Starting Lineup Prediction

[Steve]

I agree with the Ben Leber to Kyle Emmanuel comparison, but Leber was the guy who was supposed to set the edge in the run D back then. One of the things about Bosa is that he is just about impossible to hook, so do they want to use the SAM LB on the outside to protect Bosa, or do we want to stack the LB behind him and let the guy flow to the ball.

Emmanuel is the guy you would want stacking the edge. Toomer is the better player running to the ball. I expect, based on how Seattle and Atlanta play, we will see Emmanuel start, and then Toomer probably takes over Perryman's place in passing downs, although that is just a guess. They have had plenty of times when Seattle and Atlanta like to stack their LB, and our DB are better than our LB, so we will want to spend a lot more time in our nickel than our base D.

[Heatmiser]

Emmanuel reminds me so much of Leber that I call him Leber sometimes! He is like a carbon copy of him to me.

TG

[Big Dog]

Emmanuel is a better pass rusher than Leber and makes bigger plays, Leber was solid, dependable and dull.

[Panamamike]

Emmanuel is a better pass rusher than Leber and makes bigger plays, Leber was solid, dependable and dull.

Solid dependable and dull for 10 yrs aint that bad. Focus on the first two words....wtf does dull mean?

yeah, it is an area i look to draft an upgrade high next year.

[Steve]

Some of the dull is just typical of someone who plays SAM LB. The SAM has to hand fight with the TE and make sure he and the OT don't block down on the ILB or DE, plus make sure he doesn't get hooked on outside runs. Making plays is not that their primary responsiblity. If the strong side DE and Mack ILB are making plays, then the SAM LB is doing his (primary) job.

SAM LB is not a starting spot, so I don't know why I would look to use a high pick there. If you have someone or a low round pick develops, great. If not, as long as they can stack the TE on run plays, and avoid getting hooked, anyone can do the job. Better to spend the pick on DB who will play a ton more downs and be in a position to make more impact plays, or at the very least deny big plays to the offense.

[Panamamike]

Good post

[Formula 21]

Mike Williams gets healthy, makes cut in Chargers' 53-man roster projection

• Eric D. WilliamsESPN Staff Writer

Jul 25, 2017

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers open training camp July 30 at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. Here's a 53-man roster projection:

Quarterback (2): Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
If he plays well in preseason games, Arizona State product Mike Bercovici could earn a spot on the practice squad. The last time the Chargers kept three quarterbacks on the active roster to start the season was 2013.

Running back (4): Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Andre Williams, Kenjon Barner
Oliver and Barner offer versatility with their ability to return kicks. Williams showed last season he can be effective, an early-down backup for Gordon. Kenneth Farrow also could work himself onto the roster with a consistent performance during training camp.

Fullback (1): Derek Watt
The Wisconsin product played only 130 snaps on offense last season, but the Chargers should use the fullback more in 2017.

Wide receiver (6): Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, Geremy Davis, Mike Williams
Mike Williams likely begins training camp on the physically unable to perform list but hopefully recovers enough from his back injury to earn a roster spot and contribute once the regular season begins.

Tight end (4): Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath, Asante Cleveland
Athletic tight end Jeff Cumberland could compete for a roster spot if he continues to show that he's fully recovered from an Achilles tendon tear that forced him to miss the 2016 season.

Offensive line (9): Russell Okung, Matt Slauson, Spencer Pulley, Forrest Lamp, Joe Barksdale, Dan Feeney, Kenny Wiggins, Chris Hairston, Tyreek Burwell.
Last year's third-round selection, Max Tuerk, could make his way onto the final roster with a strong showing in exhibition play.

Defensive line (8): Joey Bosa, Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Melvin Ingram, Damion Square, Tenny Palepoi, Jeremiah Attaochu, Chris Landrum
If healthy, edge rusher Chris McCain will fight for a spot here. Interior pass-rusher Darius Philon also should be in the mix at defensive tackle.

Linebacker (6): Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown, Kyle Emanuel, Korey Toomer, Joshua Perry, Nick Dzubnar.
Notre Dame product James Onwualu has been impressive, showing speed and athleticism. Onwualu will be hard to keep off the final roster if he plays well during exhibition play.

Cornerback (5): Jason Verrett, Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams, Trovon Reed, Michael Davis.
Craig Mager, a third-round selection in the 2015 draft, could be on the outside looking in after September roster cuts.

Safety (5): Jahleel Addae, Dwight Lowery, Tre Boston, Rayshawn Jenkins, Desmond King.
Adrian Phillips, Darrell Stuckey and Dexter McCoil all have an uphill climb for a roster spot at a very competitive position group.

Specialists (3): Josh Lambo, Drew Kaser, Mike Windt
Younghoe Koo should push Lambo for the starting kicking job, and undrafted rookie punter Toby Baker will do the same for Kaser.

