Official 2025 Chargers Discussion | 2025 Roster Build | Training Camp

[dmac_bolt]

I'm neither agreeing, nor disagreeing, with your practice squad assertion, but the question remains: Why is Petaia the player Hortiz selected from the Int'l Program?

I think it's more likely that Joe Hortiz has some logic behind his decision to work with Petaia, than it is that Hortiz cluelessly eenie-meenie-mynie-moe'd his way through the list of eligible players, and randomly chose Petaia.

Do *ewe* have am actual identified candidate in mind that you think Joe overlooked?

I don't think Joe was or is expecting much from the Int'l exempt program, personally. Its just my biased guess because *EYE* don't expect anything. M*EYE* guess is its PR, like the good man says - maybe the marketing dept called to remind him that LA is closer to Australia than any other NFL city.

[Topcat]

Do *ewe* have am actual identified candidate in mind that you think Joe overlooked?

I don't think Joe was or is expecting much from the Int'l exempt program, personally. Its just my biased guess because *EYE* don't expect anything. M*EYE* guess is its PR, like the good man says - maybe the marketing dept called to remind him that LA is closer to Australia than any other NFL city.

This International program is a real longshot...the dude from Africa got a year or two of coaching up...how'd that work out?

[gzubeck]

This International program is a real longshot...the dude from Africa got a year or two of coaching up...how'd that work out?

I don't think it's that far of a stretch going from Rugby to the NFL. There are some similarities. I like Petaia's athleticism for sure but can he string those pearls in a timely fashion.

[dmac_bolt]

I don't think it's that far of a stretch going from Rugby to the NFL. There are some similarities. I like Petaia's athleticism for sure but can he string those pearls in a timely fashion.

I think it’s a huge stretch. NFL is precision choreography and position-specific traits and technique, it requires elite and focused abilities applicable to each position/group. A great WR can’t play OL. A great DT can’t play QB. A great Edge can’t play NT. Etc. Skills and abilities unique to each position. Its not a game for generalists.

Rugby is berserker animal-ball, jail-break, last bell at the end of school year, free-for-all - its bedlam. I don’t know what unique trait or ability he has to translate to what position yet or if he can learn the NFL level technique required to succeed. Does he bulk up another 10-20 lb to play LB? That would seem the most likely path for him, I doubt he’s a RB. not sure if it will work, odds are usually against these guys.

I like TPB’s enthusiasm

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

This International program is a real longshot...the dude from Africa got a year or two of coaching up...how'd that work out?

I think it worked out just fine for Okoye. He's on another NFL team's roster right now.

[FoutsFan]

I don't think it's that far of a stretch going from Rugby to the NFL. There are some similarities. I like Petaia's athleticism for sure but can he string those pearls in a timely fashion.

Darren Bennett was an Australian rules football player. He brought to the NFL that back spin punt that punters here never even tried. He also mentored Mike Scifres who became an amazing punter too.

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

Darren Bennett was an Australian rules football player. He brought to the NFL that back spin punt that punters here never even tried. He also mentored Mike Scifres who became an amazing punter too.

Yes, there was a season in which they were BOTH on the Chargers' roster. How unusual is *that*,a team carrying two punters on the 53 man roster?

[sonorajim]

I think it’s a huge stretch. NFL is precision choreography and position-specific traits and technique, it requires elite and focused abilities applicable to each position/group. A great WR can’t play OL. A great DT can’t play QB. A great Edge can’t play NT. Etc. Skills and abilities unique to each position. Its not a game for generalists.

Rugby is berserker animal-ball, jail-break, last bell at the end of school year, free-for-all - its bedlam. I don’t know what unique trait or ability he has to translate to what position yet or if he can learn the NFL level technique required to succeed. Does he bulk up another 10-20 lb to play LB? That would seem the most likely path for him, I doubt he’s a RB. not sure if it will work, odds are usually against these guys.

I like TPB’s enthusiasm

The former UT poster Joe McRugby was a college rugby player. I wish he was still around to speak on the similarities.
Personally my ignorance of rugby is practically unlimited but I'm sure an elite rugby player is a top athlete.

[Charge!]

That is a viable path. Exhibition games will be telling.

yes, pre season will be very interesting this year.....watching all the new players

[sonorajim]

yes, pre season will be very interesting this year.....watching all the new players

I agree. We won't see much of the new team's starters as a group until KC in Brazil, but the offensive depth, particularly the run game should be impressive anytime they take the field.

[OG619FrightninLightnin]

The former UT poster Joe McRugby was a college rugby player. I wish he was still around to speak on the similarities.
Personally my ignorance of rugby is practically unlimited but I'm sure an elite rugby player is a top athlete.

Is the Charger player an Aussie Rules player or Rugby?

Aussie Footy is more popular than Rugby down under.

If you watch a rugby match ( I recommend Sevens) you can see the bones of American Football in there.

Much like Cricket that baseball took from.

[Lefty2SLO]

I think it’s a huge stretch. NFL is precision choreography and position-specific traits and technique, it requires elite and focused abilities applicable to each position/group. A great WR can’t play OL. A great DT can’t play QB. A great Edge can’t play NT. Etc. Skills and abilities unique to each position. Its not a game for generalists.

Rugby is berserker animal-ball, jail-break, last bell at the end of school year, free-for-all - its bedlam. I don’t know what unique trait or ability he has to translate to what position yet or if he can learn the NFL level technique required to succeed. Does he bulk up another 10-20 lb to play LB? That would seem the most likely path for him, I doubt he’s a RB. not sure if it will work, odds are usually against these guys.

I like TPB’s enthusiasm

Anyone coming into the NFL world cold must have otherworldly athletic ability to offset the lack of specific training and techniques Dmac mentions. Even then the best they can hope for is that someone recognizes their potential and lets them hang around on the PS long enough to learn the basics.

It's definitely a tough go . . . . . . . . . Remember when Renaldo Nemiah was trying out for the 49rs? Dude was THE world class track athlete at the time - didn't do anything in the NFL . . . . . . .