NFL Free Agent Safeties in 06

[Tomlinson21]

Here's a list of Free Agent Safeties for 06, my picks are in asterisk.

2006 NFL Free Agents
Safeties


*Adam Archuleta UFA Rams (44 tackles, 1 INT for TD!!!!!)
*Chris Hope UFA Steelers (50 tackles 3 INT's)
*Clinton Hart RFA Chargers (22 tackles, 1 TD....not too impressive)
Colin Branch RFA Panthers
Corey Chavous UFA Vikings
Deke Cooper UFA Jaguars
Dexter Jackson UFA Buccaneers
Donnie Nickey RFA Titans
Earl Little UFA Packers
Gerome Sapp RFA Colts
Idrees Bashir UFA Panthers
Ifeanyi Ohalete UFA Bengals
Jarrod Cooper UFA Raiders
John Howell UFA Seahawks
Joseph Jefferson UFA Colts
Keion Carpenter UFA Falcons
Keith Davis RFA Cowboys
Kevin McCadam UFA Falcons
*Lance Schulters UFA Dolphins (good pick!!! 3 INT's, 2 sacks, 44 tackles)
Lynn Scott UFA Cowboys
Marlon McCree UFA Panthers
Marquand Manuel UFA Seahawks
Mel Mitchell UFA Saints
Michael Stone UFA Patriots
Mike Furrey RFA Rams
Omar Stoutmire UFA Redskins
Omare Lowe UFA Falcons
Quentin Harris UFA Cardinals
Quintin Mikell RFA Eagles
Ramon Walker UFA Texans
*Reggie Tongue UFA Raiders (Injured. NY Jets: 54 tackles, 1 INT ,4 passes defensed in O4)
Ronnie Heard UFA Falcons
Ryan Clark UFA Redskins
Sam Brandon UFA Broncos
Tank Williams UFA Titans
Terrence Holt RFA Lions
Vernon Fox UFA Lions
Will Demps UFA Ravens
Willie Offord UFA Vikings
Willie Pile RFA Cowboys
Lawyer Milloy UFA
Jerry Wilson UFA San Diego

[BoltsfanNYC]

I want hope... no one in ST louis plays d well!

[nayip2002]

what about DEMPS HE HAS SAN DIEGO TIES!!!

[UnstoppableSD]

Absolutely agree that Hope should be the number one FA target for this team at safety. I just don't see the Steelers letting him go though.

[hambone]

hope can play SS since he can hit demps can hit and get ints !!

[SuperBowlBolts]

i would like hope or Archuleta i know he isnt great and he needs to be more consistent...

[SuperBowlBolts]

BTW Hart has 1 INT i believe or is it two but one was ran back for a TD so thats 2 TDs

[Thunderstruck21]

hope and archuleta are guys we should definently go after, are all these guys unrestricted free agents?

[Brother Wolf]

I like Archuleta, and think he would be more motivated playing here in SD. But he's a SS...what I don't know or understand is how big of a transition it would be for him to move to FS, or to move Kiel to FS? Can someone explain this please?

[SuperBowlBolts]

I like Archuleta, and think he would be more motivated playing here in SD. But he's a SS...what I don't know or understand is how big of a transition it would be for him to move to FS, or to move Kiel to FS? Can someone explain this please?
SS can also be upgraded Kiel doesnt match up very well vs TEs....

[Thunderstruck21]

hope and archuleta would be major upgrades in our secondary, but we probably wouldnt get both and i think kiel is decent for the time being so we should go for hope

[nayip2002]

i heard ED reed was a FA any truth to that!!!

[joseph04]

ed reed is a FA.

[joseph04]

there is no f'ing reason why we dont make a offer to ed reed, have LT hang out with him and get this guy!

[pete985]

Are you sure he's a free agent? I can't find him on any free agent list. I don't think his contract runs out until next year

[LT LT LT]

is ed reed a free agent or not???

[SillyBoltsFan]

is ed reed a free agent or not???
No, he isn't. Still has 1 year left on his contract.

[mk87]

Am I the only one who notices Clinton Harts potential?
Kerry Collins seems to love him.

[Sogvet17]

Am I the only one who notices Clinton Harts potential?
Kerry Collins seems to love him.

No, I also like the guy a lot....

[smlman2]

i like hart as well i want to keep him he might beat out kiel if he doesnt step up again and hart keeps doing what hes doing... but as far as the list i like hope from the steelers and i also liek tank williams they had good years. hope had 97 total tackels and three interceptions at FS and tank had 78 total tackles and one interception at SS but another guy we might try and fit in who i like din college was donnie nickey who played with wilhelm... but he isnt a top flight guy he could step in but i deffinately like hope the best... have hope at FS with Jue as a backup role and let Hart beat out kiel for SS and then we have miligan and kiel as our special teams specialist. they both have speed and tackling ability

[LarryAW]

Am I the only one who notices Clinton Harts potential?
Kerry Collins seems to love him.

