Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Harris

An Early Look at the San Diego Chargers' 2009 Offseason

Brian Harris — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:47:56 -0500

What a tragic end to a fascinating season for the 2008 Chargers. After starting out 4-8, the Chargers won five in a row to get into the divisional round of the playoffs and meet the Pittsburgh Steelers, who destroyed them yesterday 35-24.

Looking ahead to next season, the Chargers have to figure out what they're going do about their running back situation. Darren Sproles is set to be a free agent, and there have been some disturbing rumors about LT being traded in the offseason.

On a happier note, they can expect a healthy return of Shawne Merriman, which will increase the production of the pass rush that was virtually nonexistent this year, allowing opposing quarterbacks more time in the pocket to pick part San Diego's suddenly shaky secondary.

One of the Chargers' biggest needs heading into the 2009 season is a physical in the box, knock you out type safety. The one guy I would love to see in a Charger uniform next year fits that description, and that's Brian Dawkins. I know it seems far-fetched, but wouldn't that be something?

Anyway, there's not much safety talent in this coming draft, so I think if the Chargers are going to address that position, it's going to be later in the draft or in free agency.

Another position of importance is the O-line, and the Chargers are in desperate need of an upgrade on the right side, where Goff and Clary are very, very average starters at best. Offensive tackle is the one position I think has the most depth in this year's draft; the Chargers could possibly find a good RT as late as the third or fourth round.

Middle linebacker is also a pressing need, and I think Rey Maualuga would fit in nicely in the middle of the Chargers defense. The Chargers will also try to upgrade the D-line and find a backup running back in the later rounds of the draft.

MLB 2008: Do the San Diego Padres Have Enough Offense?

Brian Harris — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:05:45 -0400

It seems like that's an on-going question year after year for the Padres.

But this year I think it'll finally be resolved with a healthy Brian Giles and emerging stars in Khalil Greene, Adrian Gonzalez, and Keven Kouzmanoff. All three are capable of hitting 30 dingers and driving in 100 RBIs.

Plus, the Padres brought in Tadahito Iguchi and Jim Edmonds to help bolster the offense. They also have a strong bench with the likes of Tony Clark, Michael Barrett, and Scott Hairston.

With the best pitching staff in baseball and improved hitting, it's not far fetched to predict the Padres will win the West.

Projected Record: 92-70

NFL Draft Prospects: Penn State Linebacker Dan Connor

Brian Harris — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:50:00 -0400

After having an outstanding career at Penn State, Dan Connor is projected to go somewhere in the first round—though exactly where is a mystery that won’t be solved until sometime on April 26th.

One team who hopes he has a sudden fall off in value is the San Diego chargers, who as of now have the 27th overall pick in the first round.

Connor is an instinctive linebacker capable of playing either inside or outside. Some have called him the best linebacker to ever play at Penn State—pretty high praise for a player that comes from a school nicknamed “Linebacker U.”

The Chargers would love to have a player with Connor’s instincts and range to roam from sideline to sideline. He brings leadership and intelligence to the field—something all GMs value highly these days.

Comparison: Nick Barnett