The chargers traded for All-pro G Trai Turner from the Carolina Panthers. The bolts gave up Russel Okung shedding 13 mil in cap. This was a great move and one the biggest steals of the offseason. Great move overall. Speaks for its self.

Bryan Bulaga signing: A-

The Chargers started off FA by signing former Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga to a 3 20 mil dollar deal. Tackle was a huge need coming into the offseason and the bolts made sure to go after one. Bulaga found lots of success in GB and was a important piece to protecting Rodgers. He will now be protecting Tyrod Taylor.

Linval Joseph signing: B

The 2nd Chargers signing was veteran DT Linval Joseph who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings. Bolts would sign Joesph to a 2 year 17 mil dollar deal. I think it’s nice as it adds to the veteran presence on defense. The hope is that he can help develop Tillery who had a disappointing rookie campaign.

Chris Harris Jr signing: B

The 3rd Chargers signing was former All-pro CB Chris Harris Jr. Chris who previously played for the Broncos, was a key piece to the Broncos legendary 2015 defense which would end in a super bowl victory. The bolts would sign Harris to a 2 year 20 mil dollar deal. Although he’s not the same CB he once was, I think he still can improve the secondary and should be pretty good in the slot.

Darius Jennings signing: C-

The 4th Charger signing was WR and KR Darius Jennings. Jennings who previously played for the Titans was signed to play as a kick returner, but I don’t see the need as they have King and also drafted Joe Reed who is also a kick returner. Don’t know much about him so I’ll leave it at that.

Nick Vigil signing: C

The 5th Chargers FA signing is former Bengals LB Nick Vigil. Vigil was inconsistent and had flashes at times. Pretty sure the signing was for depth so I’m not too upset with it. Maybe he’ll play a lot of ST. Overall not great but adds much needed depth.

Justin Herbert pick: B

The Justin Herbert pick didn’t settle with a lot of bolts fans as some wanted Simmons and others viewed him as a bust. Personally I see a lot of potential. He has a great arm, but lacks consistency and has mechanical issues. I think with some development, he can be a great QB and hopefully the franchise QB.

Kenneth Murray pick: A-

The Chargers would trade their 3rd and 4th round picks to acquire the 23rd overall pick. They would then draft LB Kenneth Murray. Personally I loved this pick. Although trading our mid round picks didn’t settle well with some fans, we answered a dire need and a great LB in Murray. A view of the tape is all you need to see how good this guy can be.

Joshua Kelly pick: C+

There was some mixed feelings on the Joshua Kelly pick, but I’m just not feeling this pick. Nothing on Kelly but I felt we could of got a RB late or even signed someone. Telesco felt like RB was bigger need than I did and he got a power back in Kelly. I expect a 3 way backfield with Kelly, Jackson and Ekeler.

Joe Reed pick: B+

At first I was confused by this pick because honestly I didn’t know who he was, but after watching some tape I realized this guy can ball. A very dangerous kick returner who had something like 5 kick returns for touchdowns at Virginia Tech. I think he was pretty good steal and could be lethal in the return game.

Alohi Gilman pick: D-

Yet another Notre Dame pick by Telesco. I didn’t understand this pick at all as we didn’t need a saftey. My only guess was that this was a special teams pick but even then I don’t know why we took him when we could have taken a tackle which was a much bigger need. Overall I’m not a big fan of this pick.

KJ Hill pick: A+

With the last pick for the Chargers Telesco got an absolute steal in WR KJ Hill. Although people were worried about his speed, he has excellent route running and can ball. This guy will be great in the slot and I’m shocked he fell so far as I had him going 4th-5th round. A great way to cap off the draft.

There is no question that the Chargers have an attendance problem; it is difficult to pin point exactly why this has happened. Of course, the most prominent reason as to why the Chargers’ attendance has declined is when the Bolts moved to LA. They killed off a majority of the die hard fan base in San Diego as that is where they had been for decades. Three teams had a chance to relocate to LA in 2016: The St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers. While all 3 teams had played in Los Angeles at some point in their life-span, the Chargers had only played in LA in their inaugural season, compared to the Raiders’ 12 years (1982-1994), and the Rams’ 48 years. (1946-1994). With this, the Chargers would have the least fan following in LA. As the attendance has shown for the Chargers, that statement is true. So, with the loyal fans from San Diego gone, the Chargers were left with the loyal fans from San Diego and the few new ones from the select crowd in Los Angeles. Now, combine this with an average ticket price of $199.10 (2018). The lacking of fans, combined with high charges are without a doubt the catalyst in the Chargers’ poor attendance.