He came from Central Florida Community College, a two-year school. Had he gone to a four-year school, this would have been his rookie season, I think. So, no wonder he's "raw and rough around the edges" as a scouting report says. He has a lot of potential and I am sure the Chargers believe that.

I wanted to come back and add that the Chargers are doing a really good job developing their own players. I think that's why we have quite a few guys that haven't fully developed yet. You can add Vincent Jackson,who came from a small school, to that category. But, I think we will see more of Vincent Jackson next year.

[bigbolthead21]

Hope is good but I think demps is better. he has more upside and is a playmaker who played with on of the best safeties in the game, reed. his stats weren't that good this year but he will do better in a new team. both do have experience playing in a 3-4. I think we should go after both and either will be a big upgrade over our safeties.

[smlman2]

i think hope would fit our defense the best because he already is great in a 3-4 defense with the steelers but also i dont think he would want to leave... he is good friends with troy palumalu on the field at least and they are a top AFC team he might not want to leave... so that is the down side

[fastbolt19]

we need to try to get darnell bing form usc he is so good.

[SuperBowlBolts]

we need to try to get darnell bing form usc he is so good.
i think hes a bit overrated, anyway i do not want another young guy in the secondary whos going take two or more years to get into the system

[ChampCharger]

i think hes a bit overrated, anyway i do not want another young guy in the secondary whos going take two or more years to get into the system

Darnell Bing isn't that overrated. USC had a depleted secondary. He isn't as good as Polamalu though and won't be as quick of an impact either.

Chargers need a veteran presence in the secondary. Whether it's a Safety or Corner. Dexter Jackson from Tampa might be a good sign. Or Hope could fill the hole.

We should have gotten Darren Sharper when we had the chance Last off season.

[ltinabottle]

Darren Sharper or John Lynch would have been key pick ups for our defense this past year. Lynch has made a big impact with the Broncos defense bringing leadership and mental toughness. Hope would be a start along with Demps who has played college ball in S.D.

Go bolts:Bolt:

[mk87]

Is it true that Lynch wanted to play for SD? (I rarely follow these offseason things...)

[phillychargerfan]

I would love for us to go after Demps. He may not cost us that much.

[promiseland]

Does anyone else think Drayton Florence would make a good FS. I mean he's got pretty good speed and he can hit.

[SeverinSlade]

Here's a list of Free Agent Safeties for 06, my picks are in asterisk.

2006 NFL Free Agents
Safeties


*Adam Archuleta UFA Rams (44 tackles, 1 INT for TD!!!!!)
*Chris Hope UFA Steelers (50 tackles 3 INT's)
*Clinton Hart RFA Chargers (22 tackles, 1 TD....not too impressive)
Colin Branch RFA Panthers
Corey Chavous UFA Vikings
Deke Cooper UFA Jaguars
Dexter Jackson UFA Buccaneers
Donnie Nickey RFA Titans
Earl Little UFA Packers
Gerome Sapp RFA Colts
Idrees Bashir UFA Panthers
Ifeanyi Ohalete UFA Bengals
Jarrod Cooper UFA Raiders
John Howell UFA Seahawks
Joseph Jefferson UFA Colts
Keion Carpenter UFA Falcons
Keith Davis RFA Cowboys
Kevin McCadam UFA Falcons
*Lance Schulters UFA Dolphins (good pick!!! 3 INT's, 2 sacks, 44 tackles)
Lynn Scott UFA Cowboys
Marlon McCree UFA Panthers
Marquand Manuel UFA Seahawks
Mel Mitchell UFA Saints
Michael Stone UFA Patriots
Mike Furrey RFA Rams
Omar Stoutmire UFA Redskins
Omare Lowe UFA Falcons
Quentin Harris UFA Cardinals
Quintin Mikell RFA Eagles
Ramon Walker UFA Texans
*Reggie Tongue UFA Raiders (Injured. NY Jets: 54 tackles, 1 INT ,4 passes defensed in O4)
Ronnie Heard UFA Falcons
Ryan Clark UFA Redskins
Sam Brandon UFA Broncos
Tank Williams UFA Titans
Terrence Holt RFA Lions
Vernon Fox UFA Lions
Will Demps UFA Ravens
Willie Offord UFA Vikings
Willie Pile RFA Cowboys

I really like Chris Hope. He always seems to make big plays and be in the right place at the right time.

[BoltsfanNYC]

I think Jammer should PLay S! and we should draft a TOP CB and sign one..

[TCUFAN5]

I like Archuleta, and think he would be more motivated playing here in SD. But he's a SS...what I don't know or understand is how big of a transition it would be for him to move to FS, or to move Kiel to FS? Can someone explain this please?


