San Diego Charger Fan

After a poster/pundit drama filled draft, Ray and Loren check in to review our latest picks, look at how they’ll contribute to the Chargers and of course, laugh hysterically at the Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs draft picks.

Show Links

• 2009 Chargers draft review.
  
• Chargers sign 18 rookie free agents.
  
• Shaun Phillips in trouble with the law…again.
• Darren Sproles signs 1 year deal.
• Chargers Mini-Camp closed to the public.
• www.sdstadium.org

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Source: Associated Press

Darren Sproles

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Chargers running back Darren Sproles on Tuesday signed the $6,621,000 million contract he was tendered as the team’s franchise player.

Sproles had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent before the Chargers tagged him as their franchise player. His pay is the average of what the top five running backs in the league are paid.

The speedy little running back and dangerous return specialist made $1.1 million in base pay last year.

Sproles will make just less than star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who redid his contract in March in order to remain with the Bolts.

With Tomlinson sidelined by a groin injury, Sproles stepped up and had a huge performance in a 23-17 win against Indianapolis in a wild-card playoff game. He gained 328 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns, including the winning 22-yard scamper in overtime.

He was bottled up the next week, however, as the Chargers were exposed by the more physical Pittsburgh Steelers in a 35-24 loss in the divisional round. Although Sproles had a 63-yard kickoff return and a 62-yard TD catch in the game’s final two minutes, he was held to 15 yards on 11 carries.

Also Tuesday, the Chargers added Georgia cornerback Ramarcus Brown to the roster and released cornerback Grant Mason.

Source: Chargers.com

The San Diego Chargers agree to terms with 18 rookie free agents. The list includes four offensive linemen, four wide receivers, four defensive linemen, two tight ends, one cornerback, one safety, one fullback and one running back. The complete list of rookie free agents is below.

Player-Position-College

Samuel Allen T Grand Valley State
Darry Beckwith LB Louisiana State
Curtis Brinkley RB Syracuse
Greg Carr WR Florida State
Jeremy Childs WR Boise State
Anthony Felder LB California
Dan Gay T Baylor
James Holt LB Kansas
Rashaad Jackson NT Clemson
Charles Martin WR West Texas A&M
Ryan McDonald C Illinois
Ben Muth G Stanford
Wopamo Osaisai CB Stanford
William Rentmeester FB Wisconsin
Rodgeriqus Smith WR Auburn
Kory Sperry TE Colorado State
Claude Spillman S Marshall
Jerimiah Wurzbacher TE North Dakota State

Source: Associated Press

Shaun Phillips

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips was cited for misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking a security guard in the face at a downtown hotel early Sunday morning.

It is Phillips’ second run-in with the law in three seasons.

“It’s disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shaun Phillips. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course,” general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement.

Neither Phillips nor his agent responded to phone calls, texts and e-mails.

San Diego Police spokeswoman Monica Munoz said Phillips was not arrested.

According to a police report, Phillips was cited by an officer at about 1 a.m. Sunday after a security guard at the Ivy Hotel reported that he had been struck in the face. The security guard was identified as Robert Van Cleave of Pacific Beach.

Ivy Hotel spokeswoman Jessica Cline declined comment.

Phillips was arrested in April 2006 for scuffling with a police officer in downtown but wasn’t charged.

Phillips led the Chargers with 7 1/2 sacks last season after star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was lost to season-ending knee surgery after the opening game.

Phillips’ citation is the latest run-in with the law by a Chargers player.

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson faces two charges of driving under the influence stemming for his arrest on Jan. 6, five days before the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jackson was on probation from a 2006 DUI conviction.

Defensive tackle Jamal Williams pleaded guilty to two traffic violations last week as part of a plea deal stemming from his arrest Feb. 1.

Williams had been arrested on suspicion of DUI, but the San Diego City Attorney’s office decided to charge him with misdemeanor reckless driving after his blood-alcohol level showed 0.07 percent, under the state limit of 0.08.

