Offseason Power Rankings for Every Player on San Diego Chargers Roster

The countdown to the kickoff of the 2013 NFL season officially reached 100 days this week.

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In case you missed it, we have 100 days to go until kickoff!! --> twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status…

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 29, 2013"

Like most teams, the San Diego Chargers are already in the midst of OTAs, which means offseason roster power rankings are sure to follow.

The Chargers' roster lost a good deal of veterans in the offseason, but the new regime has made improvements with free-agent pickups and rookies.

Here are the power rankings for San Diego's roster from 1-53. You may want to sit down for this one.

1. Eric Weddle

Position: FS

Experience: Six years

2012 Stats: 97 TAK, 1 SCK, 9 PDEF, 3 INT, 2 FF, 2 FR

Analysis: Eric Weddle is San Diego's top player in 2013 simply because he's the best at what he does. Weddle's past three seasons have been the best of his career with the Chargers, and at the ripe age of 28, these next few years will be his prime.

After yet another productive year in the defensive backfield, Weddle will be challenged this season with the lack of experience in the team's secondary following several offseason departures.

The biggest change in that secondary will be whoever plays alongside Weddle at the strong safety position. 

2. Philip Rivers

Position: QB

Experience: Nine years

2012 Stats: 3.606 YDS, 26 TD, 15 INT

Analysis: Philip Rivers has long been considered the face of the Chargers franchise, but his past three seasons have fans questioning the ability of the nine-year veteran.

Despite his recent issue with turnovers, Rivers is still San Diego's best player on offense. He ranked in the top 10 in just about every single category for AFC quarterbacks in 2012.

With a new coaching staff, a rebuilt offensive line and some new weapons on offense, Rivers has nobody to blame but himself if he has another season like he did last year. The 31-year-old has a lot to prove in 2013 to once again be considered among the league's elite.

3. Antonio Gates

Position: TE

Experience: 10 years

2012 Stats: 49 REC, 538 YDS, 7 TD

Analysis: Even at 32, Antonio Gates insists he still has a lot more left in the tank, according to U-T San Diego's Matt Calkins. Statistically speaking, Gates had one of his worst seasons receiving, but he finished 2012 as one of the team's top receivers, tying Danario Alexander for most touchdown catches.

The bigger picture here is the fact that the 10-year veteran missed just one game last season—and it wasn't due to plantar fasciitis. A rib injury in the season opener prevented Gates from playing in all 16 games—something he hasn't accomplished since the 2009 season.

Coming off one of his healthiest seasons yet, expect Gates to have a better showing in 2013, especially in this new offense.

4. Nick Hardwick

Position: C

Experience: Nine years

Analysis: Since 2010, Nick Hardwick hasn't missed a start for the Chargers. That stat couldn't have proved any more useful than it did last season when more than half of the team's offensive line was ravaged by injuries.

Hardwick alone could not prevent Philip Rivers from being sacked 49 times last season, but his presence in 2012 may have prevented that number from being doubled.

As anchor of that offensive line, Hardwick will now have the additional task of taking control of a group that may have just one returning member in Jeromey Clary, who will likely be playing a new position as well.

The team's success up front will be determined by how efficiently Hardwick can lead this new offensive line.

5. Danario Alexander

Position: WR

Experience: Three years

2012 Stats: 37 REC, 658 YDS, 7 TD

Analysis: Danario Alexander exploded onto the scene in Week 10 of last season with five catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in a loss against Tampa Bay. He followed that performance with another gem, catching seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Denver.

The rest of the 2012 season was no different as Alexander quickly became San Diego's top receiver with similar outings. 

At the conclusion of his 2012 campaign, Alexander was generating buzz from interested teams looking to lure the restricted free agent from San Diego:

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A few teams are still mulling decision on RFA WR Danario Alexander. Feeling is Chargers would match (cont) tl.gd/lhafq4

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"— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 10, 2013"

In the end, however, the Chargers re-signed Alexander to the lowest possible tender as many teams, including the Chargers, expressed concern in the injury history of the third-year player.

Alexander and Malcom Floyd will likely be the top two candidates competing for the No. 1 receiver slot, and with a full year ahead of him, it will be interesting to see how Alexander fares after participating in a full offseason with the Chargers.

