SDUT: Chargers chat with Michael Gehlken (March 31)

[Robin Miller]

Chargers chat with Michael Gehlken

Monday March 31, 2014
10:58


Michael Gehlken:
Good morning. Welcome to this week's Chargers chat. Teams are beginning
to host up to 30 draft prospects for an official visit in the coming
weeks. Local players don't count against that total. Will get started
taking your questions.
11:02


Comment From Melissa
I am hitting the panic button...even the Raiders are looking good..and
we haven't done anything to improve a horrible defense...calm my nerves...
11:04


Michael Gehlken:
The draft is where I expect the Chargers will go to serious lengths to
address the defense. I'd wait another 45 days before assessing the full
scope of the offseason.
11:04


Comment From Tony from O-Side
Are the Chargers at all interested in bringing in Desean Jackson?
11:07


Michael Gehlken:
I haven't heard anything to suspect they are, and based on the cap
situation, they'd really have to move things around to make it happen.
According to Las Vegas oddsmaker Bovada, eight teams are bettable to
land DeSean Jackson, from the Redskins (2/1) to Chiefs (15/1). The
Chargers aren't one of the eight. That sounds about right.
11:07


Comment From Brian
Did you feel that Dwight Freeney was effective before he was injured?
11:10


Michael Gehlken:
Without a doubt. Only 0.5 sacks to his name, but he was constantly
around the quarterback with 15 hurries before the torn quad tendon in
his fourth game. We'll see how effective he is coming back from
significant injury. He turned 34 in February.
11:10


Comment From American Cole
I was having a discussion with my friend Justin Leprechaun, we were
trying to figure out what kind of role Larry English will play on this
team? Do you think he will be cut?
11:10


Michael Gehlken:
He projects today as part of the outside linebacker rotation. We'll see
what the depth chart looks like entering training camp. But he's part of
the team's plans as of today.
11:11


Comment From Nichole Lasiter Bond
I think we could use a legit backup for Rivers and I hear Jamarcus
Russell has been working out and looks sharp. He was a fromer number 1
pick so we know he has the tools. Any chance the Chargers give him a look?
11:12


Michael Gehlken:
JaMarcus Russell hasn't been on an NFL roster since the Raiders waived
him in 2010. Don't expect that to change. The Chargers are likely set at QB.
11:13


Comment From Adan
Any chance the chargers bring back Jared Gaither to teach the offensive
line how to act lazy and cost a team a bunch of money?
11:13


Michael Gehlken:
Ha. No. He's out of the league, and likely for good.
11:14


Comment From Erwin Tioga Rose
Hi Michael! Fello Davis alumni here and big fan of your writing. I was
at Hong Kong with Felipe from the Felipe Sports show in Sacramento and
he was asking me if I thought Shareece wright would be a long term
Corner for the Chargers or not and I really wasn't sure. I like the way
Shareece Wright plays but how is he looked at from Chargers Brass?
11:17


Michael Gehlken:
Wright elevated his game down the stretch last season, overcoming a
nagging foot injury. I could see him in San Diego long term, but this
next season will be telling. It's the last of a four-year rookie
contract, and it'll be his second year as a starter. We'll see how he
builds on his strong finish to 2013.
11:17


Comment From armando
will the chargers realese floyd
11:19


Michael Gehlken:
The Chargers are giving Malcom Floyd every chance to recover from the
neck injury he suffered last September. He's progressed but at a slow
rate. It's very possible his career is over. They will continue to
monitor the situation before any decision is made about Floyd's future.
If healthy, he can help them. But again, the possibility is very real
that his injury could prove career ending. The team must prepare to be
without him until told otherwise.
11:21


Comment From armando
do you think the chargers take a cb in round one
11:22


Michael Gehlken:
They're drafting a cornerback in May; that's for sure. As to which
round, that depends on its evaluation of the position's depth in the
draft, what it thinks could be available in the next rounds. A
cornerback in Round 1, though, is certainly possible.
11:23


Comment From armando
do you think the chargers trade up in the draft to get a good corner.
11:23


Michael Gehlken:
I wouldn't look for that. It's considered a pretty deep group. They'd
really have to love a guy and not think much of the others available.
11:24


Comment From JR from Mexico
It seems like a stadium might get done with this new Mayor. I know the
Downtown location is ideal but any interest in relocating to Tijuana
where they have a huge fanbase?
11:25


Michael Gehlken:
It is a great fanbase there, but I haven't heard of Tijuana being
seriously discussed as an option.
11:25