With the fan base rebuilding, another reason as to why fans are not showing up to games is that the Chargers simply have not been very good recently. They have only made the playoffs twice in the past decade and only once in the LA era. This contributes to the decline of Chargers attendance.

In 2016 (The Chargers’ final season in San Diego), the Bolts had a total home attendance count of 456,197 fans throughout the season. In the Chargers’ first season in LA, their attendance dropped drastically. Their numbers dropped by over 50% (202,687). While it improved the year after with a 12-4 record, the attendance got even worse the next year. A pitiful 177,755 fans showed up to watch the Chargers in 2019. Granted, the team went from a 70,000 seat Qualcomm Stadium meant for football to a 27,000 seat soccer stadium. However, there is no excuse for a team to have this bad of attendance. To rub salt in the wounds of the Chargers, the LA Galaxy, the MLS Team that the Bolts shared Dignity Health Sports Park with had a total attendance of 394,447.

So obviously, all these problems needs a solution. Unfortunately, I do not see the Chargers coming up with a solution for this anytime soon. Despite a re-brand, new stadium, and a new look cosmetically and on the roster, unless this team gets good fast (and maybe win a Super Bowl along the way), the fans and organization may just have to learn to live with this. Of course, there is always the option of moving back to San Diego right? Was the move even smart in the first place, and is San Diego the Chargers’ true home?

It is unfortunate that a franchise like the Chargers has turned into a joke among the league. This is a very likable team. They have a great future ahead of them, some of the best jerseys in the league, and a beautiful new stadium. Hopefully, this Bolts can progress soon, and shred this joke label.

NOTE: These rankings are made by a life-long Chargers fan who tried to be as unbiased as possible, and with the assumption that the Bolts are healthy all season long. (Which is asking a lot of the Chargers given their recent luck with injury.)

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals: This should be a guaranteed win for the Chargers. Unless everything goes right and the Bengals play flawlessly, this should be a for-sure win for the Chargers. Result: W, (1-0)

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs: I don’t see the Chargers winning against the defending champs. KC did not have any notable departures over the off-season and if anything they have a good chance at winning the division, again. Result: L, (1-1)

Week 3: Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are looking different this season, most notably at the quarterback position. Kyle Allen and Cam Newton are gone, leaving newly signed Teddy Bridgewater as their starter. In my thought process, if the Chargers control Christian McCaffrey, they can win the game. Result: W, (2-1)

Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This game is tough to predict. This season the Bucs will either be great and make the playoffs or flop and go nowhere. Of course, Tampa got the “prize of free agency” in Tom Brady, which lured Rob Gronkowski out of retirement to play with his pal Tom. If the Buccaneers have a good season, they win this game. If they don’t, they don’t win this game. Let’s hope for the best and assume they don’t. Result: W, (3-1)

Week 5: New Orleans Saints: Over the past few seasons, the Saints have been consistent in the regular season and regular Super Bowl Contenders. If they have another great year this one will be in the win column for NOLA. But perhaps the Chargers could pull off an upset on Monday Night Football? Result: L, (3-2)

Week 6: New York Jets: Despite turning the season around last year after a rough start, in my opinion the Chargers take home a W against New York. NY finished near dead last in average points per game, total yardage per game, as well as passing and rushing yards per game. If the struggles continue this year, it should be an easy win for LA. Result: W, (4-2)

Week 7: Miami Dolphins: In my opinion the Bolts come out on top here. The Chargers won in convincing fashion last season, and with a relatively identical Dolphins lineup (with the exception of Tua Tagovailoa), I think LA wins this one. Result: W, (5-2)

Week 8: Jacksonville Jaguars: Chargers likely win this game. Jacksonville struggled last year with a 6-10 record with “starter” Nick Foles out the majority of the year. The Jags traded Foles to the Bears this season making Gardner Minshew the undisputed QB1. Honestly, I do not think he is up to starter caliber yet, and with the blowout the Jaguars took at the hands of LA last season, I do not see things being much different this season. Result: W, (6-2)

