That's right, A.J. Smith still knows his way around the draft. Many may say that the Charger's had given up a lot to trade up to the 12th slot to get Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews, giving up linebacker Tim Dobbins, the No. 28 pick, its second-round pick and a fourth rounder, but if you think about it the Charger really got Ryan Mathews for Charlie Whitehurst. It all started with the trade for Whitehurst, who the Chargers sent to Seattle.
The Chargers did not only get a potentially great running back, but a guy with character, which the game really needs these days. Mathews earned great respect from many before he even went to college. After he verbally committed to Fresno State, several bigger programs such as USC and UCLA tried to convince him to change his mind.
"No way I was doing that," Mathews said of the overtures by bigger programs. "Fresno State put themselves on the line for me and I was sticking with them."
Now the question is, can he make us forget about LT? Most definitely not, but he should be better that LT was in the last couple of years, given he is faster, stronger and fresher. The Chargers had the 31st ranked run offense last season, they should be better this next season.
The Chargers' are a pass-first offense and they will still be with Philip Rivers at quarterback and Norv coaching. But with a potentially elite running back like Ryan Mathews, they will be a more balanced offensive team.
1 comment:
I like the photo. With good players like that and with an attitude, I bet the team has hopes for the win.
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