Source: Chargers.com

Source: USA Today

DRAFT REVIEW

Larry English - Chargers.com Photo

The Chargers completed their draft with their share of surprises and safe picks.

Needing to fill various, the Chargers elected to add to a strength — getting to the quarterback in their 3-4 defense.

Larry English, a pass-rusher out of Northern Illinois, was worthy of the 16th overall pick. This despite the Chargers banking on outside linebacker Shawne Merriman’s return next season and Shaun Phillips being productive on the other side.

But the Chargers went with English, a demon in the MAC where he was the player of the year the past two seasons.

“I think I’ve said unless we shore up the defense, we’re not going to go where we need to go,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. “We need to bring pressure. This is a guy that can bring the heat.”

Merriman, the team’s biggest weapon in pestering quarterbacks, returns with a rebuilt knee and a wobbly future. He’s back, but his long-term situation in San Diego isn’t certain.

His 39.5 sacks his first three years led to three Pro Bowls. But he is a free agent after the upcoming season, and just maybe the Chargers are protecting themselves in case he leaves.

“I wouldn’t read that into it,” coach Norv Turner said.

But the Chargers have to do something — with or without Merriman — about their sorry pass defense. It finished 31st last season as teams regularly ditched the running game to expose the Chargers’ biggest weakness on either side of the ball.

The third of their eight picks was also a bit of surprise. They went with Vaughn Martin, a Jamaican native playing out of Western University in Ontario.

He played two seasons there, with 92 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Martin could start off playing on the outside, but possibly has the size to land at tackle at some point.

But Martin is making a huge leap from playing in Canada to the NFL.

“Obviously he played at a lower level of competition than the typical Division I college, but our guys loved how he showed flashes of dominance,” said Chargers Director of College Scouting John Spanos. “He moves like a guy that is smaller. He has tremendous upside and his best football is ahead of him.”

The Chargers hope so.

They possibly plugged holes along both lines, running back and in two spots in the secondary. Smith had to be busy, as he seldom adds significant players through free agency.

He needs prove his Midas draft touch once again.

BEST PICK: Keep an eye on Louis Vasquez, a third-round offensive linema

n choice out of Texas Tech. His reputation is one of being ornery, and the spot at right guard is wide open. The Chargers are hoping Kynan Forney can start there, but they will give Vasquez a long look. Among the questions is his ability to run-block after playing in the spread in college.

COULD SURPRISE: Wide receiver Demetrius Byrd fell to the Chargers with their final pick after his stock dropped considerably following his recent car accident. The Chargers expect him to compete for a roster spot.

A closer look at the Chargers’ picks:

Round 1/16 - Larry English, LB, 6-2, 255, Northern Illinois

The Chargers add another pass-rusher on the edge to a 3-4 alignment already featuring Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips.

Round 3/78 - Louis Vasquez, G, 6-5, 333, Texas Tech

With Mike Goff leaving in free agency, the Chargers need to spice up the competition at his old right guard spot.

Round 4/113 — Vaughn Martin, DL, 6-3, 331, Western University, Ontario, Canada

The Chargers go beyond the border to add depth along the line. Martin could possible play tackle as well as end at his size. He put on an amazing workout that opened the eyes of NFL scouts.

Round 4/133 — Tyronne Green, G/C, 6-2, 309, Auburn

Team likes his SEC roots and will have him play behind Nick Hardwick for starters.

Round 4/134 — Gartrell Johnson, RB, 5-10, 219, Colorado State

Chargers figured to address their long-term need at running back at some point, and they feel good about Johnson’s potential.

Round 5/148 — Brandon Hughes, CB, 5-10, 182, Oregon State

A draft doesn’t come and go with GM A.J. Smith looking to beef up his pass defense on the back end.

Round 6/189 — Kevin Ellison, S, 6-1, 227, Southern Cal

Team looks to add to the safety competition and Ellison was well thought of before his last year in college was derailed by an injury. He still was all-Pac-10.