Week 9: Las Vegas Raiders: Although the Chargers had their struggles against Oakland last year, I think they could steal at least one win versus the Raiders this season, despite their acquisitions of the aging Jason Witten and Nelson Agholor. Result: W, (7-2)

(Week 10 Bye Week)

Week 11: Denver Broncos: Seems like it happens every year but the Chargers will lose at least one game to the Broncos this season. Chris Harris will be facing his former team as well as Melvin Gordon. I feel this could be a close one however, and if this season is anything like last season it’ll likely be a costly clutch time error that causes our downfall. Result: L, (7-3)

Week 12: Buffalo Bills: This is one of very few games where I just don’t see LA winning. The Bills were set for a big playoff run last year that unfortunately ended for them quicker than they expected but with a weaker, less-dominant AFC East, a more refined and developed Josh Allen, and a big target for Allen in Stefon Diggs, LA likely drops his one. Result: L, (7-4)

Week 13: New England Patriots: In Week 13, the Chargers will be taking their first crack at the new Brady-less Patriots. Personally, I think that the Bolts could have a shot at winning this game. As of 5/7/20, the presumed Patriots’ starting quarterback will likely be Jared Stidham. An inexperienced QB with weapons at his disposal such as Julian Edleman, Mohamed Sanu Jr, and Sony Michel. If all goes well, I feel the Chargers could win this game. Result: W, (8-4)

Week 14: Atlanta Falcons: This is a winnable game in my opinion. Despite Atlanta’s 7-9 campaign last season, I don’t see the Falcons improving this year (record-wise). The Chargers should take advantage of this opportunity. Result: W, (9-4)

Week 15: Las Vegas Raiders: This is another one of those games that are 50/50 as to who comes out on top. As of now, this is a pretty equal game in terms of talent. Personally I think we’ll split the season series versus LV. It will come down to a matter of who has a better game, honestly. But this time I think the Raiders come out on top. Result: L, (9-5)

Week 16: Denver Broncos: In both games versus the Broncos this year, its a 50/50 shot as to who wins. Statically the Chargers have struggled against the Broncos and I don’t see that changing this year. I think the Chargers will start the season off strong against their division rivals on their first of two Monday Night Football games. Result: W, (10-5)

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs: L. Again, right now I just do not think the Chargers can match the Chiefs. Everything would need to go right for LA to win this. But unless we get the magic we saw in Week 15 on Thursday Night Football 2 seasons ago, we can put this in the Loss Column. Result: L, (10-6)

So, my optimistic prediction is 10-6 with a wild card spot. However, like it seems every year, the Chargers have a chance to go (at best) 12-4. But what do you think of LA’s Chances this season? Will the Bolts make a return to the playoffs? Or will it be a typical Chargers season, disappointing and forgettable? What games do you agree or disagree with? Let me hear your thoughts!

As a reminder, all trades made on draft night within the top ten selections will still be included. The 2012 was loaded with quality quarterbacks, while also fielding some of today’s NFL defensive superstars.

This was extremely difficult, as the amount of defensive talent in this draft is incomparable to any other, so here are a few honorable mentions to this draft list just to show you how deep this draft went: Fletcher Cox, Josh Norman, Dont’a Hightower, Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus, and Janoris Jenkins.

That is right, all those top-tier defensive players did not make the top ten. That just shows how stacked this class was.

The 2012 NFL Re-Draft is open, and the Colts are on the clock.

1: Indianapolis Colts: Russell Wilson, QB

Easily the top quarterback in this class. I like the original pick with Andrew Luck, but Luck’s retirement pushes Wilson to the top slot. Unlike in Seattle, Wilson will be able to have a strong run game, and have protection, thus making him more dominant than ever.

2: Washington Redskins: Luke Keuchly, LB

While they originally went with RGIII, I believe they should have gone elsewhere. While Luke Keuchly might have retired this offseason, he is still the best defensive player in this class. The Redskins defense has been lacking for many years now, but this all changes when they get Keuchly.

