Ranking the 2015 Impact of the San Diego Chargers' Free-Agent Signings so Far
A conservative approach to free agency has been a difficult pill to swallow for fans of the San Diego Chargers, but rest assured that every signing will have some sort of impact in 2015.
General manager Tom Telesco added six new players to the roster and retained four from last season, hitting needs and filling out depth at certain positions. The Chargers didn't make national headlines with their maneuvers, but the pieces they've added since late February are promising.
Here are the free-agent signings so far ranked from No. 10 to No. 1.
10. OC Trevor Robinson
1 of 10
Trevor Robinson was part of the revolving door at center, playing in three games and starting one in place of Chris Watt. His lone start came at a crucial time for the Chargers in a must-win game against the San Francisco 49ers toward the end of the year—a game that San Diego won 38-35 in overtime.
With Watt likely taking over at center full time in 2015, Robinson will reclaim his role as backup.
9. DL Mitch Unrein
2 of 10
The Chargers recently added rotational depth along the defensive line with the signing of Mitch Unrein, who suited up for just eight games last season with the Denver Broncos.
According to Mike Klis of The Denver Post, "Unrein is a terrific worker who brings a professional attitude to the team's locker room every day."
San Diego's locker room is perfectly healthy given the presence of leaders such as Philip Rivers and Eric Weddle, but it may be lacking just slightly after the departures of Jarret Johnson and Dwight Freeney.
8. DL Ricardo Mathews
3 of 10
Ricardo Mathews was effective in small doses for the Chargers last season. As a rotational defensive lineman, he netted 21 tackles, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Defensive coordinator John Pagano inserted Mathews in nickel packages, and to the surprise of many, he wasn't half bad rushing the passer.
Mathews should maintain that role as a situational pass-rusher, but his appearances could extend past that if Kendall Reyes struggles next season.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
7. DB Jimmy Wilson
4 of 10
Having played corner and safety for the Miami Dolphins, Jimmy Wilson's versatility resembles that of former Charger Marcus Gilchrist, who joined the New York Jets this offseason.
He'll compete with Jahleel Addae for the opening at strong safety and make his case for slot corner. Wilson is coming off a season in which he totaled a career-high 58 tackles.
6. CB Patrick Robinson
5 of 10
Much like Unrein, the addition of Patrick Robinson extends beyond the field. This past year, he was voted the Ed Block Courage Award winner by his New Orleans Saints teammates, which recognizes players "who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage."
Robinson, a former first-round pick in 2010, became a full-time starter his third year in the league, producing career bests in tackles (64), passes defensed (18) and interceptions (3).
But in 2013, he suffered a major setback in the form of a ruptured patellar tendon, which sent him to injured reserve after two games. Robinson came back strong in 2014 and will be looking to regain form with a new team. The absence of Shareece Wright should allow Robinson to compete at slot corner.
5. KR/WR Jacoby Jones
6 of 10
Jacoby Jones and a lacking return game in San Diego made for the perfect match in free agency. He was the only player last season to finish top 10 in return yards for both kickoffs and punts. And in three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, he returned four kicks for touchdowns.
Having Jones on the field should alleviate some of the stress on special teams coach Kevin Spencer, who has been forced to interchange returners the past two seasons.
4. WR Stevie Johnson
7 of 10
Stevie Johnson comes over from a brief stint with the 49ers to replace Eddie Royal in the slot where, he should fit in nicely with Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd. Michael Mountford of Pro Football Focus actually views Johnson as a slight upgrade to Royal, highlighting his unique route-running as the reason why.
Having an accurate passer in Rivers is also a plus for Johnson, who produced three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards catching passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
If Johnson and Rivers can jell quickly, San Diego will quickly forget about the loss of Royal.
3. OL Orlando Franklin
8 of 10
Orlando Franklin's body of work with the Denver Broncos speaks for itself, as he started all but one game in the past four seasons. His versatility presents offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris with options, but for now, he'll set up at left guard next to the equally huge King Dunlap.
Franklin is a massive upgrade from ex-Charger Chad Rinehart, who graded out as the sixth-worst guard, according to Pro Football Focus (h/t NFL.com).
2. OT King Dunlap
9 of 10
King Dunlap staying on as left tackle brings stability to an offensive line that started nine different players in 2014. He and Franklin form a massive one-two punch on the left side that should instantly improve the success rate of running plays.
San Diego had one of the worst rushing attacks a year ago, and the team is preparing to enter 2015 without longtime featured running back Ryan Mathews, who was tabbed by the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.
Dunlap's presence also ensures better protection for the Chargers' franchise quarterback. Rivers was sacked 36 times last season, with only three allowed by his left tackle.
1. CB Brandon Flowers
10 of 10
The Chargers were a better team defensively when Brandon Flowers was in the lineup, and they handsomely rewarded him with a deal that said as much. Prior to his arrival in 2014, San Diego had the 29th-ranked passing defense, but it climbed up to fourth with Flowers as the team's top corner last season.
Assuming first-rounder Jason Verrett comes back healthy from shoulder surgery, the secondary could wind up being a strength of the Bolts in 2015.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
