Breaking Down All the New Faces on the 2014 San Diego Chargers
The Chargers brought in 33 new faces this offseason in preparation for the 2014 campaign.
With minicamp underway and training camp set for late July, San Diego's newest additions will be tirelessly working toward securing a spot on the final roster. The moves made by the front office helped fill out the depth chart in several areas, but only the 53 best players will ultimately suit up for the team when the season kicks off.
Here is some analysis regarding the 33 newest faces on your San Diego Chargers.
Adrian Phillips
1 of 33
Position: Defensive back
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 210 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Texas)
2013 Stats: 82 TKL, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PD, 1 FR
What He Did at Texas
He played cornerback and safety for the Longhorns, starting 28 of the 50 games he played in. He was also named as one of four team captains for the 2013 season and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors by the coaches for his efforts.
Analysis
Improving the secondary continues to be the focus for the Chargers, as the arrival of Phillips came just one day before the start of their scheduled minicamp. The former Longhorn made tackles in bunches last season, including an 11-tackle performance against West Virginia.
According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, Phillips has already started working with the safeties in minicamp. My guess is that he'll join the competition at strong safety, where Jahleel Addae and Marcus Gilchrist are favored to win the job.
Jason Verrett
2 of 33
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 189 lbs
Experience: Drafted 25th overall in 2014 (TCU)
2013 stats: 39 TKL, 3.5 TFL, 2 INT, 14 PD, 1 FF
What He Did at TCU
Started 34 of the 37 games he played in for the Horned Frogs and was named the Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches in 2013. Since 2012, he led the nation with 38 passes defended.
Analysis
Verrett was a limited participant in OTAs as he continues to rehab from shoulder surgery, and it's possible that he may miss the start of training camp, but the Chargers are hoping good things come to those who wait. When fully healthy, Verrett is completely capable of aligning himself with the first unit on defense, and he won't be limited to the slot because of his short stature.
Branden Oliver
3 of 33
Position: Running back
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 203 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Buffalo)
2013 stats (rushing): 310 ATT, 1,535 Yds, 15 TD
What He Did at Buffalo
Oliver was a two-time first team All-MAC selection and became the Bulls' all-time leading rusher with 4,049 yards on the ground.
Analysis
Oliver was another late pickup for the Chargers after his brief tryout with the Indianapolis Colts. He caught the eye of ESPN's Eric D. Williams during OTAs, but running back is a deep group on this Chargers roster.
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Jeremiah Attaochu
4 of 33
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 252 lbs
Experience: Drafted 50th overall in 2014 (Georgia Tech)
2013 stats: 45 TKL, 16 TFL, 12.5 SACK, 1 FF
What He Did at Georgia Tech
He started 36 of the 49 games he played in and notched his place in the record books with 31.5 career sacks, which is the most in school history and ranks fifth all time in ACC history.
Analysis
Georgia Tech's all-time sacks leader was a menace in opposing backfields, and he'll have the privilege of honing his craft by watching Dwight Freeney in practice every day. Attaochu's high motor should bring new life to the Chargers pass rush, which has been non-existent for the past few seasons.
Greg Ducre
5 of 33
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 183 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Washington)
2013 stats: 44 TKL, 1.5 TFL, 2 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF
What He Did at Washington
Ducre came on strong his senior year for the Huskies, starting all 13 games. He was named MVP of the College All-Star Bowl for his 31-yard interception return, which helped lead the National team to a 12-6 victory.
Analysis
Ducre was denied the No. 1 corner job by Marcus Peters at Washington, but he still finished with career numbers in 2013. His late rise following the All-Star Bowl must have struck a chord with the Chargers, but the competition at cornerback is stiff.
Craig Watts (Not Pictured)
6 of 33
Position: Offensive guard
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 334 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (West Texas A&M)
What He Did at West Texas A&M
He started 41 of the 50 games he played in and was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year during his senior season.
Analysis
Watts turned a three-day tryout at rookie minicamp into a three-year deal with the Bolts. He'll compete to fill out the depth at guard, where San Diego is without starter Jeromey Clary, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery.