Comment From Jarred
How high do you see OL on the list of areas the Chargers need to address?
11:29


Michael Gehlken:
The Chargers return every starter on the O-line that was much improved
last year. But yeah, there's work to be done. It needs a reserve center,
someone ideally who can also play guard. Getting Michael Harris back
(ankle surgery) as a swing tackle is a boost. Up front is always an area
that can be improved, but I'd place O-line below CB, OLB, NT and WR on
the list of needs for now.
11:31


Comment From armando
do you think with losing the whiz will hurt rivers
11:33


Michael Gehlken:
It never helps when you lose a coach of Ken Whisenhunt's caliber. But I
think it'd hurt more if the Chargers didn't have an offensive-minded
head coach. Mike McCoy creates some constancy there, as does new OC
Frank Reich and QBs coach Nick Siranni. Having those three in place
should ease the loss of Whisenhunt.
11:36


Comment From Melissa
Which NT in the draft do you sense the chargers are most high on Nix or
the young man from Minn?
11:37


Michael Gehlken:
Ra'Shede Hageman is the young man from Minnesota. Just made a phone call
to confirm this: Teams don't view him as an option at nose tackle. He'll
either be a 3-4 defensive end -- where the Chargers are set with Corey
Liuget and Kendall Reyes as starters -- or a 4-3 tackle. It seems if the
Chargers were to go nose tackle in Round 1, it would be Louis Nix III
from Notre Dame.
11:38


Comment From Ryan
Michael, if you are drafting for the Chargers, and Louis Nix III,
Darqueze Denard, and Dee Ford are there.. who do we go with?
11:40


Michael Gehlken:
Honestly, I have too much respect for the scouting process to even say.
I'd want to do more homework, the kind of homework the guys in the
personnel department do for months' end, more making a decision I dare
pass as qualified.
11:41


Comment From Jarred
How much longer do you feel Gates has left with us?
11:44


Michael Gehlken:
We're obviously seeing a promising development with Ladarius Green,
which Green will tell you wouldn't be possible without Gates'
mentorship. Gates' contract runs through a 2015 option year. Nothing has
to be decided today. Defenses still respect him. He still gets bracketed
and double teamed. As long as that continues, even with Green
developing, I think he's here to stay. Ask me again after the season.
11:46


Comment From Vincent
Hey Michael, met you about 2 weeks ago, what do you think they will do
about the nose tackle position? who will start and will they use a first
rounder for that position?
11:49


Michael Gehlken:
They like Sean Lissemore. He is not a prototypical big-body 3-4 nose
tackle, but the Chargers believe they can get away with that given the
way they use the nose tackle in the Wade Phillips-style 3-4 scheme. He's
the guy for now. After the team made a run at NT Earl Mitchell in free
agency, I wouldn't rule out a piece could be added in the draft. As for
Round 1, we'll see. A lot of needs on this team. It'd depend on what
kind of grade it has on Louis Nix, whom it met with at the combine.
11:50


Comment From Scott
Is the team banking on Kwame making the transition or do you think they
will use a high draft pick on the NT position
11:51


Michael Gehlken:
I won't pretend to be in their draft meetings, but the Chargers do like
Kwame Geathers. They wouldn't have carried him on the roster all last
season if they didn't believe in his potential. We'll see what kind of
jump he makes from Year 1 to Year 2.
11:53


Comment From buckeye54
Commenters on many blogs seem to think the Chargers haven't done enough
to improve their team. I don't agree. Re-signing their own FA's was huge
and adding depth was critical. The draft should bring some help on the
defensive side and possibly another WR. The big thing to me is that this
team will have continuity and will only get better under McCoy in year
two. Do you agree?
11:54


Michael Gehlken:
Yes, I'd agree. As would many people inside Chargers Park.
11:55


Comment From Noel
These players could now come cheaper: Soppoaga, Kevin Williams, Abrayo
Franklin, Terrance Cody, (Our developing 2nd year guys) Geathers,
Jerrideau, then a 4th rounder could all be potential backups for LESSIMORE.
11:58


Michael Gehlken:
Most, if not all, those veterans you mentioned should be available after
the draft. We're at the stage of free agency where things slow to a near
standstill for many veterans. Player agents wants their clients signed
before the draft. Teams keep in contact with agents but, rather than
sign the veteran, prefer to see what comes in the draft and undrafted
rookie free agency before committing to said veteran. It's a process.
The team doesn't suit up anytime soon.
11:59