Round 7/224 — Demetrius Byrd, WR, 6-3, 200, Louisiana State

Byrd is projection as the Chargers hope he bounces back from a recent car accident.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The team’s third-round pick, Vaughn Martin, was found above the northern border by a keen Chargers scout, according to director of college scouting John Spanos.

“Our northeastern scout (Tom Gibbons) went up to Canada for a workout that was attended by multiple teams,” Spanos said. “We looked into everything about his background and ability on the field. We felt lucky he was still there when we picked because we liked him all along.”

—The Chargers are hoping safety Kevin Ellison can stay healthy after having three knee surgeries at USC.

“He’s a strong safety that is real big and physical and strong against the run,” Spanos said. “He’s a very instinctive and aware player that plays faster than his 40 time. He played on one of the best college defenses in the nation.”

—GM A.J. Smith hopes he hits another homer with another SEC offensive lineman Tyronne Green, a fourth-round pick from Auburn. Green is a 6-foot-2, 309-pounder that earned All-SEC honors after beginning his college career as a defensive lineman.

“Most people know the Southeastern Conference is a running conference, a physical conference,” said Jimmy Raye, the team’s Director of Player Personnel. “He’s played against a lot of guys that are now in the NFL like (LSU’s) Glenn Dorsey. We think that will translate well to his play in the NFL.”

Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill, a two-time Pro Bowler, played at Auburn.

—Wide receiver Demetrius Byrd will not participate in the minicamps as he recovers from a car accident.

“We drafted Demetrius because he’s a good football player,” Spanos said. “When he and his doctors say he’s physically ready, that’s when we’ll start thinking about his future with the Chargers.

“Right now we’re only thinking about his well-being and wishing him a complete healthy recovery. Football should be secondary for him right now.”

— The Chargers’ minicamp next month will not be open to the fans. A flood during the offseason damaged the facility, which prevents the team from entertaining spectators.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “We need to bring pressure. This is a guy that can bring the heat. (He’s) physical, nasty, a great presence. We’re going to give him to Coach (Ron) Rivera and turn him loose.” — Chargers general manager A.J. Smith on first-round pick Larry English.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—OLB Marques Harris was used on passing downs and has shown some promise, but he won’t be re-signed.

—C Jeremy Newberry was a valuable backup when Nick Hardwick was injured early last season, but the Chargers won’t re-sign him.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—WR Malcom Floyd (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) has a good connection with QB Philip Rivers and can be a solid red-zone target. Injuries slowed him some down the stretch last year.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

—OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

—CB Cletis Gordon: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Eldra Buckley (released).

—OG Mike Goff: UFA Chargers; $3.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

—DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

—LB Anthony Waters (released).

By Loren Casuto
BoltTalk Staff Writer

Another day, another draft and another bunch of picks that have led Charger fans to want to tear their hair out. This draft more then anything will be A.J. Smith true scout draft. A.J. was put on notice and admitted as such that he hasn’t picked well over the last few years, he also said he had to draft better. As such, the pressure is entirely on him, and if this draft doesn’t pan out in the next few years, it could spell the end of A.J. Smith’s time as general manager. With that said, here are the picks.

First Round: Larry English DE/OLB Northern Illinois

Larry English

There were a lot of very unhappy and confused Charger fans when this pick was made. With Rey Maualuga and Michael Oher on the board at the same time, both fan favorites, the Chargers took a road unexpected. English is a two time conference MVP, the first time that has happened, more unexpected considering he’s a defensive player and most astonishing that only had around 37 total tackles. He’s very mature, very clean cut, very high motor and plays with a nasty chip on his shoulder. He’s also a very good pass rusher and very solid against the rush. There are some questions about his durability (though it’s also a positive as he played through pain) and he needs to learn more about coverage as well as how to play upright. Charger fans can think of him as a faster version of Steve Foley; powerful, angry and willing to take someone’s head off in the run or pass. There’s talk of him playing at both OLB and even of him bulking up and playing at DE in the 3-4.