Darryl Johnson (Not Pictured)
7 of 33
Position: Offensive guard
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 308 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (New Mexico)
What He Did at New Mexico
Johnson was a two-time All-Mountain West honorable mention during his last two seasons with the Lobos. He was also a four-year starter with experience at both tackle spots as well as left guard.
Analysis
Johnson spent the majority of his collegiate career at tackle, but the Chargers will likely have him move back inside due to his size. He was part of an offensive line that paved the way for the nation's seventh-best rushing attack in 2013, which averaged 308.8 yards a game.
Chris Watt
8 of 33
Position: Offensive guard
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 310 lbs
Experience: Drafted 89th overall in 2014 (Notre Dame)
What he did at Notre Dame
He was a three-year starter at left guard for the Fighting Irish and was part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks last season—tied for second-fewest in the FBS.
Analysis
Offseason hip and shoulder surgeries held Jeromey Clary out of OTAs and will likely delay his return until training camp, which has opened the door for Watt to get valuable reps with the second unit. He's also getting reps at center, where Nick Hardwick is playing out the final year of his contract.
Tevin Reese
9 of 33
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170 lbs
Experience: Drafted 240th overall in 2014 (Baylor)
2013 stats (receiving): 38 REC, 867 YDS, 8 TD
What He Did at Baylor
Reese was a three-time All-Big 12 honorable mention and started 31 of the 48 games he played in for the Bears. He finished his career as school's third-ranked player all-time in receptions (187), yards (3,102) and touhdowns (24). He also set NCAA record for most touchdowns of 40-plus yards in the BCS era with 21.
Analysis
Reese has a knack for the big play and can help San Diego stretch the field in the passing game. Twenty-one of his 24 career touchdowns were of 40-plus yards and nine were of 60 yards or more. His lean build will need work, but the speed and athleticism are there.
Marion Grice
10 of 33
Position: Running back
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 207 lbs
Experience: Drafted 201st overall in 2014 (Arizona State)
2013 stats (rushing): 996 YDS, 14 TD
2013 stats (receiving): 50 REC, 438 YDS, 6 TD
What He Did at Arizona State
Grice started 24 games in two seasons with the Sun Devils and was a Hornung Award finalist in 2013 for his exceptional versatility. He was the only player in the nation to compile 400 yards rushing, receiving and via kick returns. His 39 career touchdowns are fifth all time in school history.
Analysis
The return game is one area that Grice can have an immediate impact for the Chargers. Snaps on offense may be hard for him to come by with Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown sitting atop the depth chart at running back, but offensive guru Mike McCoy should be able to find a home for one of college football's all-purpose leaders in 2013.
Ryan Carrethers
11 of 33
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 333 lbs
Experience: Drafted 165th overall in 2014 (Arkansas State)
2013 stats: 93 TKL, 8 TFL, 4 SACK, 2 Blocked FGs
What He Did at Arkansas State
He was a two-time First Team All-Sun Belt Conference player and three-year starter at nose tackle for the Red Wolves. His 93 tackles ranked third in the nation among defensive lineman last season, and the 16 tackles he made against Louisiana-Lafayette was the most in a single game by any defensive lineman in the country.
Analysis
Carrethers is a better fit than Sean Lissemore in the team's 3-4 scheme, but ESPN's Eric D. Williams reported during OTAs that San Diego's fifth-round draft choice may still be learning the playbook. As he works to get the information down, Carrethers has been missing out on first-team action, allowing Lissemore and Kwame Geathers to get an early lead in the race to land the starting job at defensive tackle.
Colton Underwood
12 of 33
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 254 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Illinois State)
2013 stats: 66 TKL, 12 TFL, 3 SACK, 5 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
What He Did at Illinois State
Underwood was one of only three players in school history to be a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, which is given to the best defensive player in the FCS by The Sports Network. In 45 games with the Redbirds, he recorded 44 tackles for loss (third-most in school history) and 21.5 sacks (fourth-most in school history).