SS IS JUST LIKE ANOTHER LINEBACKER THEY ARE RUN STOPPERS AS WELL AS DEFENDERS IN COVERAGE JUST PENDING ON THE DEFENSE RAN BY THE TEAM..BUT U NEED UR FASTER PLAYERS AT FS BECAUSE THE NEED TO COVER MORE GROUND QUICKER..BUT IF U CAN HAVE A FAST SS THEY CAN PLAY BOTH LIKE SEAN TAYLOR FOR THE SKINS AND ED REED FOR THE RAVENS BOTH ARE SS BUT THEY HAVE THE SPEED OF SOME FS AND CB

[BoltsfanNYC]

I would like to get hope.. from pittsburgh.. a big hitter to make opposing WR have crocodile arms!

[HeadTrip]

I would like to get hope.. from pittsburgh.. a big hitter to make opposing WR have crocodile arms!

He is having a pretty darn good game today, as is the entire Steeler D. Is he a SS or a FS? I think Jue will be a pretty good FS, but we might need some help at SS. Keil isn't very good, but Hart has a lot of potential. The question is, how much can we bank on potential?

[LightningStorm]

All I know is are front seven is awsome first against the run only allowed one hundred yard runner larry johnson but are secondary needs help we need a saftey to patrol the backfield strike fear I dont know why the chargers got rid of harrison but we need to move on we need a bad ass saftey bing huff are a free agent but we need that position field

[bigbolthead21]

Hope is good but I have seen him miss alot of tackles. sometimes when he wraps people up, they just slip away but that can be taken care of with more practice. I rather see will demps or donovin darius from jacksonville. he is great hitter and is pretty desent in coverage but he might be pricey.

[JoeMcRugby]

Hope is good but I have seen him miss alot of tackles. sometimes when he wraps people up, they just slip away but that can be taken care of with more practice. I rather see will demps or donovin darius from jacksonville. he is great hitter and is pretty desent in coverage but he might be pricey.

Darius just signed a big $$$ three year extension with the Jags and is coming off an ACL reconstruction surgery.

[Ikeman83]

I like Chris Hope, Will Demps or Corey Chavous. They all play pretty well. We need that Ed Reed or Bob Sanders type SS that can cover skill players as well as provide run support. Clinton Hart is a good player, but we need an Elite presence in our secondary. With our front seven, and a truly dominant set of safeties we wouldn't all be saying "damnit Jammer" on a regular basis because we wouldn't be so dependent on our corners for coverage.

[CBO]

I would love to get both Hope(PIT) and Williams(TEN). Hope is a hitter and a big time play maker. I think he gets over shadowed by Polamolu. Williams is that Big(6-3 223lbs) make you look both ways before you cross the road saftey that we have been missing since the Great #37 roamed around. and they are both young about 25.

[SillyBoltsFan]

We need that Ed Reed or Bob Sanders type SS that can cover skill players as well as provide run support. Clinton Hart is a good player, but we need an Elite presence in our secondary
Sanders is not a SS, he plays FS. He also doesn't cover worth a hill of beans. His only plusses are he is a hard hitter and has speed.

Don't believe my assessment of his cover ability? Go back and watch the tape of the Steelers/Colts playoff game - the Steeler receivers abused him. The Charger's receivers did pretty well against him too. From a numbers perspective, he had a grand total of 4 passes defensed this year... while playing in a Cover 2 system, hardly stellar (less than any Charger safety).

[Dago81Sd]

Would any of you be willing to give up two number 1's to obtain Reed?

[Dago81Sd]

Chris Hope will probably sign with the Steelers after this years Superbowl run...

[SuperBowlBolts]

Would any of you be willing to give up two number 1's to obtain Reed?
um no because o-line is the bigger need as of now

[CBO]

Would any of you be willing to give up two number 1's to obtain Reed?


Reed is a Great Player but I would find it hard to give up that much for a player. Unless that is our missing part to win the super bowl. But I do not think 1player can do that. I would give up 1 #1 and a couple of late round picks.

[CBO]

By the way I am sure that most of you know that we could of had Reed or Williams if we had not taken Jammer.

[bigbolthead21]

I think that if Hanik Milligan learns something from the pros (lynch, sanders, polumalu) in the Pro Bowl, he could be our answer for the safety position. Offensive linemen is our priority though because we can't win w/out an o-line.

[CBO]

I think that if Hanik Milligan learns something from the pros (lynch, sanders, polumalu) in the Pro Bowl, he could be our answer for the safety position. Offensive linemen is our priority though because we can't win w/out an o-line.

I dont think Milligan will be our answer. He probably wont even play safety in the pro bowl. He has been on the team for 2-3 years but he does not play much Hart has played most of the backup at SS and FS. He is good on special teams though.