This is considered to be a shot across the bows of both Shawne Merriman (coming back from injury, in contract year) and Shaun Phillips (can’t be a playmaker on his own). AJ Smith also, in a press conference, noted how important pass rush is and how the Chargers of 2008 had none. Let’s face it; without Merriman we became a mediocre, at best, defense who had quarterbacks stand in the pocket and just shred us to pieces. If Merriman or Phillips misses time this year, as they have in the past, then AJ sees a team that becomes very vulnerable. As a fan I understand why this pick was made, but unless English turns into a very good pass rusher, this will go down as a bad pick.

Third Round: Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech

Louis Vasquez

I thought the Chargers would go into the draft with the guard position set and the tackle position to be addressed. The Chargers had resigned Kynan Forney, had Scott Mrzucowski under contract and thought highly of Corey Clark, so three players for one spot whereas it was just Clary at right tackle. Obviously the Chargers thought the exact opposite as they took Vasquez and another guard in the next round. But first to Louis Vasquez, who is the opposite of what you might think. At 6’4 333lbs, you might think he’s a powerful run blocker. While he does run block well, he’s actually a better pass blocker because of Texas Tech’s spread pass offense. He had more chances to pass block then to run block, although this year Texas Tech was as balanced as a spread offense can be. He’s good in a phone booth, very aware and very nasty in the trenches. He needs to learn to play better with his hand on the ground (he stood up more in college) and needs to learn better hand placement in both run and pass blocking. Nevertheless he’s a very big, very tough and very powerful guard who could give some much needed physicality and power to a weak right side. He will compete with Kynan Forney and Scott Mrzucowski for the right guard spot and could conceivably start. Also this fits in with A.J’s philosophy of lining up the players and let them compete for a job.

Fourth Round (1): Vaughn Martin DT Western University (Ontario)

Vaughn Martin

For the team that has everything, a Canadian. This was one massive head scratcher at first as no one had anything about this guy. Upon further review with my sources (aka Google) I found one incredible potential talent. He’s 6’3, weights 331lbs, ran a 5.04 40-yard dash and bench pressed 225lbs 32 times. His teammates named his “Vicious”, that’s not important but it is impressive. He is known for having a quick first step and a powerful thrust into the line, and with his size he could easily occupy two blockers. Supposedly he also has an incredible work ethic and is willing to work hard at everything he does. The Chargers are looking at him as both a DE now and as a future nose tackle, but he is still a project. He has played at a low level (probably lower then a I-AA pick) and needs a lot of work on technique and hand placement, but AJ is clearly looking to the future with this pick. And like another player with ridiculous talent that no one else saw, a guy named Antonio Gates, this could turn into the find of a life time. Some might wonder if this was way too early for such a raw prospect, but the other team believed to have interest in him were the Colts, who were on the clock a few picks after the Chargers.

Fourth Round (2): Tyronne Green OG/C Auburn
The Chargers double dipped on interior line help with another big guard who can play center. Signed as a defensive tackle Greene switched to the offensive line two years ago and has held an interior job ever since, first as a center then as a guard. He shows above average awareness and agility with a good mean streak but remains primarily a technician. He’s solid in both the run and pass game but needs to show better lower body strength and consistency. But he remains a very well balanced, technically sound interior lineman who can play both guard and center. He will compete with Louis Vasquez, Scott Mrzucowski, Kynan Forney and Corey Clark for the right guard spot, but is thought of initially as a backup center, something the Chargers need since Jeremy Newberry moved on.