3: Cleveland Browns: Bobby Wagner, LB

Bobby Wagner might have the closest skillset to Keuchly not just in this class, but in the NFL as a whole. Wagner is a tackle machine, and this pick would be a complete reversal in impact on the team compared to Trent Richardson. Wagner would become a fan-favorite in Cleveland, and potentially even lead them to success.

4: Minnesota Vikings: David Decastro, OG

The Vikings went offensive line in the original draft, so I decided to stick with the same position despite there being better talent still left on the board. DeCastro is a great lineman who was rock-solid guarding Big Ben. Kirk Cousins will be lucky to have a strong line revolving around this guy.

5: Jacksonville Jaguars: T.Y. Hilton, WR

They went with J. Blackmon with the original pick. I like keeping the picks in the same position, so the Jaguars in this redraft will select the top wide receiver from this class T.Y. Hilton. If only he had a good quarterback to throw to him.

6: Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Gilmore is easily the top cornerback in this class, and is potentially the best cornerback in the league. Gilmore solidifies the Cowboys’ secondary, which would be a better pick than Morris Claiborne.

7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Harrison Smith, SS

The hard hitting safety is just what the Buccaneers need. Smith has dominated the competition, and his power is no match to anyone else. Smith could have been the next Ronde Barber, but instead, he is dominating on the Vikings.

8: Miami Dolphins: Chandler Jones, DE

The Dolphins get a great pass rusher in Chandler Jones. In Arizona, he and Patrick Peterson were able to lead a very solid defensive unit. The Dolphins have many holes, but they cover a big one with Jones.

9: Carolina Panthers: Lavonte David, LB

With Keuchley off the board in this redraft, the Panthers need to take the next best available linebacker. David may not be Luke Keuchly, but David’s versatility and IQ make him worthy of being selected at the ninth slot.

10: Buffalo Bills: Casey Heyward, CB

The Bills originally went with Gilmore here, so they now need to find a different cornerback to select. While Josh Norman and Janoris Jenkins are great players, I believe that Casey Heyward would fit in well in Buffalo.

Round 1 Pick 2, Redskins: DE, Chase Young, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 3, Lions: CB, Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 4, Giants: LB, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 5, Dolphins: QB, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 6, Chargers: QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon

Round 1 Pick 7, Panthers: DT, Derick Brown, Auburn

Round 1 Pick 8, Cardinals: OL, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 9, Jaguars: CB, C.J Henderson, Florida

Round 1 Pick 10, Browns: OL, Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Round 1 Pick 11, Jets: WR, CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 12, Raiders: WR, Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 13, 49ers: WR, Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 14, Buccaneers: OL, Jedrick Willis, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 15 Broncos: DT, Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Round 1 Pick 16, Falcons: OL, Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Round 1 Pick 17, Cowboys: LB, K’lavon Chaisson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 18, Dolphins: Safety, Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 19, Raiders: LB, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 20, Jaguars: Safety, Grant Delpit, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 21, Eagles: WR, Justin Jefferson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 22, Vikings: WR, Denzel Mims, Baylor

Round 1 Pick 23, Patriots: DE, AJ Epenesa, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 24, Saints: QB, Jordan Love, Utah

Round 1 Pick 25, Vikings: CB, Kristian Fulton, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 26, Dolphins: OL, Austin Jackson, Southern California

Round 1 Pick 27, Seahawks: LB, Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Round 1 Pick 28, Ravens: LB, Patrick Queen, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 29, Titans: CB, Jeff Gladney, TCU

Round 1 Pick 30, Packers: WR, Tee Higgins, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 31, 49ers: OL, Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

Round 1 Pick 32, Chiefs: CB, Trevon Diggs, Alabama

The 2017 NFL Draft was loaded with superstars ranging in all positions. This draft class included offensive superstars such as Christian Mcafferey, George Kittle, and Chris Godwin; but, also includes defensive pro-bowlers in Jamal Adams, Myles Garrett, and Tre’Davious White.

This re-draft will include all draft day trades. Plus, not all selections were based on skill: it depends on replicability at the position. For example, if this re-draft was purely based on skill, then close to half of the top ten picks would have been a runningback.

Now that the perameters have been set, let us re-draft:

1: Cleveland Browns: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

After being benched behind Alex Smith in his rookie season, Patrick Mahomes has played two star seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. In this timespan, Mahomes has won the NFL’s MVP award, and most recently a Super Bowl victory, to name a few of Mahomes’ many achievements. The Chiefs made what will eventually be considered as the best move in their franchise’s history by trading to the 10th pick for Mahomes, nabbing the best player in the NFL. However, in this re-draft, the Browns decide to pick Mahomes instead of star defensive end Myles Garrett.

