Chargers Draft Prospects: Brian Quick

The Chargers have done a good job bringing in a talented group of receivers in the wake of the Vincent Jackson departure, but I would not be surprised to see the team take a look at several of the bigger receivers in the draft this year. San Diego has done a good job finding talented receivers the last several years, and one they may look at heavily is Appalachian State prospect Brian Quick.

Position: WR
Weight: 220 lbs.
Height: 6' 4''

Pros: Quick is actually quick for a big guy. He has deceptive speed and can use his physical size to get a great release off the line against smaller defensive backs. He has strong hands and can readjust well to bad passes and can manipulate his body to make the catch. He is an active blocker in the running game and is willing to do the dirty work to ensure success. He has the power to break tackles underneath. When combined with his speed, he is a threat each time he has the ball. With good acceleration and agility, Quick can become a special talent.

Cons: The biggest knock on Quick is his route running. If he can't blow by a defender or use his athleticism to overpower a defender, he can become neutralized on a play.  He needs some serious work in this area, but it should come with time. It was rumored that he didn't actually have any position coaching while at Appalachian State. He needs to keep his legs moving while blocking instead of just hitting the person across from him. He does have some concentration issues, but these should be something he can overcome.

Quick brings a great skill set to the table and should be drafted within the first three rounds.  It is interesting to note that Quick was one of only two remaining players on the Appalachian State team last year that upset Michigan in 2007.

How is A.J. Doing?

Free agency has been a time that Charger fans have come to dread. It always seemed that fans were having to watch a great player leave the team year after year. Going into this off-season, fans were ready to pounce on GM A.J. Smith with just the slightest provocation. Vincent Jackson was the player on every mind. When Jackson left to join the Buccaneers, many fans viewed it as just another year of the Chargers failing in free agency. In reality, Smith has put together a very good group of free agents from a talent standpoint when compared to the money he has spent on them. Each brings a much needed skill set or upgrade to  position of need. While the group may not be flashy, I have to give props to Smith for working hard. He still has the draft left, but I am impressed with how he has handled things so far. Here is for wishing for things to continue this way.

AFC West Free Agency Review

San Diego Chargers

Lost: Vincent Jackson (Bucs), Steve Gregory (Patriots), Billy Volek (Released), Marcus McNeill (Cut), Luis Castillo (Released)

Signed: Robert Meachem, Atari Bigby, Jarret Johnson, Le'Ron McClain, Jared Gaither, Eddie Royal, Charlie Whitehurst

Denver Broncos

Lost: Eddie Royal (Chargers)

Signed: Mike Adams (Browns)

Kansas City Chiefs

Lost: Brandon Carr (Cowboys), Kyle Orton (Cowboys), Le'Ron McClain (Chargers)

Signed: Kevin Boss (Raiders), Peyton Hillis (Browns)

Oakland Raiders

Lost: Kevin Boss (Chiefs), Chaz Schiliens (Jets),  Rock Cartwright (49ers), Jason Campbell (Bears)

Signed: Ron Bartell (Rams), Mike Brisiel (Texans)

Each team has numerous free agents who have not signed with anybody yet, so for the time being, these are just the moves we know have happened for sure.

San Diego Officially Loses Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson finally got the big paycheck that he has wanted the last several seasons. Jackson signed a 5 year, 55.55 million dollar deal, with 26 million guaranteed. He can make up to 36 million in the first two seasons. This ends all speculation as to where Jackson would end up. San Diego is already in contact with free agents Robert Meachem and Laurent Robinson to replace Jackson, who was a Pro Bowl level receiver for the Chargers. Meachem is also being pursued by the Bills, while Robinson is being pursued by the Jags. Robinson is a training camp casualty for the Chargers from last season, so Turner would no what he is getting with him. Meachem is an unknown. People question if he is good or just a product of a system. I expect San Diego to sign one of these two and target a young receiver in the draft.

In other news, St. Louis has agreed to a 5 year deal with CB Cortland Finnegan for roughly 50 million. Finnegan is being reunited with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. I would have to say that the Redskins are the winners of day one of free agency. While not any one of the receivers they signed is elite, they acquired several good options for expected quarterback RG3. I think that Garcon is highly overpaid, but I am intrigued by Josh Morgan and his potential. Day two may be won by the Bucs or the Bills. Tampa is also trying to sign G Carl Nicks and LB Curtis Lofton. Buffalo is pursing Meachem and is willing to make Mario Williams the highest paid defensive player in the league. It just came in that Indianapolis resigned Reggie Wayne to a 3 year contract.