6. Malcom Floyd

Position: WR

Experience: Seven years

2012 Stats: 56 REC, 814 YDS, 5 TD

Analysis: Malcom Floyd led the team in receiving yards and receptions last season. He was also the most targeted receiver (84 TAR) by Philip Rivers.

Floyd's receiving totals dropped from a year ago, but much of that can be attributed to a high-ankle sprain that sent him to the injured reserve list for the last two games of the season. Still, his play the past couple of seasons was deserving enough to earn him a contract extension through 2015.

Looking ahead to this season, Floyd will have more depth behind him, especially with the addition of Danario Alexander, who re-signed with the team in the offseason.

At 6'5" a piece of the puzzle, both Floyd and Alexander provide Philip Rivers with towering figures in the passing game.

7. Donald Butler

Position: ILB

Experience: Three years

2012 Stats: 77 TAK, 3 SCK, 1 INT, 2 FF

Analysis: After Eric Weddle, Donald Butler is the next most-important player on San Diego's defense. The 24-year-old's progression at the inside linebacker spot has been tremendous in his short three-year span.

After tearing his ACL in 2010 before his rookie season even began, Butler worked his tail off long enough to become the team's starter the following year alongside Takeo Spikes. With Spikes as his mentor, Butler managed to have a breakout season in 2011.

Injuries in 2012 caused Butler's numbers to drop from his previous season, but he's still expected to be one of the leaders on defense and a big-time contributor.

His play thus far has even convinced the front office to get a contract extension in the works, as reported by U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken.

8. Dwight Freeney

Position: DE/OLB

Experience: 12 years

2012 Stats: 12 TAK, 5 SCK, 1 FF

Analysis: Dwight Freeney and his signature spin move have arrived in sunny San Diego. After 12 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Freeney will be sporting the lighting bolt on his helmet instead of a horseshoe.

Regardless of where he lines up on defense, you can bet that defensive coordinator John Pagano will have no trouble putting Freeney in a position to get after the quarterback.

The big question is which Freeney will play for the Chargers in 2013—the Freeney who struggled with the Colts last year or the the sack machine that fans knew him as in Indy?

Even at his worst, Freeney gives the Chargers the pass rush they lost when Melvin Ingram went down with his ACL injury in OTAs.

9. Vincent Brown

Position: WR

Experience: Two years

Analysis: Vincent Brown showed lots of promise after his rookie season in 2011, but a season-ending ankle injury in last year's preseason ruined his chances of making a name for himself during his sophomore year in the league.

After a full year off, Brown feels 100 percent, according to U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. Gehlken also reported that head coach Mike McCoy has high hopes for his third-year receiver:

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Mike McCoy says Vincent Brown is a "great route runner" and "very discliplined" at what he does. Has high hopes for the third-year WR.

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"— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) February 21, 2013"

Between Brown, Danario Alexander and Malcom Floyd, Philip Rivers has plenty of options in the passing game. If Brown's play during his rookie season is any indication of what his 2013 season will be like, then the Chargers have yet another receiver clamoring for the No. 1 slot.

10. Corey Liuget

Position: DE

Experience: Two years

2012 Stats: 51 TAK, 7 SCK, 1 FF, 1 FR

Analysis: Corey Liuget had a rather quiet rookie season after being drafted in the first round by the Chargers in 2011, but his second year in the league was special.

Liuget came into his own with 51 tackles and seven sacks last season. He started all 16 games for San Diego and helped the Chargers in establishing one of the league's best run defenses.

With the arrival of Dwight Freeney, it's possible that Liuget may get more opportunities to get his hands on the quarterback. With offenses taking special note of Freeney, Liuget could be one guy that benefits from the lack of attention.

11. Max Starks

Position: OT

Experience: 10 years

Analysis: Even though Max Starks isn't particularly high on this list, his value to the Chargers exceeds his rank here. A last-minute pickup in free agency, Starks is expected to fill the glaring hole at left tackle that's been so highly scrutinized.

While Starks isn't the long-term answer at left tackle for San Diego, his veteran experience with the Steelers is an upgrade from the revolving door of players the team had last season.

12. Ryan Mathews

Position: RB

Experience: Three years

2012 Stats: 707 YDS, 1 TD

Analysis: Ryan Mathews has been given three years to prove himself as a lead back for the Chargers, but his progress has been snagged by injuries. Last season was probably the worst of all after Mathews suffered not one, but two, broken clavicles. Talk about being unlucky.