2: Chicago Bears: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

While Garrett’s season was cut short due to his incident involving Mason Rudolph in a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, let that not undercut Garrett’s talent. Garrett was more than well-deserving of the first-overall pick, but having the generational talent in Mahomes forces Garrett to move down a spot. The only reason I do not have Deshaun Watson landing here is because I think the Bears stick with Mike Glennon after signing him to a ridiculously large deal that offseason.

3: San Fransisco 49ers: George Kittle, TE, Iowa

While we all like to think of the Niners defense as formidable, it was not thanks to the likes of Soloman Thomas. But, that does not mean the Niners did this draft wrong, as they selected George Kittle in the fifth round. In this redraft, the Niners decide to select Kittle with their first round pick, and wait until the later rounds before even considering Thomas. Kittle has been an unstoppable force ever since being drafted into the league. At this point in time, the Niners have many holes, including quarterback, but they wait to get a quarterback until trading for Jimmy Garropolo. Kittle provides their team a dynamic blocker as well as a receiving threat that will scare defenses for weeks to come.

4: Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Mccaffrey, HB, Stanford

The Jaguars initially selected Leanard Fournette at this spot. While I think this was a great fit, I believe that the Jaguars could have gone with a better running back. With uncertainty with Blake Bortles at quarterback, Mccaffrey will be playing in a nearly identical situation to the one he is currently in with the Panthers. Overall, CMC is a much better fit with this squad then Fournette is.

5: Tennessee Titans: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin

Watt has improved in every season he has played, and has become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with the Steelers. The Titans went with Corey Davis with this pick, which proved to be bust-worthy, especially now that they have a run-dominated offense with Derrick Henry. The Titans in this redraft go with defense, deciding between Jamal Adams and Watt. They eventually go with Watt, showing that they are confident in their safety group that is lead by Kevin Byard.

6: New York Jets: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

It is not often that in a redraft, a team goes with the same guy they went with in the actual draft. Even though there is uncertainty in his future with the Jets this offseason, the smart move is to keep their pick with Adams going at 6.

7: Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

While this may seem as a surprise to many, I think that the Chargers picking Godwin would be perfect. They initially went with Mike Williams, who they had hoped would provide Philip Rivers with a solid WR2 option. This would have spread the field more, allowing their star WR Keenan Allen and TE Hunter Henry to have more open space, creating more big plays. Williams has been a good pick, posting solid numbers when healthy. But, in comparison to Godwin’s breakout season, Williams stands no match. Chargers stick with a wideout here.

8: Carolina Panthers: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Ever since the departure of Josh Norman and the rest of the core 15-1 Panther squad, the defense has been lacking in overall talent in exception to newly retired LB Luke Kuechly. This class features many great cornerbacks, including Tre’Davious White, and Marshon Lattimore. But, I am going with Humphrey. Since 2017, Humphrey has been hawking every pass thrown to him down, breaking up 47 passes, ranking fourth since he was drafted into the league.

9: Cincinnati Bengals: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

Like I mentioned in the previous selection, this class is loaded with studs at cornerback. The Bengals in the actual draft went with John Ross, going for a speedy wideout to be opposite to AJ Green. Ross has been plagued with injuries, making him not worthy of this selection. The Bengals secondary has been abysmal at best, so they take Pro-Bowl cornerback White at this pick. However, this Bengals team is still far from where they have to be, and even with the selection of White, I would still see the Bengals winding up with the first pick in tomorrow’s draft.

10: Kansas City Chiefs: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Those that are reading this, I know you are confused. The Chiefs trading to this pick for the fundamental purpose of drafting Patrick Mahomes. That is true. But, they still believe that they have their guy in Watson. While Watson might not be at the same level as Mahomes, Watson would play perfect to this speedy team. Andy Reid would style a playbook that would revolve lots of play-action, screens to both running backs and wide receivers, and QB runs, similar to the current Chiefs playbook. In my mind, this would be a no-brainer trade the Chiefs make to pick Watson.

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