-part series examining the Bolts' draft picks. San Diego picked up DeJaun Tribble in round six, marking its second cornerback selection after tabbing Antoine Cason five rounds earlier. Tribble will compete with Cletis Gordon and Steve Gregory for the right to be active on game days. [Link]
Chargers Draft Analysis: RB Marcus Thomas
Jaime Cattano proceeds with her five-part series examining the Chargers' draft selections. In the fifth round, the Bolts picked up another running back to pair with Jacob Hester in the quest to replace Michael Turner. With a solid and powerful frame, Marcus Thomas runs with a powerful body lean that will give him an edge over his opponents. [Link]
Chargers could center sights on Newberry (Yahoo! Sports)
The San Diego Chargers are concerned enough about Nick Hardwick not being able to start the season that they… [Link]
The amazing story behind Antonio Cromartie (SportingNews.com)
The San Diego Chargers' Antonio Cromartie has many fascinating stories to tell. But getting him to reveal the most important one is as hard as completing a pass in his area. [Link]
Mini Camp: Cromartie, Rivers Lead the Way
The Chargers wrapped up their post-draft mini camp on Sunday with the veteran stars showing the rookies how it's done. Philip Rivers looked sharp in limited action and Antonio Cromartie picked off a pair of passes. SDBoltReport.com was on the scene and has a detailed breakdown of Sunday's action. [Link]
NFL Draft: 2009 Mock Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft is behind us, but it doesn't mean we can't have a little fun and take a look at the 2009 draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber releases his first 2009 mock draft and includes draft-eligible underclassmen. [Link]
Mini Camp: Second-Year Studs Break Out
The Chargers gave fans their first two-a-day treat of the new season and the players brought the energy to make it worthwhile. Everyone turned out to get a good look at the new rookie class, but the second-year players stole the show. Elsewhere, a forgotten face on offense began to reassert himself. SDBoltReport.com has the details. [Link]
Was Nix pushed out to make room for Mueller?
There was a shakeup — for the second straight offseason — on the second level of Chargers Park recently. What exactly happened is still not clear. What is evident is that respected assistant general manager Buddy Nix is no longer with the club. The team said he retired in a press release which didn't include a comment from Nix. [Link]
Rivers, L.T. back on field as Chargers open minicamp
Less than four months after having a ligament in his right knee replaced, Philip Rivers was dropping back and throwing passes. Granted, it was glorified touch football and the San Diego Chargers quarterback didn't have defenders in his face. But the quarterback had no intention of missing the opening practice of minicamp on Friday morning, the first time the Chargers were back on the field together since losing the AFC championship game to the New England Patriots. [Link]
Rivers, L.T. back on field as Chargers open minicamp (AP)
Less than four months after having a ligament in his right knee replaced, Philip Rivers was dropping back and throwing passes. Granted, it was glorified touch football and the San Diego Chargers quarterback didn't have defenders in his face. But the quarterback had no intention of missing the opening practice of minicamp on Friday morning, the first time the Chargers were back on the field together… [Link]
2008 CFL Draft Wrap
CFL Insiders Publisher Jack Bedell Offers His take on the CFL Draft. [Link]
NFL free-agent market still has valuable pieces (SportingNews.com)
NFL teams swept the premier players off the shelves weeks ago, but that doesn't mean the free-agent cupboard is… [Link]
Vince Young & Titans about wins, not stats (SportingNews.com)
Vince Young receives an awful lot of criticism about his statistics, but he doesn't get enough credit for the most important stat of all: wins. [Link]
Pressing needs for every NFL team
The draft can't fix everything (see the Jets' and 49ers' QB quandaries). Alex Marvez runs down every team's pressing needs. [Link]
Scout.com NFL Draft Report Card
Only five NFL teams earned an "A" in last weekend's NFL Draft according to former pro scout Tom Marino. Was your favorite team one of them? Or was it one of the handful who earned a failing grade? Check out Marino's grades for all 32 teams in this Scout.com feature. [Link]
Insider Scouting Report: L.J. Shelton
Alain Poupart of Dolphins Digest — a publication covering the Miami Dolphins for more than 30 years — provides SDBoltReport.com with an exclusive analysis of the Bolts' newest addition. L.J. Shelton started every game for the Dolphins over the last two years and Poupart got an up-close look at his play. Here's what he had to say about Shelton. [Link]
Chargers Draft Analysis: FB Jacob Hester
Jaime Cattano continues her five-part series taking a closer look at the Chargers' draft picks. Determined to find support for Ladainian Tomlinson after the loss of Michael Turner, the Bolts traded a pair of picks to move up and nab Jacob Hester. A runner, blocker and receiver, this prospect carries a blend of skills sure to get him on the field. [Link]
Was Shelton the right choice for the Bolts?