The new regime in San Diego has been nothing but supportive of the fourth-year back, despite his injuries last season. GM Tom Telesco went as far to say that he believes Mathews can be a bell-cow back. 

In order to take pressure off Philip Rivers in throwing the ball so much, the offense is going to need to push the run game. Mathews has shown glimpses of being an every-down back, but he needs to stay healthy if the Chargers want to establish the run.

13. Derek Cox

Position: CB

Experience: Four years

2012 Stats: 60 TAK, 11 PDEF, 4 INT, 1 FF

Analysis: In 2013, the Chargers will have an entirely different secondary with the exception of Eric Weddle. Thankfully, the team brought in some help with the addition of former Jacksonville corner Derek Cox.

In four seasons with the Jags, the 26-year-old had 12 interceptions and 32 pass deflections. 

With Antoine Cason in Arizona and Quentin Jammer now a part of the rival Broncos, Cox should be handed a starting job. 

The secondary will be a weak unit no matter which way you spin it, but having a starter like Cox to bring into the fold helps.

14. Kendall Reyes

Position: DE

Experience: One year

2012 Stats: 28 TAK, 5.5 SCK

Analysis: It didn't take long for San Diego's second-round pick in 2012 to make an impact in his rookie season. Reyes flourished in John Pagano's defensive scheme as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher.

This young defensive unit has a lot of players to keep an eye on next season and Reyes is certainly one of them. The addition of Dwight Freeney should be good for Reyes as well, as he may be overlooked by offenses.

15. Danny Woodhead

Position: RB

Experience: Five years

2012 Stats: 301 YDS, 4 TD

Analysis: Danny Woodhead is yet another welcome addition to the offense for Philip Rivers.

Woodhead isn't your everyday back. He's more like a slot receiver who can run the football. Either way, he's a quarterback's best friend—just ask Tom Brady.

Woodhead probably won't be a big factor running the football in a traditional sense, but he'll get plenty of touches in the form of receptions. Because he's so versatile on offense, Woodhead becomes an asset that the Chargers covet, especially if you can remember how valuable a player like Darren Sproles was when he played with San Diego.

16. Jarret Johnson

Position: OLB

Experience: 10 years

2012 Stats: 40 TAK, 1.5 SCK, 1 FF

Analysis: Jarret Johnson had a good first year with the Chargers after playing nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He did exactly what the team signed him for—stop the run.

Johnson may be the old-timer on this young defensive unit, but he's still effective, even after 10 seasons in the league.

17. Marcus Gilchrist

Position: CB/SS

Experience: Two years

2012 Stats: 59 TAK, 1 SCK, 2 PDEF

Analysis: Marcus Gilchrist will be a starter somewhere in 2013. The defensive back played in the nickel last season, but has since began working at the strong safety spot in OTAs.

Having had experience playing safety in high school and college, Gilchrist is embracing the switch to safety, and it's definitely a possibility he could be the starter alongside Eric Weddle in Week 1 with Brandon Taylor coming off a season-ending knee injury.

That being said, Gilchrist could also be in line for the open spot at corner opposite Derek Cox.

With so many holes in the secondary, Gilchrist will find a home somewhere and be productive.

18. Cam Thomas

Position: DT

Experience: Three years

2012 Stats: 20 TAK

Analysis: Cam Thomas was the lone survivor at defensive tackle during the offseason as the Chargers parted ways with veterans Aubrayo Franklin and Antonio Garay.

That might be good news for Thomas, who is being penciled in as a starter already. This is also a contract year for the 26-year-old, so he's in a perfect position to set himself up for a payday.

Thomas will be looked to in freeing up inside linebackers Donald Butler and Manti Te'o, so it's pivotal that he have a good year.

19. D.J. Fluker

Position: OT

Experience: Rookie

Analysis: D.J. Fluker may still be just a rookie at this point, but the Chargers are expecting big things from their 2013 first-round pick.

The team is so confident in his abilities that it moved Jeromey Clary over to guard just so Fluker can be the immediate starter at right tackle.

Fluker is as polished as they come after playing in college football's top program, and evidently he has no problem assuming a leadership role on the field.

20. Le'Ron McClain

Position: FB

Experience: Six years

2012 Stats: 42 YDS, 8 REC

Analysis: Le'Ron McClain isn't a threat to score on offense, but his dirty work in the trenches as a lead blocker for Ryan Mathews is something that goes unappreciated from time to time.