Comment From Vincent
Do you realisticly think we will be able to compete in the NFC/AFC west
divisions next year?
12:00


Michael Gehlken:
I think championships aren't won on paper, and it's less about who you
play than when you play them. I wouldn't say the Chargers can't compete
versus the AFC and NFC West teams on their schedule this season. But
certainly, those divisions figure to be strong in 2014.
12:00


Comment From Mark
Any idea how Brandon Taylor's knee is at this point?
12:02


Michael Gehlken:
He had arthroscopic surgery with Dr. James Andrews in January. I hear he
feels as healthy today as he has in a while. He's expected to
participate in voluntary workouts next month.
12:04


Comment From Lawrence
I thought Manti Teo did well in coverage last year so what was the
reason why he wasn't featured on passing downs last year?
12:08


Michael Gehlken:
There were definitely some lapses from Te'o in coverage. He improved
last season. That should only continue. What the team asks of Te'o in
nickel situations is more of a training camp question. Kavell Conner
said he played some nickel in Indianapolis. He could be an option if
need be.
12:08


Comment From Ty
What's the deal with Jonas Mouton?
12:12


Michael Gehlken:
The Chargers signed Kavell Conner. They re-signed Reggie Walker. They
traded up last year to draft Manti Te'o in the second round. I think
that tells you all you need to know about what the team expects of Jonas
Mouton. The Chargers hope he can be a player. How much hope there is,
well, those moves speak for themselves.
12:14


Comment From Sergio from Tijuana
What is the situation at strong safety, is Addae or Gilchrist the
starter? What is Gilchrist role: safety, slot corner?
12:16


Michael Gehlken:
I believe the Chargers are planning for Marcus Gilchrist to continue at
strong safety. If need be, he can play slot corner; he's proved that.
But I wouldn't be surprised if Steve Williams is this team's nickel
corner come Week 1. We'll see how Jahleel Addae develops. The team is
very high on him. Could he start? It's possible. The roles in the
secondary will shake out over training camp.
12:16


Comment From James
I'm surprised there has not been more speculation about drafting a
safety in the first round. As 3 safety nickel sets are becoming more
prevalent in the NFL (we used Gilchrist/Weddle/Addae) and Telesco
wanting to add "run around and hit guys" could you see pryor or
clinton-dix in round 1, moving gilchrist to the slot?
12:17


Michael Gehlken:
No. I'd consider it highly unlikely the Chargers draft a safety in the
first round.
12:18


Comment From Sergio from Tijuana
How do you see the WR alongside Allen playing out? Is it Royal or Brown
or even Inman, or will a draft pick actually have a shot at winning that
job?
12:24


Michael Gehlken:
You can pencil in Eddie Royal for the slot. If healthy, that's a lock.
Vincent Brown could start again. There is good NFL tape to his name, and
for the first time in his career, he has a full, healthy season behind
him. I wouldn't rule out the possibility he has a career year in his
fourth season. He has Philip Rivers' trust, the most important quality
between a QB and a receiver. ... As for a draft pick, it's likely the
Chargers draft a WR, perhaps late Day 2 or on Day 3. Someone like
Indiana's Cody Latimer could make sense in Round 4, although after his
pro day, he may not fall that far.
12:28


Comment From Guest
Is Marshall slated to be the #2 CB and assuming the Bolts draft a CB
will he compete for Marshall's spot?
12:30


Michael Gehlken:
The No. 2 cornerback spot, at this point, is probably best described as
vacant. Richard Marshall ended the season there, but you have players
like Brandon Ghee and at least one draft choice who are joining the mix.
Steve Williams, Marcus Cromartie and Brandon Jones also are competing
for cornerback reps. I wouldn't say it's Marshall's spot to lose.
12:32


Comment From Scott
do you think the new CFL linebacker can contribute and make a difference
on defense or is he a depth and special teams signing
12:34


Michael Gehlken:
The Chargers are intrigued by Cordarro Law; he has good tools. It's the
kind of thing you see on tape, but you really want to see it in person
during training camp and the preseason before concluding what exactly
you have. I'd say the answer is your question is to be determined.
12:35


Comment From Sergio from Tijuana
King Dunlap's concussions a problem of the past, or still a concern? How
concerned are the chargers for the present or future with Dunlap's health?
12:39