[bigbolthead21]

Something that just came to my head was a trade between SD and SF.
trade our 2nd pk to SF for S Tony Parrish.

[CBO]

I like Parish but he will be 31 this year.

[GdoubleE]

Super Bowl next season????

Better grab Marlon McCree SS Panthers and Will Demps FS RAvens.


If we get just one of those two you can count on having a very much improved secondary and our top pick can then be used on the line where I am sure one of the top tackles will fall through to us at 19.

Of course the draft has some interesting prospects at safety we could very well end up with Mccree and then draft Landry.

McCree is a ounisher and Demps can get his head in there too. With Thomas Davis in Carolina I think it is doubtful that the Panthers will hold on to McCree. Could be really good for us and wouldnt cost an arm and a leg. I am officially excited!!!

[ghost]

Better grab Marlon McCree SS Panthers and Will Demps FS RAvens.


If we get just one of those two you can count on having a very much improved secondary and our top pick can then be used on the line where I am sure one of the top tackles will fall through to us at 19.

Of course the draft has some interesting prospects at safety we could very well end up with Mccree and then draft Landry.

McCree is a ounisher and Demps can get his head in there too. With Thomas Davis in Carolina I think it is doubtful that the Panthers will hold on to McCree. Could be really good for us and wouldnt cost an arm and a leg. I am officially excited!!!

Well at least one person is on the same page with me. SS Marlon McCree of the Panthers is playing at a very high level right now, and has been all season. Len Pasquerelli has been putting his name forward as a prospective FA find since November, he had a great game in the Wild Card round of the playoffs against the Giants, and he had textbook coverage of TE Shockey who couldn't seem to get open all day long.

The Panthers are going to be forced to part with him because WLB Will Witherspoon is also a FA and the Panthers are going to try and lock him up with a long term deal, plus Thomas Davis, whom the Panthers spent a 1st Round pick on last year is going to be moved up to a starter's role, no two ways about it.

Carolina's secondary has been nails this post-season and still have a chance to knock off Seattle tomorrow with a good game, and I think they'll do it. Then when free agency opens in March, I sign McCree to a 5 year, $16 million deal, essentially 'Mike Goff dollars'. He's affordable, and a hard nosed physical player with very good covers skills who can come up in run support, and he can blitz.

He had two interceptions against the Giants and three during the regular season. Which would instantly make him the ball hawk of the secondary, add an impact player in the FS position (Ko Simpson?) and the Chargers would have a formidable defense actually capable of forcing turnovers.

[BoltsfanNYC]

Ok my eyes are open to mcree now although I watched giants game and shokkyyyyme was open a bit... but you are right this guy looking back would be a nice pick up!

[ghost]

Mccree and then draft Landry -GDoubleE A quick follow-up, S LaRon Landry did not declare, he's staying at LSU for his senior season. He'll have a chance to refine his skills even further and he'll be a solid 1st Round choice next year.

[SillyBoltsFan]

Better grab Marlon McCree SS Panthers and Will Demps FS RAvens.

If we get just one of those two you can count on having a very much improved secondary and our top pick can then be used on the line where I am sure one of the top tackles will fall through to us at 19.

Demps??? Why do you think that Demps would be an improvement? :confused:

He had no INT, no forced fumbles, only 2 passes defensed, and 4 assists... in general, not around the ball much and not making plays.

[HeadTrip]

We have our FS ladies and gents. Jue came in and had a good year while learning a new system and still trying to grow as a young player. He is strong and fast, and with another year of experience he will be even better. Our weakness is at SS.

[Sanitation Man]

Well at least one person is on the same page with me. SS Marlon McCree of the Panthers is playing at a very high level right now, and has been all season. Len Pasquerelli has been putting his name forward as a prospective FA find since November, he had a great game in the Wild Card round of the playoffs against the Giants, and he had textbook coverage of TE Shockey who couldn't seem to get open all day long.

The Panthers are going to be forced to part with him because WLB Will Witherspoon is also a FA and the Panthers are going to try and lock him up with a long term deal, plus Thomas Davis, whom the Panthers spent a 1st Round pick on last year is going to be moved up to a starter's role, no two ways about it.

Carolina's secondary has been nails this post-season and still have a chance to knock off Seattle tomorrow with a good game, and I think they'll do it. Then when free agency opens in March, I sign McCree to a 5 year, $16 million deal, essentially 'Mike Goff dollars'. He's affordable, and a hard nosed physical player with very good covers skills who can come up in run support, and he can blitz.

He had two interceptions against the Giants and three during the regular season. Which would instantly make him the ball hawk of the secondary, add an impact player in the FS position (Ko Simpson?) and the Chargers would have a formidable defense actually capable of forcing turnovers.


