The Spaz
04-18-2004, 11:32 PM
Four years ago, the San Diego Chargers finished 1-15. A year later, the Carolina Panthers were 1-15. Last year, the Panthers landed in the Super Bowl and became a blueprint for savvy rebuilding and a fast track to glory.
The Chargers, though, landed back in last place and became a blueprint for anything but upward mobility.
Three years after possessing the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, the Chargers have it again.
The team's fans hold their collective breath.
What will the Chargers do? Select a player, possibly slick Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning, massive Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery or sleek Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald? Or will they trade the pick, possibly to the New York Giants or Washington Redskins, for a combination of lower draft picks and veteran players to help plug the numerous holes in their lineup?
A decision like this can make or break a franchise for years, as the Chargers well know. The man who has the final say this time is A.J. Smith, a career NFL personnel lieutenant. He succeeded Chargers general manager John Butler, his longtime boss in Buffalo and San Diego, when Butler died of cancer last April.
How is Smith, 55, coping as the biggest decision of his career looms?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chargers/2004-04-18-cover_x.htm
The Chargers, though, landed back in last place and became a blueprint for anything but upward mobility.
Three years after possessing the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, the Chargers have it again.
The team's fans hold their collective breath.
What will the Chargers do? Select a player, possibly slick Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning, massive Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery or sleek Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald? Or will they trade the pick, possibly to the New York Giants or Washington Redskins, for a combination of lower draft picks and veteran players to help plug the numerous holes in their lineup?
A decision like this can make or break a franchise for years, as the Chargers well know. The man who has the final say this time is A.J. Smith, a career NFL personnel lieutenant. He succeeded Chargers general manager John Butler, his longtime boss in Buffalo and San Diego, when Butler died of cancer last April.
How is Smith, 55, coping as the biggest decision of his career looms?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chargers/2004-04-18-cover_x.htm