Chargers new GM cleans house; scolds the press

Transcript from the new GM's press conference:

*beginning of transcript*

8-8

That is unacceptable for a team with one of the top offenses in the league. Former HC Norv Turner deserves a lot of credit for making this past season the 8th consecutive season in which this team has finished in the top 5 in points scored. That's an impressive achievement. But it hasn't been enough.

Obviously, we will look to upgrade each position. And with our search for a new coaching staff, we will look for coaches who can get the most out of our players and manage the game in an efficient manner.

This may seem like a Bill Belichick type PC. I'm sorry about that. I can't stand that guy as much as you can't. But I'm curt because I don't like you very much either. It's a pain in the *** to have to deal with stupid questions and the constant efforts to create narratives that only serve to help your bottom line. Plus, I find it really annoying the way your colleagues have created Tebow mania. That guy isn't fit to be Phillip Rivers' ball boy.

I hope you focus as much attention on Rivers and our entire team when we retake the division from the Broncos.

*end of transcript*

 

Via @adamsheftler: Chargers continue drastic overhaul with latest trade. No Rivers. No Weddle. Who are they eyeing with the 2nd overall pick?

Via @SomeRandomSDreporter: Word from inside Chargers org is new GM is nuts, spends days in his beachside condo with tons of hookers and blow.

Via @DavePlunk (who is not in any way some awesome guy that posts on thephins.com): I'm not quite sure what the new Chargers GM is up to. But I'm pretty sure he is a genius.

 

From whatever newspaper they have in SD:

Speculation is growing as to what the Chargers will do with the #2 overall pick. They acquired the pick by trading several early picks and standout safety Eric Weddle. They acquired those early picks by trading Philip Rivers, he who Tim Tebow wasn't worthy of handling his jock strap. After the flurry of said trades many were left wondering what the new GM had planned and whether he was too caught up in the San Diego lifestyle to take his job seriously.

According to a source close to the GM, DevilFin was unhappy with the financial structure of his team. So salary cap concerns may have been a big factor in the Rivers trade and many subsequent moves. And with the new salary structure for rookies and the lack of a proven QB on the roster, many believe that the target for the #2 pick is a QB. But before we assume that to be the case, it should be pointed out that the same source says that the team is high on Ryan Mallet, who was acquired in the Rivers trade. Word is that DevilFin had Mallet rated much higher than where he went in the draft and thinks he has the ability to be a good QB.

So it could be the case that the Chargers are willing to make Mallet the starter and use the #2 pick on another position. Offensively, the Chargers seem to be in decent shape. Ryan Matthews proved himself worthy of his 1st round selection with a very good season, ranking 2nd in AdvancedNFLStats' win probability added. With his bargain salary the Chargers are very unlikely to draft a RB. Antonio Gates had another good season and still ranks among the best TEs in the league. So TE is unlikely. The team is excited about the growth of Darrius Heyward-Bey, who had a good season in Oakland and looks to play alongside a franchise tagged Vincent Jackson. So unless a team makes an offer on Jackson, the team is unlikely to look at WR with the 2nd pick.

The offensive and defensive lines could be an option. Both have injury and depth concerns. DevilFin is said to want to run a extremely pass oriented offense. So protecting the QB will probably be a high priority and there seem to be plenty of options to address that concern in the draft. Rumors around the team are that depending on what happens with free agency and the draft, the defense could switch to a 4-3. Regardless of the scheme, it's always important to be able to rush the passer effectively. So a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE are options.

So it seems as though there are a lot of options on the table with the #2 pick. We also shouldn't discount the possibility that the Chargers move down in the draft if a deal were to come there way. With pro days and the combine coming up we should be able to get a more clear sense about what the Chargers will do with their pick. Even with all of that, we should remember that the ultimate decision could come down to what happens with the #1 pick. A lot could change between now and the announcement of the first pick.