Man, I couldn't agree with you more. The funny thing is I've been a fan of Marlon McCree since I drafted him in my NFL 2K5 (then Madden '06). The guy has been nails for me! Yeah I know it's just a game, but when you have game designers going over every facet of a players game to give it a more realistic feel, McCree was the man in the Chargers defense.

Now given the fact that he's had a very strong year for the Panthers, we need to take a good hard look at him. I recommend watching the game tomorrow to gain some insight. Keil is the most non-intimidating SS in the league and Jue is just reckless on many plays. If we can pick up McCree and Hope, it's all over!!!!!!!

Just imagine the possibilities (and rings)...

[ghost]

More on Marlon McCree from Len Pasquerelli.........

Carolina: For most of his nine-year career, all spent with the Panthers, the underrated Mike Minter (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3911) has been the leader of the team's secondary. That didn't change in 2005, even though Minter was suddenly surrounded by more talent than at any other point in his tenure. His 12 passes defensed answered back at the critics who suggested Minter had lost a half step and, as usual, he was a force in supporting the run. One of the biggest moves the Carolina staff made was inserting journeyman veteran Marlon McCree (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5681) into the lineup at strong safety, replacing first-round draft choice Thomas Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7190) after one game. A five-year veteran, McCree was one of the NFL's biggest free-agent bargains, notching 91 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defensed while playing for a minimum base salary. His play really pulled together the Carolina secondary.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2298312

[HeadTrip]

McCree sounds like the real deal. I am going to try to pay very close attention to him when the Panthers take on the Hawks. That should be a very good test for a SS.

Damn... I'm already getting excited about next season's possibilities and its still so far away....

[ChargerCohen]

McCree sounds like the real deal. I am going to try to pay very close attention to him when the Panthers take on the Hawks. That should be a very good test for a SS.

Damn... I'm already getting excited about next season's possibilities and its still so far away....


Well if anything sounds like an AJ pick it's this guy.

[ghost]

We have our FS ladies and gents. Jue came in and had a good year while learning a new system and still trying to grow as a young player. He is strong and fast, and with another year of experience he will be even better. - HeadTrip
Yes, he is our current FS and he is an absolute upgrade over the Jerry Wilson experiment. BJue stopped the bleeding, there is no question.

But I read an interesting observation the other day by Buddy Nix, he said that this will be the first year since he and AJ arrived, that players the Chargers release will actually make other squads. Now, that is an amazing statement, and wholely accurate. That speaks volumes about the talent level on the Chargers, compared to just 4 years ago. We are now ready to replace the 'steady' players who came in as stopgaps. I view Jue as one.

The weakest part of the Chargers defense is the middle, with our two ILBs and our safeties, McCree would be a major upgrade and I believe the Chargers are both going to give Edwards and Godfrey one more year. I want the Chargers to spend their 1st Round pick on Ko Simpson, then the 2nd on an OT and the 3rd Round on a OG. Jue will plateau this season, and Simpson would be a superb upgrade over Jue, and much, much higher upside.

[IgorUnchained]

Yes, he is our current FS and he is an absolute upgrade over the Jerry Wilson experiment. BJue stopped the bleeding, there is no question.

But I read an interesting observation the other day by Buddy Nix, he said that this will be the first year since he and AJ arrived, that players the Chargers release will actually make other squads. Now, that is an amazing statement, and wholely accurate. That speaks volumes about the talent level on the Chargers, compared to just 4 years ago. We are now ready to replace the 'steady' players who came in as stopgaps. I view Jue as one.

The weakest part of the Chargers defense is the middle, with our two ILBs and our safeties, McCree would be a major upgrade and I believe the Chargers are both going to give Edwards and Godfrey one more year. I want the Chargers to spend their 1st Round pick on Ko Simpson, then the 2nd on an OT and the 3rd Round on a OG. Jue will plateau this season, and Simpson would be a superb upgrade over Jue, and much, much higher upside.


I have to agree with most of this.

I too think that Jue was a serious upgrade and brought an element of coverage to an otherwise open part of the field. Even though Jue didnt start all of the games he still ended with the highest total INTs on the team.

That said, unless your name is LT or Antonio Gates there is a good chance that there is room for improvement in your game....and people available that could offer that improvement.

Being "talented enough" to not blow plays is a great trait to have, but being a playmaking, ball-hawking, decleating, monster of a player is a whole different situation.

If the roster stays the same as it is right now, I am sure that most of us would see the playoffs as a big possibility next season.....but this team should always be looking to upgrade at every position.

[HeadTrip]

I think you guys are being a big short sighted by not giving our young, first year in our D safety a chance to improve.

[ghost]

I think you guys are being a big short sighted by not giving our young, first year in our D safety a chance to improve. - Headtrip

By the same turn, I've got to think that you haven't had a opportunity to see Ko Simpson play.

