Position Battles: San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver Situation

Let's get this out of the way. Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, Patrick Crayton and Vincent Brown will make the roster for sure. Who will be the other receivers making the cut?

According to Kevin Acee, the Chargers will keep six receivers. Four are listed above. Two spots are up for grabs. The receivers vying for those positions include Seyi Ajirotutu, Richard Goodman, Kelley Washington, Laurent Robinson and rookie Bryan Walters.

I'm going to assume that Robinson and Washington are probably out of the running, but anything could happen. Now let's break down the three other receivers.

Seyi Ajirotutu: Potential is bursting from Ajirotutu. Last season, he proved his value on the field. He may not be the best guy to have play the outside, but with Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd in front of him, Seyi would only improve over time. Rivers likes Ajirotutu, and knows he can make the big plays San Diego loves.

Richard Goodman: Special teams. Goodman isn't that great of a receiver, but with his speed, he is a valuable asset in returning kicks. Last season, he didn't make the roster because Darren Sproles was on the team. They didn't need him on special teams. Now, they do. Or do they?

Bryan Walters: This guy has been nothing but impressive during the preseason. He started his success by returning a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. Unlike Goodman, Walters could be very effective in the passing game. He's shown his short yardage ability in the last couple of games. Walters resembles the way Wes Welker plays.

All three of these guys are great at certain spots, but not the all around player the Chargers would like. Each of them have potential, as well as talent, but unfortunately, only two will make the team. The production of the two who make the final roster will be limited, unless injuries plague San Diego once again.

The Chargers, as well as every NFL team, will have to cut their rosters down to 80 by Tuesday, and to 53 by Saturday. San Diego will get their last look at the players trying for a roster position on Thursday against the 49ers.

Ajirotutu, Goodman and Walters should all make the team. They won't, but they should. Here's why.

Goodman could be the next Sproles/Osgood. Remember Kassim Osgood? The receiver who was kept every year just for special teams purposes. Goodman should be kept to be that energizing guy to make the big plays.

Walters could be a good return man, and a great slot receiver. He may be short, but with Rivers throwing the ball, anyone can be successful.

I've came to the decision that Ajirotutu will make the team. He's the most needed from those three.

So now it's down to two.

Richard Goodman vs. Bryan Walters

Edge: Bryan Walters

Like I mentioned, Walters is more valuable on the offensive side of the football. Goodman specializes in returning kicks. Walters can return kickoffs as well, so there goes Goodman's advantage.

And on the other hand, returners aren't going to be that needed anyways because of the kickoff rule change. There are going to be too many touchbacks to keep a player to specialize at that position anyways.

A.J. Smith has done some shocking things, but in this situation, I think it will come down to Ajirotutu and Walters for the reasons I listed. We'll find out on Saturday, September 1st.

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