Analysis
Underwood played exclusively at defensive end with Illinois State, but he'll need to make the transition to outside linebacker, where he is best projected due to his size. His production suffered a massive drop after the 2012 season, so he'll need to show the Chargers that his 95 tackles and 10.5 sacks in his junior season were no fluke.
Ricky Tjong-a-Tjoe
13 of 33
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 309 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Boise State)
2013 stats: 52 TKL, 4 TFL, 1 SACK, 4 PD, 1 FF
What He Did at Boise State
He topped his previous career high of 37 tackles in 2012 with 52 in 2013. He played only one year of high school football but quickly developed into a starter in his junior season for the Broncos.
Analysis
Tjong-a-Tjoe is an Amsterdam native with a lot of upside. He could be someone the Chargers hang onto on the practice squad and develop on the side.
Chase Tenpenny
14 of 33
Position: Punter
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 252 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Nevada)
2013 stats: 44.5 AVG, 20 punts inside the 20-yard line, 21 punts of 50 yards or more
What He Did at Nevada
Tenpenny was named to the Second-Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2013 and put together two of the best seasons from a punter in school history.
Analysis
In early June, Williams hinted at the team's current punter Mike Scifres possibly taking a pay cut this season, and Tenpenny could be another alternative for the team to save even more money. Scifres, the second-highest paid punter in the league, is set to make $3.25 million in 2013.
Jeremiah Sirles
15 of 33
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 315 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Nebraska)
What He Did at Nebraska
He made 41 career starts at tackle was an honorable-mention All-Big 10 selection in 2013.
Analysis
Sirles played left and right tackle during his senior year, as injuries on the 'Huskers offensive line began to pile up. It should be no different in San Diego, where injuries were too common in 2013.
Alvin Scioneaux
16 of 33
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 232 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Wofford)
2013 stats: 75 TKL, 9 TFL, 1.5 SACK, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 INT, 1 TD
What He Did at Wofford
He was a three-time First-Team All-Southern Conference selection for the Terriers. He ranks fifth all time in sacks, sixth in tackles for loss and first in forced fumbles at Wofford.
Analysis
Scioneaux put up some pretty insane numbers in the FCS, but he left quite the imprint in a 2012 meeting with then-No. 9-ranked South Carolina. In that contest, he tallied 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a strip-sack and an interception. Competing at outside linebacker will be an uphill battle for Scioneaux in San Diego, but this small-school stud has risen to the occasion once before.
Tenny Palepoi
17 of 33
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 298 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Utah)
2013 stats: 53 TKL, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 SACK, 1 FF
What He Did at Utah
He played in 24 games with 14 starts during his two-year stay at Utah and was named as a Second-Team All-Pac-12 player in 2013.
Analysis
Palepoi flashed at times during OTAs, according to Williams. The former Utes team captain has the versatility to play tackle and end in the 3-4. He could challenge for a roster spot with that versatility given the team's poor depth at end.
Javontee Herndon
18 of 33
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 194 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Arkansas)
2013 stats: 31 REC, 437 YDS, 4 TD
What He Did at Arkansas
He played in 37 games with three starts and was the Razorbacks' leading receiver in 2013.
Analysis
Williams has complimented Herndon on his return skills during OTAs on more than occasion, and he also highlighted his soft hands. The competition for punt-return duties is still wide open at this point, which is where Herndon should place his focus.
Micah Hatfield
19 of 33
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 182 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Oregon State)
2013 stats: 8 REC, 130 YDS, 1 TD
What He Did at Oregon State
He finished his career with 20 receptions for 234 yards and four touchdowns.
Analysis
Hatfield's collegiate career was a disappointing one because of countless injuries, but his speed alone could salvage his playing career. At Oregon State's pro day, Hatfield clocked unofficial times of 4.33 seconds and 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash, per Kevin Hampton of the Corvallis Gazette-Times—around the same time his former teammate and New Orleans Saints first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks came in at. Tom Telesco wanted to add speed in the offseason, and Hatfield could provide that in droves if healthy.