Mathews didn't get to have a full season with his fullback last year, but he will in 2013.

Something the Chargers failed to utilize last year is McClain's receiving abilities out of the backfield, which he displayed in Baltimore from 2008-10.

21. Manti Te'o

Position: ILB

Experience: Rookie

Analysis: From a football standpoint, Manti Te'o has a lot to prove as he gears up for a starting role in San Diego's 3-4 defense. Mix in the added pressure from the off-the-field distractions and it could be a recipe for disaster.

After losing Takeo Spikes, San Diego drafted Te'o amid all the controversy and expects him to be an impact player on defense from the get-go.

With exception of the BCS championship game, Te'o had himself quite the season at Notre Dame last year, nearly picking up a Heisman on his way out. If the rookie can play like he did during that Heisman campaign, then the Chargers may have guessed right with Te'o.

22. Jeromey Clary

Position: OT

Experience: Six years

Analysis: The 2012 season was a rough go for Jeromey Clary, who struggled to help keep Philip Rivers upright last season. It was bad enough that the team had no problem in drafting his replacement in D.J. Fluker.

Fortunately for Clary, he has another opportunity to continue being a starter on the offensive line as he makes the move to right guard alongside the rookie.

Clary may have struggled on the outside, but this move to guard could be the right thing for him.

Clary has already accepted the move with open arms and is more than willing to offer advice to Fluker as he develops.

23. John Phillips

Position: TE

Experience: Four years

2012 Stats: 8 REC, 55 YDS, 1 TD

Analysis: John Phillips won't be the featured tight end in San Diego as long as Antonio Gates is still in town, but don't rule him out on offense.

The Chargers signed Phillips over from Dallas to prominently be used as a blocker, but San Diego used to play Randy McMichael in a similar role and that didn't stop him from getting some action in the passing game at times.

24. Keenan Allen

Position: WR

Experience: Rookie

Analysis: Keenan Allen had first-round potential as a draft prospect before he injured his knee last season at Cal, but if he can return to form in 2013, he's an absolute steal for the Chargers.

Allen has been participating in drills during OTAs, so it's safe to say his recovery is going well. 

Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal are on thin ice after finishing bust seasons with San Diego last year, which could be the opening Allen needs to move up on the depth chart.

25. Brandon Taylor

Position: SS

Experience: One year

2012 Stats: 6 TAK, 0.5 SCK

Analysis: There seems to be a lot of doubt that Brandon Taylor will return from his knee injury in time to win the starting job at strong safety.

With news that Marcus Gilchrist is participating in OTAs at the open spot, Taylor will have to work even harder to beat out his fellow teammate.

When San Diego drafted Taylor in the third round a year ago, trading up in order to get him, the consensus was that he would eventually become a starter. The only thing stopping that from happening is Taylor's knee.

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26. Mike Scifres (P)

One of the best in the game. Mike Scifres will hopefully not be used heavily this season, but when he's called upon, he delivers every time.

27. Nick Novak (K)

Nick Novak signed a new contract with San Diego that forced an end to the Nate Kaeding era. He proved last season that he was just as accurate as Kaeding. Novak just needs to overcome Kaeding by making kicks in the postseason should the Chargers get there.

28. Robert Meachem (WR)

The Chargers are standing by Robert Meachem, but that doesn't guarantee he'll last the entire 2013 season with the team. After a bust year, Meachem will really have to go out there and put on a show to save his job.

29. Eddie Royal (WR)

Like Meachem, Eddie Royal is also on the hot seat this season. In fact, San Diego could clear $1.5 million in cap space just by cutting Royal, according to U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken.

30. Ronnie Brown (RB)

Ronnie Brown didn't take full advantage of the opportunity he was given as a replacement for Ryan Mathews last season and the Danny Woodhead signing doesn't bode well for his playing time next season. If anything, he can help the Chargers on third down and as a receiver.

31. Chad Rinehart (OG)

Chad Rinehart was brought in from Buffalo to compete for one of the open positions at guard this year. His relationship with offensive line coach Joe D'Allesandris further improves his chances of landing the job. 

32. Rich Ohrnberger (OG)

Rich Ohrnberger is another veteran offensive lineman who was brought in to compete for one of the open spots this season. Ohrnberger is coming off a knee injury in 2012, but he has starting experience with Arizona.