Fourth Round (3): Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado State

Gartell Johnson

It was well known from the start that the Chargers would draft a running back somewhere in the seven rounds, and some pundits (like me) thought a back would come somewhere in the three fourth round picks the Chargers had. Johnson is considered the leader, heart and soul of the Colorado State Rams team. He’s a big back at 219lbs and plays hard from the start to the end. He’s a willing blocker and considered to be a decent cutback runner. He plays similar to former Charger Jesse Chatman; not the most athletic player or the fastest but does not stop and can run through people with decent enough speed. Johnson is a good complimentary back to the quicker Tomlinson and Sproles, and with Hester can form a good jumbo set. This is a good pick, but it remains to be seen if he’s either a complimentary player or will be the heir to Ladanian Tomlinson.

Fifth Round Brandon Hughes CB Oregon State

Brandon Hughes

A depth pick and a challenger to Cletis Gordon and Dejuan Tribble, Hughes honed his skill playing in the competitive PAC-10. At 5’10, 182lbs Hughes has good speed but doesn’t have great bulk for his size. However that hasn’t stopped him from willingly mixing it up with bigger receivers in bump-and-run. He has great closing and recovery speed. Hughes is a hard charging competitor that doesn’t quit until the play is over and is willing to mix it up in run support. However he has to work on both his ball skills (namely turning his head around a’la Quentin Jammer) and his footwork. Pursuant to the AJ Smith philosophy, Hughes will compete for a dime back spot with Cletis Gordon (who is still burnt from the Divisional Playoff game), DeJuan Tribble and possibly Paul Oliver. There’s also talk that this could be a shot across the bow of Antonio Cromartie; the Chargers have one up and coming cornerback in Antoine Cason, and if Hughes can stick, he might steal the nickel back spot. If Cromartie has another bad year where he’s constantly burnt, then he might not even be able to secure a third corner spot.

Sixth Round Kevin Ellison S/OLB USC

Kevin Ellison

Kevin Ellison is an interesting player, he did not run well at the combine and is considered to be far too slow to be a safety and has had numerous surgeries on his legs and knees. Even with that Ellison is considered to be a very intelligent, very nasty football player. Ellison was known to be an incredibly hard hitter with incredible instincts and the ability to close well and jar the ball carrier. While he tackles well he does have some trouble with open field tackles and has only adequate ball skills. It is unknown whether the Chargers plan to use him at safety or linebacker but Ellison brings something to the safety position we haven’t had in nearly eight years; physicality. If he sticks and the Chargers think he’s faster then his playing time, he could be a powerful compliment to FS Eric Weddle.

Seventh Round Demetrius Byrd WR LSU

Demetrius Byrd

Of all the picks, this is an honorable one. At this writing Byrd is still in the hospital after being in a traffic accident in Louisiana, at one point this past week he was in the ICU. Byrd is expected to make a full recovery but it is not known when he will be able to get on the field. He is considered to be a talented deep threat with incredible speed off the line and goes flying by defenders. He is also willing to go over the middle and risk his body there as well as in blocking. He has good hands as well but needs a lot of work on route running and needs to expand his game as more then just a deep threat. There are also questions regarding his ego that need to be answered. The Chargers picked up a good sleeper who now has an even stronger reason to get well as fast as possible.

Draft Grade: B-
This was dramatic only in terms of fan reaction. People have responded with everything from “good draft” to cursing and screaming. This was a very unique draft in who and where the players were chosen. However there is one uniting adjective amongst all the players; ‘nasty’. All these players are considered to be hard charging, tough and play until the end of the play. This is a team that went from 2006 being a very tough team to 2008 where they were considered to be soft and finesse. A.J. added a lot of players known for being tough and hard charging; maybe the shot in the arm the Chargers have been missing recently. In terms of needs the Chargers did pretty well; they finally got a backup running back and a backup nose tackle, they got another pass rusher, two guards, a safety, a wide receiver and a cornerback. Basically they met all their needs with the exception of defensive end and offensive tackle, both of which the team apparently doesn’t consider a need.