The Chargers signed 10-year veteran L.J. Shelton to a two-year contract on Tuesday. Shelton will step in and provide insurance behind Marcus McNeill and Jeromey Clary. But was he the best player available? The market was hardly ripe with talent, but team expert Michael Lombardo identifies three other players who were worthy of consideration. [Link]
Chargers assistant GM retires (PA SportsTicker)
SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - Buddy Nix retired as assistant general manager and director of player personnel for the San Diego Chargers, the team announced Tuesday. [Link]
Nix out as Chargers assistant GM
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned. [Link]
Chargers Draft Analysis: CB Antoine Cason
Following the chaos of last weekend, Jaime Cattano kicks off a five-part series examining the Chargers' draft picks. After the loss of Drayton Florence, the Bolts filled the void by extending their first pick to this cornerback. While he marks tight coverage and raises havoc against receivers, he also holds noteworthy experience as a punt returner. [Link]
Nix not returning as Chargers assistant GM
Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned. The Chargers sent out a news release late Tuesday afternoon saying Nix had resigned, and that a restructuring of the personnel department by general manager A.J. Smith had begun, including the hiring of Randy Mueller, a former NFL GM, as senior executive. Nix wasn't available for comment Tuesday night. [Link]
Nix out as Chargers assistant GM (AP)
Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned. The Chargers sent out a news release late Tuesday afternoon saying Nix had resigned, and that the personnel department had been restructured by general manager A.J. [Link]
Nix out as Chargers assistant GM
Buddy Nix is out as assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers, with the team saying he retired and his wife saying he resigned. The Chargers sent out a news release late Tuesday afternoon saying Nix had resigned, and that the personnel department had been restructured by general manager A.J. Smith. The moves included hiring Randy Mueller, a former NFL GM, as senior executive. Nix wasn't available for comment Tuesday night. [Link]
Chargers sign Shelton to 2-year deal to shore up O-line
Unable to land a tackle early in last weekend's draft, the San Diego Chargers signed veteran L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal Tuesday. Shelton, entering his 10th NFL season, was released by the Miami Dolphins in February. He's started 125 of 130 games during his career. He started all 16 games at right tackle last year. In 2006 with the Dolphins, he started five games at left tackle before moving to right guard for the final 11 games. [Link]
Chargers sign Shelton to 2-year deal
Unable to land a tackle early in last weekend's draft, the San Diego Chargers signed veteran L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal Tuesday. Shelton, entering his 10th NFL season, was released by the Miami Dolphins in February. He's started 125 of 130 games during his career. He started all 16 games at right tackle last year. In 2006 with the Dolphins, he started five games at left tackle before moving to right guard for the final 11 games. [Link]
Chargers sign Shelton to 2-year deal to shore up O-line (AP)
Unable to land a tackle early in last weekend's draft, the San Diego Chargers signed veteran L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal Tuesday. Shelton, entering his 10th NFL season, was released by the Miami Dolphins in February. He's started 125 of 130 games during his career. He started all 16 games at right tackle last year. [Link]
Chargers sign Shelton to 2-year deal to shore up O-line
Unable to land a tackle early in last weekend's draft, the San Diego Chargers signed veteran L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal Tuesday. Shelton, entering his 10th NFL season, was released by the Miami Dolphins in February. He's started 125 of 130 games during his career. He started all 16 games at right tackle last year. In 2006 with the Dolphins, he started five games at left tackle before moving to right guard for the final 11 games. [Link]
Chargers sign OL Shelton (PA SportsTicker)
The San Diego Chargers signed offensive lineman L.J. Shelton to a two-year deal on Tuesday. [Link]
On the Clock: 15 prospects for '09 NFL Draft
With the '08 draft in the books, who's ready for next year? Peter Schrager gives you his draft wrap, complete with names for '09. [Link]
2009 NFL Draft: Steuber's Big Board
With the 2008 NFL Draft complete, it's never too early to take a look at the top senior prospects that will be available for the 2009 NFL Draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber debuts his Big Board of the Top 19 seniors who will be available in 2009. [Link]
Bolts Draft Recap: No Need Left Behind
The Chargers entered the draft in an enviable position: They were looking for depth, not starters, to add to a squad which reached last season's AFC Championship Game. So they attacked those depth issues with their first pick, choosing to go cornerback instead of offensive tackle in selecting Arizona's Antoine Cason at No. 27 overall. [Link]
NFL Post-Draft Insider 1.0
Scout.com's NFL insider Adam Caplan gives you the inside skinny in what went behind the selections of eight teams in this post-draft update. Caplan also breaks down how some of drafted players will fit in with their new teams. [Link]
Chargers Tack On 17 Free Agents
The Chargers have a reputation for developing undrafted free agents, with three such players earning Pro Bowl invites last season: Antonio Gates, Kris Dielman, Kassim Osgood. This year's rookie class took notice, with 17 undrafted players choosing to continue their careers in San Diego. [Link]
Steelers' Hall of Fame draft still the best ever (Rivals.com)
In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers put together the greatest draft in NFL history. Wide receiver Lynn Swann was the… [Link]
AFC grades: Top marks for Pats, Steelers, Raiders (Yahoo! Sports)
Darren McFadden figures to be a huge boost for Oakland's offense and QB JaMarcus Russell. [Link]
San Diego Plugs Holes, Leaves Draft Recharged
The Chargers entered the draft with needs at cornerback, running back and offensive tackle and addressed two of the three with multiple players. A.J. Smith traded away a future draft pick, again, and waited until the draft was winding down to select an offensive lineman, again, but the Chargers came out of the draft feeling recharged for a Super Bowl run. [Link]
Chargers Add DL Keith Shologan
Scout.com's Ed Thompson reports the Chargers agreed to terms with undrafted free agent DL Keith Shologan. The 6'2", 290-pound lineman from Central Florida took advantage of the fact that the Chargers failed to draft a D-lineman for the second consecutive year. [Link]