[bolts4lyfe]

worth mentioning that Dan Feeney was lined up at Center with the ones, and Isaac Rochelle looked really good pass rushing in the 1 v 1 drills

[Boltjolt]

Mike Williams gets healthy, makes cut in Chargers' 53-man roster projection

• Eric D. WilliamsESPN Staff Writer

Jul 25, 2017

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers open training camp July 30 at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California. Here's a 53-man roster projection:

Quarterback (2): Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
If he plays well in preseason games, Arizona State product Mike Bercovici could earn a spot on the practice squad. The last time the Chargers kept three quarterbacks on the active roster to start the season was 2013.

Running back (4): Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Andre Williams, Kenjon Barner
Oliver and Barner offer versatility with their ability to return kicks. Williams showed last season he can be effective, an early-down backup for Gordon. Kenneth Farrow also could work himself onto the roster with a consistent performance during training camp.

Fullback (1): Derek Watt
The Wisconsin product played only 130 snaps on offense last season, but the Chargers should use the fullback more in 2017.

Wide receiver (6): Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, Geremy Davis, Mike Williams
Mike Williams likely begins training camp on the physically unable to perform list but hopefully recovers enough from his back injury to earn a roster spot and contribute once the regular season begins.

Tight end (4): Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath, Asante Cleveland
Athletic tight end Jeff Cumberland could compete for a roster spot if he continues to show that he's fully recovered from an Achilles tendon tear that forced him to miss the 2016 season.

Offensive line (9): Russell Okung, Matt Slauson, Spencer Pulley, Forrest Lamp, Joe Barksdale, Dan Feeney, Kenny Wiggins, Chris Hairston, Tyreek Burwell.
Last year's third-round selection, Max Tuerk, could make his way onto the final roster with a strong showing in exhibition play.

Defensive line (8): Joey Bosa, Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Melvin Ingram, Damion Square, Tenny Palepoi, Jeremiah Attaochu, Chris Landrum
If healthy, edge rusher Chris McCain will fight for a spot here. Interior pass-rusher Darius Philon also should be in the mix at defensive tackle.

Linebacker (6): Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown, Kyle Emanuel, Korey Toomer, Joshua Perry, Nick Dzubnar.
Notre Dame product James Onwualu has been impressive, showing speed and athleticism. Onwualu will be hard to keep off the final roster if he plays well during exhibition play.

Cornerback (5): Jason Verrett, Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams, Trovon Reed, Michael Davis.
Craig Mager, a third-round selection in the 2015 draft, could be on the outside looking in after September roster cuts.

Safety (5): Jahleel Addae, Dwight Lowery, Tre Boston, Rayshawn Jenkins, Desmond King.
Adrian Phillips, Darrell Stuckey and Dexter McCoil all have an uphill climb for a roster spot at a very competitive position group.

Specialists (3): Josh Lambo, Drew Kaser, Mike Windt
Younghoe Koo should push Lambo for the starting kicking job, and undrafted rookie punter Toby Baker will do the same for Kaser.

I think Onwualu sends Dzubnar packing. And i think Philon beats out Landrum for a spot. I know if Cumberland is healthy he will beat out either McGrath OR Cleveland. Lynn loves the guy. Mager isnt getting cut! Lowrey goes before him imo.

[Formula 21]

We need a Tuerk sighting.

[Formula 21]

I think the beneficiary of this is Burwell. He gets another year on the squad.

[Formula 21]

Ranking all 32 NFL teams' five-year success by draft class

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Ezekiel Elliott #21 and Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after a first down during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ever wonder which teams have had the best drafts over the past five seasons? We certainly have, and recently our own Eric Eager

Dallas has drafted extremely well since 2012, and it should be no surprise to see Dak Prescott

The Raiders finish just out of the top spot, due largely to the strength of their 2014 draft. Edge standout Khalil Mack led all edge defenders in total pressures (96) and pass-rush productivity in 2016. Behind him just three spots is QB Derek Carr, who last year he ranked fifth in both adjusted completion percentage (51.8) and passer rating (117.6) on deep passes.

3.

The Seahawks come in third on the list, and play under pressure makes him the highest overall individual value in the league. Last season he finished second in adjusted completion percentage under pressure (72.0), and his 85.8 passer rating when threatened by the rush was fourth-best.

4.

Two defensive standouts have helped elevate the Panthers to the fourth position: LB Luke Kuechly and DI Kawann Short. Kuechly has been nothing short of the best inside linebacker in football since being selected ninth overall in 2012. Among his many impressive traits is his ability in coverage, highlighted by his 2015 campaign that saw him pick off six passes and break up another six while not yielding a touchdown into his coverage. Short finished second in run stop percentage among all defensive tackles last season, which followed up his 2015 season which saw him post the third-best pass-rush productivity mark among his peers.

5.Joey BosaKeenan Allen has been a dangerous weapon on the other side of the ball. Allen has dropped just 14 of the 243 catchable balls thrown his way during his career, and posted at least 12 catches three times in just eight appearances last year.