The Chargers have added something that fans and draftnicks have been demanding for years; beef. There’s nearly half a ton of fresh new beef, including two huge linemen. And all of the new drafts bring passion and fire to a team that is gaining its most fiery competitor back. If the draft picks can come in and provide help to our current starters, then the Chargers can become a very special team again.

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Larry English

SAN DIEGO (AP)—A.J. Smith certainly raised some eyebrows by taking Northern Illinois linebacker Larry English in the first round of the NFL draft.

Whether English turns out to be the eventual replacement for star outside linebacker Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman remains to be seen. The Chargers said they were simply looking to add depth on a defense that lost a lot of its spark after Merriman had season-ending surgery after the season opener.

English was projected by many to be taken lower in the first round, and the Chargers picked him even though players such as USC linebacker Rey Maualuga and Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells were available.

“Unless we shore up the defense, we’re not going to go where we want to go,” Smith said. “We need to bring pressure and this is a guy that can bring the heat—physical, nasty, great presence. We’re going to put him in the mix, give him to coach Rivera and turn him loose.”

Smith, who was referring to defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, didn’t take questions about English.

Merriman’s contract expires after the 2009 season and there’s already been talk that he’ll get big free-agent money elsewhere, perhaps from the Washington Redskins because he’s from Maryland.

Jimmy Ray, the Chargers’ director of player personnel, said there have been situations where Merriman and the other outside linebacker, Shaun Phillips, have been hurt. He said it can only help having depth that includes someone such as English, who had 31 1/2 sacks in college.

“I think it’s a great situation to come into because those are two talented football players, veterans guys that have been around the game a long time,” English said during a conference call. “I can learn a lot from those guys. I’m excited to get in there and compete and be a football player.”

Turner said he envisions situations where the Chargers have three outside linebackers on the field at the same time, with Merriman coming off one edge, English off the other edge and Phillips moving around.

“We can create some real problems for offensive football teams,” Turner said. “We’ve had four outside linebackers on the field at once. I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Larry has to come in here and crank it up and learn what this league’s like. He’s going to come in here and have the same learning curve all young guys do.”

The Chargers had a hard time getting to quarterbacks last year, and were ranked second-to-last in pass defense.

Jyles Tucker, who was given a $14.65 million, five-year contract extension days before the 2008 season started despite playing in only six career regular-season games, replaced Merriman and have 5 1/2 sacks. Phillips led the Chargers with 7 1/2.

“We felt a real urgency to create situations where we can put more pressure on the quarterback, and obviously getting Shawne Merriman back will help us greatly there,” Turner said. “Adding a rusher, we felt, would certainly help us. I don’t care who you are, you can only cover so long. If you can’t pressure the quarterback in this league, you’re going to struggle.”

Turner said he’s not going to get caught up in whether a first-round draft pick needs to be a starter.

“If he comes in here and plays 500, 600 snaps in our nickel package, and can be productive, that would be a great plus for us.”

We’re baaaaaaaaaack!

Ray and Loren return after an extended hiatus and go through all the recent news of the AFC West and get you ready for the NFL Draft.

Show Links

• AJ Smith looks for fixes in the draft.
• Chargers face formidable schedule in ‘09.
• Gates may benefit from Winlows big contract.
• www.sdstadium.org

Show your support of the show this month by voting for us on Podcast Alley! Subscribe to the show and leave us review on iTunes. Digg our podcast on Digg.com.

Visit our forums at http://forums.bolttalk.com
Download audio file (BoltTalk-20090423.mp3)

Direct Download

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

A.J. Smith

SAN DIEGO (AP)—A.J. Smith could use a draft-day rebound.

His San Diego Chargers are hardly the Super Bowl-caliber team many people thought going into last year, and the general manager’s last two drafts seemed to bring about as many questions as answers.

While the Chargers remain a talented bunch, Smith has admitted the Bolts have a lot of work to do to become more than just a team that routinely wins the mild, mild AFC West before being left stranded somewhere along the road to the Super Bowl.