Michael Flacco
20 of 33Position: Tight end
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 251 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (New Haven)
2013 stats: 30 REC, 591 YDS, 9 TD
What He Did at New Haven
Flacco played in 11 games with seven starts during his only season in college. He was a 2009 draft prospect of the Baltimore Orioles and played four seasons of minor-league baseball before transitioning back to football.
Analysis
Flacco has a ways to go before he can compete with his Super Bowl-winning brother at the NFL level. The practice squad seems like an ideal fit for the 26-year-old given his limited experience.
Chris Davis
21 of 33Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 201 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Auburn)
2013 stats: 74 TKL, 2.5 TFL, 15 PD, 1 FF
What He Did at Auburn
Davis was a three-year starter for the Tigers and was named to the Second-Team All-SEC in 2013. His 109-yard, game-winning touchdown return of a missed field goal in last-year's Iron Bowl against Alabama will go down as one of the greatest moments in college football history.
Analysis
There's no question that Davis will be a candidate for return duties given his expertise. On top of his game-winning return in the Iron Bowl, Davis' punt return average (18.7) ranked third in the nation last season. His abilities as a defender are also underrated.
Alden Darby
22 of 33
Position: Safety
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 192 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (Arizona State)
2013 stats: 72 TKL, 2 TFL, 4 INT, 13 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
What He Did at Arizona State
He was a two-time All-Pac-12 honorable mention and started 28 of the 50 games he played in for the Sun Devils. He also received a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection in 2013 and was a team captain.
Analysis
Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego believes that Darby is a player to watch this offseason. Having witnessed a similar situation with Jahleel Addae last year, it's best not to count out the undrafted free agents.
Brelan Chancellor
23 of 33
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 188 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (North Texas)
2013 stats (receiving): 53 REC, 792 YDS, 4 TD
2013 stats (punt returns): 24 RET, 386 YDS, 16.1 AVG, 1 TD
2013 stats (kick returns): 24 RET, 663 YDS, 27.6 AVG, 1 TD
What He Did at North Texas
He was named the 2013 Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year and was one of only 10 players in the nation to return both a kick and punt for a touchdown last season. He also earned Second-Team honors for his play at wide receiver.
Analysis
Chancellor's strengths as a returner make him a front-runner to claim a roster spot on special teams, but he'll be challenged by Iron Bowl hero Chris Davis and Marion Grice. There will be good competition going on at this spot for the team this summer.
Torrence Allen (Not Pictured)
24 of 33
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 183 lbs
Experience: Undrafted rookie (West Texas A&M)
2013 stats: 93 REC, 1,272 YDS, 8 TD
What he did at West Texas A&M
He finished with 200 receptions, 24 touchdowns and 3,098 receiving yards combined over his last two seasons with the Buffs.
Analysis
The quiet receiver from West Texas A&M had a tremendous year in 2013, but the Chargers have a large number of wideouts looking to make the final roster. Allen needs to separate himself from the pack if he wants to be one of the final 53.
Kellen Clemens
25 of 33
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 221 lbs
Experience: Ninth season in NFL
2013 stats: 1,673 PASS YDS, 8 TD, 7 INT (10 games)
What He Did with St. Louis
Clemens was the backup to Sam Bradford in St. Louis for the last two seasons. He led the Rams to four wins in nine starts when Bradford tore his ACL in late October last season.
Analysis
San Diego lost experienced backup Charlie Whitehurst to free agency but quickly replaced him with an equally experienced backup in Clemens, who was thrust into a starting role last season. He'll aid Philip Rivers in the film room and on the practice field while serving as the reliable backup this team needs.
Brandon Ghee
26 of 33
Position: Defensive back
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs
Experience: Fifth season in NFL
2013 stats: 7 TKL, 5 PD
What He Did with Cincinnati
A former third-round draft choice, Ghee spent the last four seasons trying to get his career started with the Bengals but was hit with frequent injuries.
Analysis
Injuries haven't allowed Ghee to play at the level expected from a third-round talent. The 10 games he started in 2013 were a career high for him, but that could all change with a fresh start in San Diego.