Michael Gehlken:
Concussion history is never a problem of the past. It doesn't go away.
It's something that has the Chargers' attention, but they saw what King
Dunlap can do when healthy. This is a contract year for King. I know
he's hungry to follow up his 2014 campaign. With his history, the team
can take comfort knowing Michael Harris is on schedule to return from
ankle surgery. He provides experienced depth at both tackle positions.
12:40


Comment From Adan Radke Tucker
Do the chargers ever hold open tryouts? I played D1 and have been trying
to make a team but nobody has given me a shot.
12:41


Michael Gehlken:
A regional scouting combine might be your best bet. Maybe next year's.
Hire an agent.
12:41


Comment From Sergio from Tijuana
What do you think the front office views as a bigger need: Nose Tackle
or Corner?
12:42


Michael Gehlken:
Corner. I'm told too many positive things about Sean Lissemore to say
otherwise.
12:43


Comment From Alejandro (Sergio from Tijuanas enemy)
Bold prediction time. Do the chargers win a super bowl in the next 5 season?
12:45


Michael Gehlken:
I have no idea. There are championship-caliber pieces to build from
here. I think the people are in place to achieve that. But it's not
easy. Luckily, I'm not in the prediction business.
12:46


Comment From Toneloc1970
Is L.Guy under contract?
12:47


Michael Gehlken:
Yes. This will be the final season under his current deal.
12:47


Comment From Thomas
Do you think it's more likely they'll draft a WR higher than a NT?
12:48


Michael Gehlken:
Wide receiver is a clear need, but I don't think the Chargers are going
to invest extremely heavily in it. If you were to ask me which is more
likely in Round 1, a WR or NT, I'd choose the latter. I really believe
defense is the pick on May 8.
12:51


Comment From Lucky Antonio
Did you catch the padres game last night? What do you think their record
will be at seasons end?
12:52


Michael Gehlken:
I read about it on the U-T, so I feel like I was there. ... More
seriously, I want to pass along Chris Jenkins' feature on Andrew Cashner
to anyone who missed it. It was well done: http://www.utsandiego.com/n...
12:54


Comment From Adam
I heard the Chargers had a lot of interest in Kyle Van Noy, the OLB from
BYU at his pro day. We have a few OLBs already like Ingram, Johnson, and
Freeney. Do you think it's possibly they will draft an OLB on day 1 or
day 2?
12:58


Michael Gehlken:
We all know about the need at cornerback. I'd make the argument that for
this defense to take the next step, another edge rusher must be added.
The Chargers do expect to get Dwight Freeney back, and Melvin Ingram has
a healthy start. But a team can't have enough pass rush. I think it'd be
well served to draft someone in the first couple days. We'll see. I'm
sure the team has a plan.
12:59


Comment From Axel
Would you be surprised if the chargers drafted a QB in the early-mid
rounds, such as round 3 or 4?
12:59


Michael Gehlken:
Shocked. I don't see it happening. They really like Brad Sorensen, and
Kellen Clemens adds veteran depth. I think there's a good mix in the
quarterbacks room behind Philip Rivers.
1:01


Comment From Zach
Do you expect the Chargers to add additional CBs via free agency? If so
would you anticipating an aging past pro-bowler (Asante Samuel, Champ
Bailey, etc.), or an unproven youngin?
1:02


Michael Gehlken:
After adding Brandon Ghee and re-signing Richard Marshall, I expect the
Chargers are done at cornerback until the draft. Not ruling anything
out; maybe someone they like is waived in the weeks ahead.
1:03


Comment From Doug in PL
MG- Exactly where is Malcolm on his rehab, and importantly does he want
to play again, any progress and likelihood?
1:04


Michael Gehlken:
Here is the most recent update on Malcom Floyd from earlier this month.
I don't believe much has changed: http://www.utsandiego.com/n...
1:04


Comment From dreamer
Given the schedule are the playoffs a real possibility?
1:06


Michael Gehlken:
Sure. I'm not one to look at an NFL schedule in the spring and decide
how tough it will be in the fall and winter. It's tough enough to pick
who will win on the day of a game. Months prior? I pass.
1:06


Comment From Doug from Calgary
Pittsburgh TE/FB they brought in...spare part or quality contributor?
1:07


Michael Gehlken:
Quality contributor, I think. The Chargers really shored up what was an
already productive run game with the David Johnson and Donald Brown
signings. This team should be capable of pounding the rock in 2014.
While they still need another WR, I really like the offense's makeup in
that area.
1:10


Michael Gehlken:
Alright, thanks everyone for joining me. Went over 2 hours today. Now
lunchtime. See you next week.