After winning the awful division at 8-8 thanks largely to Denver’s utter collapse, the Chargers won a riveting overtime playoff game against Indianapolis. But then they were exposed by the more physical Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round.

Several weeks later, Smith pointed a finger inward, making a rare public acknowledgment that he wasn’t happy with some of his player-personnel decisions during the last two years.

Smith stays away from splashy free agent signings, so the draft is his main way of restocking.

“We’ve got a lot to fix,” Smith said.

As usual with Smith, there are no specifics other than the Chargers have no plans to draft a kicker or a punter because they’re set with Nate Kaeding and Mike Scifres.

Everything else is in play. Just don’t expect an answer from Smith on what he feels is the team’s biggest need, let alone which players he likes.

“Oh my goodness, no,” Smith said in the days leading up to his seventh draft as the Bolts’ boss.

He did acknowledge the Chargers can go in several different directions. They currently hold the 16th pick overall and have eight picks total. One option would be to trade down because they don’t have a second-round pick.

That’s because Smith sent it to New England on the second day of last year’s draft to move up to the third round and take fullback Jacob Hester. Some people think Smith overpaid for Hester, just as some believe it was a reach for him to spend heavily to move up in the 2007 draft and take safety Eric Weddle.

Smith’s 2007 first-round pick, wide receiver Craig Davis, has been injured and not overly productive when healthy.

Although the Chargers have boasted in recent seasons about their depth and number of players under long-term contracts, they certainly can use help in several areas.

The Chargers are believed to like defensive end Tyson Jackson of LSU to replace Igor Olshansky, who was allowed to leave as a free agent.

Smith wasn’t happy with the play of the offensive line or the secondary last season. The Chargers haven’t had a hard-hitting safety since Rodney Harrison left after the 2002 season. And remember, Smith could have taken Troy Polamalu in 2003, but traded down and took cornerback Sammy Davis instead. Davis flopped, was traded to San Francisco and is no longer in the NFL.

“We’ve got some concerns,” Smith said. “I don’t want to get into specifics. We’ve got to fix a lot of things.”

If Jackson’s gone by the 16th pick, one scenario has the Chargers taking Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and converting him to safety. Jenkins, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, said during the scouting combine in February he’d prefer to stay at cornerback.

If they wanted to upgrade on the offensive line, Mississippi’s Michael Oher could be an option.

Then again, the truth takes a beating leading up to the draft.

“The month of April, I’ve always said, is Liar’s Month, and it’s a freebie,” Smith said in late February. “I think there are some misleading things that are said along the way.”

The Chargers also could be looking to select the future replacement for star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who will be back for his ninth NFL season after agreeing to a reworked contract in March. Whether the Chargers would pick a running back early in the draft is up for debate because San Diego will have both Tomlinson, who’s looking to rebound from groin and toe injuries, and Darren Sproles in 2009. Sproles was franchised at $6.62 million.

The Chargers might also be looking for a future replacement for star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, who missed all but one game of 2008 after having knee surgery. Merriman could be moving on for big money elsewhere when his contract expires after next season.

The draft is just one area where the Chargers can improve. Smith has put some players on notice they need to play better.

While admitting he needs to “pick up my game on my end,” Smith said he’s not sure whether some Chargers have a future in San Diego.

“Sometimes I’m very comfortable with what I think about their futures. There are some—and they know who they are—I’m not sure. And they’re going to have the opportunity to rebound,” Smith said in late February during his annual news conference on the eve of free agency.

Naturally, he didn’t name names. But Smith has been criticized for giving multiyear deals to players who haven’t responded with better play, namely linebackers Matt Wilhelm and Jyles Tucker, and safety Clinton Hart.

“I know players have to play. If players play, they make you look good,” Smith said. “If they don’t perform, they don’t make you look real good. Bottom line is, those players are a reflection on who brought them in or decisions that were made to bring them in here. I don’t know if I’m being hard on myself. I’m being quite honest with you.”