I got to see three South Carolina games and the Independence Bowl against Missouri and I was really impressed, even moreso than Michael Huff's game and Huff is the #1 ranked safety in the draft. The scouting reports confirm the strengths of his game, his continued rising stock also confirm it and I'm convinced he's the real deal. He's a difference maker, a ballhawk who can run, and really, really hit. He's a true playmaker. The same simply cannot be said about Jue.

[BoltsfanNYC]

I WANT A PLAYMAKER LIKE TROY DAMN IF WE HAD TAKEN HIM>>> instead of the candyman!

[HeadTrip]

By the same turn, I've got to think that you haven't had a opportunity to see Ko Simpson play.

I got to see three South Carolina games and the Independence Bowl against Missouri and I was really impressed, even moreso than Michael Huff's game and Huff is the #1 ranked safety in the draft. The scouting reports confirm the strengths of his game, his continued rising stock also confirm it and I'm convinced he's the real deal. He's a difference maker, a ballhawk who can run, and really, really hit. He's a true playmaker. The same simply cannot be said about Jue.

Well you are right about that. I don't want a Safety with our first pick though, I want an OT and an upgrade at SS through FA. I think Jue can be an above average FS for us if we just give him some time, and I think we gain more by drafting an Olineman first.

As for the 2nd pick, that might be a consideration. However, I think a top 2 guard will fall to us in the 2nd round and I think that would be a better value as well with Deilman needing a lot of work and Goff aging.

[ghost]

I don't want a Safety with our first pick though, I want an OT - HeadTrip I can certainly understand that line of thinking. IF AJ drafts a OT in the 1st Round, I'll be very pleased as I trust he absolutely knows what he doing, I trust him completely.

As for the 2nd pick, that might be a consideration. However, I think a top 2 guard will fall to us in the 2nd round and I think that would be a better value as well with Deilman needing a lot of work and Goff aging.
Did you happen to see Dr. Z's article on his All Pro picks for the year? If you haven't seen it, or you are not sitting down you should, Check this out:


Guard

Mike Goff and Ryan Lilja -- Goff was an accomplished drive blocker for LaDainian Tomlinson, either pulling or going straight ahead. Until this year I had never really taken him seriously. He topped the scorers at 5.0. Lilja, at 4.88, edged the Seahawks' Steve Hutchinson by two-hundredths of a point (4.86). This might seem like arcane nonsense to sane people, but believe me, I take it seriously, especially at this position. Lilja, a newcomer, a sleeper, was a little off his game against San Diego, but very solid the rest of the way. Hutchinson, whom I've picked before, was stuffed at the point more times than Lilja was.
Just for a kibbitz, here's my complete grading workup on the guards I charted, and if I didn't chart someone it means I didn't feel he was worthy. Looking at the situation with my "raw eyes," as John Madden says: Ben Hamilton, Denver, 4.75; Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati, 4.4; Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh, 4.29; Brian Waters, Kansas City, 4.22; Chris Snee, NY Giants, 4.07 (a real mauler, a comer, except that he held too much), Kynan Forney, Atlanta, 3.57, and his Falcons running mate, Matt Lehr -- because someone whose opinion I respect said, "You've gotta check this guy out" -- 2.57.
- Dr. Z

He grades out Goff as the best OG in the league, even better than Hutchinson. Now, do I agree with everything he says? No, I try to take everything with a grain of salt, but he has access to coaches' film (endzone cams) and I don't and neither does anyone else on this board or any other. Even if we all disagree Goff couldn't possibly can't grade out in such a manner, he's got to be playing at a very high level for those type of accolades. I believe Goff is solid and the line suffered by to coaching, the scheme, and the loss of Fonoti and Oben, plus the on and off injuries to Hardwick. The chemistry on the line just wasn't there this year. Goff still has two years left on his contract and I believe he'll receive an extension either this year or the next.

Dielman is not ready to be a starter and the Chargers can pick up a Davin Joseph or Mark Setterstrom in the 2nd Round and Dielman can go back to what he was intended to be, a project/back-up at guard, to which what he is suited right now.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/dr_z/01/05/z.all.pro.offense/1.html

[BoltsfanNYC]

I dont think GOff was prblem.. Left taackle and center.. and new coach... Now RT should be a Guard on the left side... that said....then we can RUN...
GET nnew tackle... move olivea back to guard... sign a new OLINE coach...
Maybe get Mawae! and stay healthy! that would improve matters...
SIgn a safety and draft everything else...

[HeadTrip]

Well, that might be the biggest load of crap I've ever heard lol... But either way, I didn't say he was a bad player, just that he was getting long in the tooth. Also, that still doesn't address Deilman who needs LOTS of work to become a good football player.

