By: PFC Chargers Writer Robert Murdock
The San Diego Chargers approached the recent NFL draft with their interests primarily focused on Offensive Lineman and Cornerback. By the time the 27th pick had arrived, eight Offensive Linemen had already been selected. Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith and his team of scouts apparently felt that the once deep pool of Offensive Linemen had become too shallow, and opted to go the other direction, selecting Cornerback Antoine Cason out of Arizona University .
The draft having played out the way it did, left the Chargers with a need for depth on the Offensive Line. The Chargers believe that they have addressed those needs with the recent signings of Offensive Tackle L.J. Shelton, and Center Jeremy Newberry.
In signing a two year deal with the Chargers in late April, L.J. Shelton has reunited with fellow former Miami Dolphin (WR) Chris Chambers. The 6 foot, 6 inch, 345 lb. Shelton earned all-Mac honors for his performances while at Eastern Michigan University , and was originally drafted in 1999 by the Arizona Cardinals with the 21st overall pick. After six seasons with the Cardinals, Shelton spent one season in Cleveland , and two with Miami before arriving in San Diego . Shelton has been a durable player at the NFL level. Of the 130 games in his career, he has started 125. In addition, Shelton brings experience and versatility as he has started at both Offensive Tackle positions, as well as Right Guard.
With the June 2, signing of Jeremy Newberry, the Chargers appear to have added not only depth, but also insurance. With the looming possibility that starting Center Nick Hardwick’s recovery from injury could cause him to miss the first few games of the season, Newberry would be much more than a serviceable backup. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 1998, the 6 foot, 5 inch, 315 lb former Cal-Berkley Golden Bear remained in San Francisco through 2006. He then spent the 2007 season with the Oakland Raiders before coming to the Chargers. A durable, tough and tenacious blocker, Newberry has twice been selected to the Pro Bowl. Newberry brings an added degree of versatility to the Chargers’ O-line depth, as he has experience playing Right Tackle and Right Guard in addition to Center.
Some believe that with the signing of Newberry, the writing may be on the wall regarding backup Center Cory Withrow. While Withrow is considered to be a serviceable backup, his performance during the 2007 season while filling in for the injured Nick Hardwick was less than impressive.
1 response so far ↓
1 jackfrost // Jun 15, 2008 at 4:19 am
I hope both Guy’s get to contribute, then again, the signing of Newberry doesn’t make Hardwicks situation sound overly optimistic. Then again, you can never have to many good back-up’s. Injuries are an integral part of the NFL season and if you don’t have sufficent, interchangable parts at the ready, then a season can go from promising to dismal in a hurry.
I like these signings, experienced ball players who know they are probably on their last stop of the NFL Journey. Let’s hope they give it their all and strive for that Ring that they all desire, they have been given a Golden opportunity to achieve that, coming to this Team.
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