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33. Johnnie Troutman (OG)

Johnnie Troutman missed all of his rookie season last year due to injury, but don't be surprised if you see his name came up as a potential starter at guard. GM Tom Telesco was a fan of the rookie.

34. Darrell Stuckey (S)

Darrell Stuckey has been with the team for three years. While there have been openings at safety for him to fill, he's never been able to win a starting job. Still, he's arguably the team's best special teams player.

35. Shareece Wright (CB)

Like Vincent Brown last year, Shareece Wright was another young player who was hurt early in the season. Wright displayed some potential with a strong performance against Dallas in the preseason, but the injury he sustained really slowed his progress moving forward.

36. Larry English (OLB)

This is likely Larry English's last chance to prove his worth to the team that drafted him in the first round five years ago. Even with the addition of Dwight Freeney, English will still get more playing time in place of the injured Melvin Ingram, according to U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken.

37. Steve Williams (CB)

San Diego's fifth-round draft choice of Steve Williams could get substantial playing time in this weak secondary. He could challenge for a starting spot at corner, but the nickel is the very least he could get.

38. Kwame Geather (DT)

Kwame Geathers, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia, is expected to compete for a spot in the defensive line rotation. The massive defensive tackle could be just what the Chargers look for in their 3-4 defense.

39. Thomas Keiser (OLB)

Thomas Keiser, a former undrafted rookie, was released by Carolina after three seasons before signing with the Chargers. An elbow injury cut short his 2012 season, but he'll have an opportunity to compete with Larry English for a starting job at outside linebacker.

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40. D.J. Smith (ILB)

A free-agent pickup from Green Bay, D.J. Smith is a favorable alternate in case Manti Te'o fails as a starter. Smith, however, could start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to an ACL injury he suffered last year.

41. Jarius Wynn (DE)

Jarius Wynn is another pickup in free agency for San Diego. The fourth-year player hasn't been a prominent starter in his career, but he'll fit well in a rotation.

42. Tourek Williams (DE)

The team's sixth-round draft choice has a shot at making the final roster with the injury to Melvin Ingram. Tourek Williams showcased his pass-rushing talent at FIU, which prompted the Chargers taking a chance on him.

43. Charlie Whitehurst (QB)

Philip Rivers' backup in Charlie Whitehurst is a dependable alternate in case San Diego's field general were to go down.

44. King Dunlap (OT)

King Dunlap was signed in the offseason from Philadelphia with hope that he'd be the starter at left tackle. However, the arrival of Max Starks has put an end to those plans. Still, Dunlap is an average backup.

45. Ladarius Green (TE)

A fourth-round pick last year, Ladarius Green was selected as a possible future successor to Antonio Gates. Green didn't play much last year, but the team could try to incorporate him in his sophomore season.

46. David Molk (C)

David Molk was the second of San Diego's seventh-round picks last year. He too was drafted as a future successor like Ladarius Green. Molk will once again await his time to take over for Nick Hardwick.

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47. Johnny Patrick (CB)

Former New Orleans corner Johnny Patrick will be in the mix to get playing time in San Diego's secondary in 2013. He played in 15 games for the Saints, including one start.

48. Andrew Gachkar (ILB)

Andrew Gachkar is a solid special teams player for San Diego and was given substantial playing time last year. He didn't wow anybody, but Gachkar has earned his place on the team with exceptional special teams play.

49. Bront Bird (ILB)

Bront Bird is typically a special teamer for the Chargers, but he did play in five games last season. Bird even got his hands on an interception against Pittsburgh.

50. Mike Harris (OT)

Mike Harris was dominated as a starter last year in place of the injured Jared Gaither. Many of Philip Rivers' 49 sacks were the result of Harris' inexperience, but give him an opportunity to learn more and he'll be a suitable alternate.

51. Chris Gronkowski (FB)

The older brother of New England Patriots star Rob, Chris Gronkowski signed with San Diego in the offseason. The team currently has an above-average option in Le'Ron McClain, but Rotoworld is hinting that McClain's salary may cause the team to cut ties with him.

52. Byron Jerideau (DT)

With the Chargers thin at defensive tackle, undrafted free agent rookie Byron Jerideau will get a long look from the Chargers' brass this offseason. He and Kwame Geathers could replace the losses of Antonio Garay and Aubrayo Franklin.

53. Mike Windt (LS)

Mike Windt will return as the team's long snapper after handling the duties the past three seasons for the Chargers.