Kavell Conner
27 of 33
Position: Inside linebacker
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 245 lbs
Experience: Fifth season in NFL
2013 Stats: 20 TKL, 1 PD, 1 FF
What He Did with Indianapolis
He is a former seventh-round draft choice who blossomed into a 15-game starter in his second year in the league. However, he was struck hard by injuries in 2013 and eventually lost his starting job.
Analysis
Conner isn't far off from the player he was a few years back, when he amassed a little more than 100 tackles. Defensive coordinator John Pagano may even want to infuse Conner in a rotation with Donald Butler and Manti Te'o. He is a good insurance policy for two players who battled injuries all year long in 2013.
Donald Brown
28 of 33
Position: Running back
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 207 lbs
Experience: 6th season in NFL
2013 stats (rushing): 102 ATT, 537 YDS, 6 TD
2013 stats (receiving): 27 REC, 214 YDS, 2 TD
What He Did with Indianapolis
Brown led the Colts in rushing last season despite having far less carries than newly acquired back Trent Richardson. In fact, he had the third-highest rushing average in the league in 2013 with 5.3 yards per carry.
Analysis
Acquiring Brown wasn't a necessity for the Chargers, but his arrival allows new offensive coordinator Frank Reich to mix and match personnel in the backfield. Brown was extremely efficient with his carries last season and displayed some good hands as well. The possibilities are endless with a trio of very capable backs.
David Johnson
29 of 33
Position: Fullback/tight End
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 260 lbs
Experience: Sixth season in NFL
2013 Stats: 4 REC, 70 YDS
What He Did with Pittsburgh
His best season came in 2011, when he caught 12 balls for 91 yards and a touchdown. He payed both tight end and some fullback for the Steelers, but his last two seasons were decimated by injuries.
Analysis
Johnson has played in just five games over the last two seasons. He missed all of 2012 with a knee injury, and a wrist injury cut his 2013 season short. San Diego has an opening at fullback, and Johnson could grab hold of the position by adding a little more flare. Le'Ron McClain was sparingly used last season, but Johnson's hands could allow for a little more action on his end.
Cordarro Law
30 of 33
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 262 lbs
Experience: Rookie (previously with CFL)
2013 stats: 44 TKL, 7 TFL, 14 SACK
What He Did with Calgary
He finished with 14 sacks for the Stampeders, which was good for third-most in the CFL last season.
Analysis
Law was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 but was unable to make the team. He will get his second chance in San Diego, where there's a large quantity of pass-rushers but not one guy who can have an impact on every game. If he can bring the same tenacity from his CFL days to the NFL, then he might just make his first roster.
Nick McDonald
31 of 33
Position: Center
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 305 lbs
Experience: Fourth season in NFL
What He Did with New England
He became a Super Bowl champion in 2011 when he was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. He was waived by the Patriots in late July of last year and signed a futures contract with San Diego in January.
Analysis
McDonald is beginning to go down the path of a journeyman, with this being his third team in a four-year span, but a job opportunity could await him if he manages to hang around until the 2015 season. Nick Hardwick is in the final year of his contract and may be calling it quits after this season, which could present McDonald with a real shot at playing time.
Dontrelle Inman
32 of 33Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs
Experience: First season (previously with CFL)
2013 Stats: 50 REC, 739 YDS, 6 TD
What He Did with Toronto
In two seasons with the Argonauts, he caught 100 balls for 1,542 yards and 11 scores. He won a Grey Cup in 2012.
Analysis
Inman is a dark-horse candidate to make the final cut, but the rejection of his first NFL stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 may still be looming on his mind. He and Cordarro Law were not brought in for show from the CFL, though, as both men displayed above-average skill north of the border.
Zach Boren
33 of 33
Position: Fullback
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 255 lbs
Experience: Second season in NFL
What He Did with Houston
He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State following the 2013 draft but was later released on Aug. 27 before joining San Diego in January of this year.
Analysis
Boren started 27 games at fullback his first three seasons for the Buckeyes but played the final six games of the 2012 season at linebacker. He'll compete with David Johnson for the fullback spot.
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