Presumably, if we draft a tackle with our first pick he will play right tackle which would enable us to put Olivea at guard, but we have no way of knowing if the coaches like him at guard. However if Olivea moves, we will still have a situation at tackle when Oben retires.

[loweezy]

i posted a little more in depth on our secondary situation in the cornerbacks thread...

however... i think will demps would be a good pick up as well... depending on how he recovers from his knee injury...

"Demps has a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that could take six months to heal."

I didn't see anyone mention his injury... but obviously, it resulted in his sub par #'s for the season.

[sonorajim]

Yes, he is our current FS and he is an absolute upgrade over the Jerry Wilson experiment. BJue stopped the bleeding, there is no question.

But I read an interesting observation the other day by Buddy Nix, he said that this will be the first year since he and AJ arrived, that players the Chargers release will actually make other squads. Now, that is an amazing statement, and wholely accurate. That speaks volumes about the talent level on the Chargers, compared to just 4 years ago. We are now ready to replace the 'steady' players who came in as stopgaps. I view Jue as one.

The weakest part of the Chargers defense is the middle, with our two ILBs and our safeties, McCree would be a major upgrade and I believe the Chargers are both going to give Edwards and Godfrey one more year. I want the Chargers to spend their 1st Round pick on Ko Simpson, then the 2nd on an OT and the 3rd Round on a OG. Jue will plateau this season, and Simpson would be a superb upgrade over Jue, and much, much higher upside.
The Nix statement about players we cut is not accurate. Several veterans we released are starters elsewhere. A number of later draft picks and UDFA signings we cut were picked up by other teams. It would be closer to the truth to say that nearly all our drafted players we cut will be picked up by other teams.
I agree that we need to look to Safety as well as OT in the draft if we do not upgrade in FA. I don't agree that we need a FS. Kiel isn't giving us much in the way of tackles for loss, forced fumbles, ints or passes def. Can Simpson play SS?

[Ikeman83]

Ko Simpson can definitely play SS. The guy is a beast. In his freshman year he got 6 picks. Last year he got only one pick, but over a hundred tackles. South Carolina's whole defense was geared around Ko Simpson. The guy's position was "Rover" because he was everywhere at the same time. Whether we put him in at SS (which I would prefer because he could make an immediate impact), or FS (where he would also likely be a standout, but not right away, as the FS has to make all the reads for the defense), he could be a tremendous factor in giving us a dominant secondary (think about having a Polamalu type player... mmmm... break out that #37).

[Tomlinson21]

Ko Simpson can definitely play SS. The guy is a beast. In his freshman year he got 6 picks. Last year he got only one pick, but over a hundred tackles. South Carolina's whole defense was geared around Ko Simpson. The guy's position was "Rover" because he was everywhere at the same time. Whether we put him in at SS (which I would prefer because he could make an immediate impact), or FS (where he would also likely be a standout, but not right away, as the FS has to make all the reads for the defense), he could be a tremendous factor in giving us a dominant secondary (think about having a Polamalu type player... mmmm... break out that #37).
Your post gives me a chills up my spine, Ike. I, too feel we should get that next Polomalu type Safety if we can get him...

Again...o-line is a need but I'm hoping we could get that Polamalu type Safety in later rounds in Bernard Pollard - but I think Safety at #1 with Ko Simpson would be huge...

[HighBoltage]

Anyone heard any actual word or rumors about the Chargers interest in a FA safety?

[SuperBowlBolts]

Ko Simpson can definitely play SS. The guy is a beast. In his freshman year he got 6 picks. Last year he got only one pick, but over a hundred tackles. South Carolina's whole defense was geared around Ko Simpson. The guy's position was "Rover" because he was everywhere at the same time. Whether we put him in at SS (which I would prefer because he could make an immediate impact), or FS (where he would also likely be a standout, but not right away, as the FS has to make all the reads for the defense), he could be a tremendous factor in giving us a dominant secondary (think about having a Polamalu type player... mmmm... break out that #37).
i would ike ko simpson but i love chad greenway =) our ILB aint getting no younger. Plus theres a couple of good FA safeties this year. But i wont complain if we get Ko Simpson, i think hes the only saftey i'd take in the first round. Im not too high on Bing or Huff even though they are really good players.

[Mr. Heisman]

I just say we better look at that position good cuz we pass on troy in our draft he was on the board and we traded down! NOOO!!! but yet nope knew much about him and now we have to make sure to grab our safety

[Dago81Sd]

*Bump* before this gets knocked off the board.

[dserrano86]

I would like for the Chargers to heavily consider trying to sign Chris Hope of the Steelers.

Hope had 3 INT's(Charger's leader in INT's, Jue, 3 INT) to go along with 50 tackles last season.

