ProFootballCentral.com

By: PFC Chargers team writer Robert Murdock

 An intriguing question has developed in the minds of many Chargers fans. Who will start in place of inside linebacker Stephen Cooper while he serves his four game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy? This is an important question.

The Chargers do not wish to stumble out of the gate such as they did at the beginning of last season. While the other starting inside linebacker, Matt Wilhelm was out with a calf injury, the defense suffered. Their less than stellar play at the time cannot be solely attributed to Wilhelm’s not being there, but the fact that upon his return, the defense suddenly played much better as a whole, certainly raises some eyebrows.

 Brandon Siler was the Chargers’ seventh-round choice in the 2007 NFL draft. Many feel that the former Florida Gator was a steal for the Chargers at the 240th overall pick, as evidenced by his Special Teams performances during the 2007-2008 season for which he earned All-Rookie honors from the Professional Football Writers of America. Still, it would require out of this world performances in training camp, and preseason competition for such a player with such relatively limited experience to be considered for a starting job, even if it is a temporary one.

 Tim Dobbins, who is also listed on the depth chart at inside linebacker, will be entering his third season in the league. Dobbins, is known to be a fearless competitor, and a powerful tackler, who has been a valuable contributor on Special Teams. In 2007, Dobbins saw extensive action at ILB in place of the injured Matt Wilhelm, however he appeared to have a need to improve his pass coverage skills, and at times appeared lost.

 In the third round of the 2007 NFL draft, the Chargers selected Anthony Waters out of Clemson. Much like they did in selecting cornerback Antonio Cromartie in the 2006 draft, the Chargers took a gamble on a player who was still recovering from a serious injury. Before his injury, Waters was widely expected to be a first round draft pick. He has since fully recovered from his injury, and has said that he is eager and ready to compete in the off-season, and showcase his talent. “Anthony’s healthy, he’s one hundred percent, and we think he’s going to be an outstanding player,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. (quote: Casey Pierce Chargers.com) That having been said, Waters is still essentially a rookie after having sat through all of last season while recovering from his injury and it is not likely that he will get the nod at starter. However, it would not be a surprise to see him play in a rotational capacity.

Former 49er and Redskin Derek Smith was signed by the Chargers via Free Agency in February. Smith will be entering his 12th season in the NFL, and brings to the Chargers a wealth of experience. This experience, along with his leadership skills, should prove to be a great benefit to the Chargers’ up and coming players, particularly at the linebacker positions. While some feel that his pass coverage skills leave something to be desired, he is known to excel at attacking the running lanes, and pursuing the ball carrier along the line of scrimmage. Smith appears to be the most likely candidate to fill in for Cooper during the first four weeks of the regular season. 

Upon completion of his suspension, Cooper should step back into his starting role. He has after all earned it. Cooper has been solid against the running game and has displayed superb pass coverage skills. In the recent playoffs, Cooper’s play was outstanding. Should someone in his absence display phenomenal playmaking ability, and prove to be worthy of a starting position, the Chargers might have a difficult decision to make. However, it would be a nice problem to have.