He would give our team an inspiration considering his Steelers had won the Super Bowl last season.

[cstu]

Reed is a Great Player but I would find it hard to give up that much for a player. Unless that is our missing part to win the super bowl. But I do not think 1player can do that. I would give up 1 #1 and a couple of late round picks.

Maybe after we win the Super Bowl and it'll only be the #32 pick in back to back drafts.

[cstu]

Here's what I want:

One SS of Archuleta, McCree, Hope, Chavous and Tank Williams

plus

One FS of Demps, Bashir and Shulters (not as important as SS, but would be nice to have depth).

Getting that would allow the team to draft OL in the draft and a play-making WR.

[BoltsfanNYC]

demps -hope and bentley... we go far in the playoffs!

[56lightsout56]

Demps or Hope, draft Ko Simpson and that is an instant upgrade to 1 critical area of need. Bentley would help solidified the OL. Draft an OT and sign a CB and were good to go.

[cstu]

Demps or Hope, draft Ko Simpson and that is an instant upgrade to 1 critical area of need. Bentley would help solidified the OL. Draft an OT and sign a CB and were good to go.

Bentley would be amazing but it would also by amazing if the Saints don't franchise him.

[IgorUnchained]

The Steelers have spoken to their unrestricted free agents which include Antwaan Randle El and free safety Chris Hope. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Randle El wants to test the market, while Hope wants to be paid like one of the top five safeties. Even though the Steelers would like to retain all of their players, the salary cap makes it virtually impossible.
(taken from the Rumor Mill of CBS Sportsline)

Not very good news concerning Hope.....I say the Bolts should get a S through the draft.

[baddass4444]

Bentley would be amazing but it would also by amazing if the Saints don't franchise him.



I Don't know where u have been, but the deadline to tag someone was yesterday, and the Saints aren't tagging him.

[BoltsfanNYC]

first of. all there is a readon hope wants to get paid! and there is a reason bentley will get paid.... These are probowlers/ who are young and have 5+ years of their best football infront of them!!! I say Give em both max deals! and get a fabini or runyan!

[IgorUnchained]

first of. all there is a readon hope wants to get paid! and there is a reason bentley will get paid.... These are probowlers/ who are young and have 5+ years of their best football infront of them!!! I say Give em both max deals! and get a fabini or runyan!

I would pay Bentley or Hutchinson....maybe Law or Madison too. Everybody else should be picked up for a reasonable price.

(actually, I would probably pay Randle El too)



I dont think Hope is as good as he looks...that defense and Troy Polamalu could make a ham sandwich look good.)

[Tomlinson21]

Get the highest positioned PURE Safety in the Draft and that's KO Simpson...

For some reason, Rookie Safeties always seem to be better than Rookie Corners. I say we have to draft one at #19 or higher....or O-line if we trade down.

[ryry2104]

i know he is not a free agent but imagine if he was our SS adrian wilson from the cardinals is 6'2 230 pounds, he had 100+ tackles 8 sacks and an interception this year and he has played for 5 yrs

[psychofan]

Hope, Demps, and Archuleta would all be good signings in FA but we should get rookie so that he becomes better than they are. Bernad Pollard, KO Simpson are 2 names of people that we should be looking at right now.

[Lightiningsmack]

Trade our #19 for Ed Reed. I'm sure Ko Simpson will be great but we need to win now.

[Baller]

Lawyer Milloy has been added to the Free Agent list for safties.

I say we sign him to a 2-year deal, draft Ko Simpson, and let Clinton Hart walk. That way Simpson can learn under Milloy and we can put Ko into the starting lineup in 2007. Lawyer would be a definite upgrade over what we have now. He's not that old, (only 32), and should be able to regain his high level of play after recovering from injury last season.

[BlueandGoldRush]

Super Bowl next season????

Better grab Marlon McCree SS Panthers and Will Demps FS RAvens.


If we get just one of those two you can count on having a very much improved secondary and our top pick can then be used on the line where I am sure one of the top tackles will fall through to us at 19.

Of course the draft has some interesting prospects at safety we could very well end up with Mccree and then draft Landry.

McCree is a ounisher and Demps can get his head in there too. With Thomas Davis in Carolina I think it is doubtful that the Panthers will hold on to McCree. Could be really good for us and wouldnt cost an arm and a leg. I am officially excited!!!


Good call, GdoubleE. From today's UT:

ARTICLE (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20060309-9999-1s9chargers.html)

Among the free-agent safeties the Chargers are expected to target is Marlon McCree, recently of Carolina, a playmaker who could supplant free safety Bhawoh Jue.

You really like this guy, huh? Seems like he's bounced around a bit, I'm not sure why. He was able to beat out Thomas Davis for quite a while though, so he must be pretty solid.

[BoltsfanNYC]

sign T and safety and CB///