Entering the third season of the Mike McCoy– Tom Telesco era, the San Diego Chargers are hoping for better results then last season’s outcome. Missing the playoffs due to an injury riddled roster, the Chargers are looking forward to a different storyline this year as the team has a good chance of making the postseason. With training camp looming near, the Chargers conclude a productive off-season with the team improving depth and adding talent across the board. Here is a look at the top 10 players on the team heading into the 2015 season.
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Melvin Ingram
10. Melvin Ingram(LB)- When Ingram has been on the field, the linebacker has been a key contributor to the Chargers defense. Ingram has faced a variety of injuries thus far in his career, so this season will be important for him if he hopes of becoming one of the top pass rushers in the league. Ingram has given the Chargers defense a key element to the game when healthy so the team is hoping that Ingram can play the full season this year.
9. Melvin Gordon (RB)– While it is too early tell if Gordon is a top 10 player on the roster, his college production shows that he will play a crucial role for the Chargers. Filling the shoes of departed Ryan Mathews, Gordon will be the feature back for the Chargers as he will be tasked with improving the teams rushing attack. Holding the college record for rushing yards in a season, Gordon was a talent that the Chargers desperately needed. With a formidable backfield behind the rookie running back, Gordon will join an offense that is looking to be dominate in all facets of the game.
8. Jason Verrett (CB)- After ending the season early on IR, the Chargers are excited at the potential of Verrett. In games, Verrett has played as one of the best ranking in the top 5 as a cover corner during the first 7 weeks of last season. Verrett is still in the mending process but has flashed ability during the team minicamp, drawing praise from a number of veterans. Even though Verrett has a small frame and build, he has shown that he is aggressive and tenacious in covering some of the biggest wide receivers in the NFL. With another season to improve his skill, Verrett will be an excitement for all to see.
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Corey Liuget
7. Corey Liuget (DE)– After signing a 5 year, 50 million dollar contract, Liuget will need to improve his play and become the player the Chargers are hoping for. While Liuget was able to completely take over the trenches during his time on the field last year, (wk3 vs Bills) he was also shut out at times making little impact on the outcome of games. Liuget was often double teamed by opposing linemen, giving him a harder time of shedding blocks. While the talent is there, the Chargers are still hoping Liuget can become one of top defensive linemen in the NFL.
6. Keenan Allen (WR)- During his rookie season, Allen surprised many in the NFL with his skill and speed, making him the number 1 receiver on the Chargers roster. While last season proved to be a downer for Allen, reports indicate that he has matured throughout the off-season and has found renewed energy in improving his game. Allen has shown that he can be one of the top play makers in the league, his only goal now is to consistently play at the high level he is capable of.
5. Mike Scifres (P)- Possibly one of the most underrated players on the team, Scifres has shown that he is one of the best punters in the NFL. Scifres put on a show against the Seahawks last season, consistently pinning the team behind the 20 yard line and changing the field position battle in favor of the Chargers. After a season ending injury in week 14, the Chargers are glad that Scifrecs is back and healthy for the upcoming year. Having a career average of 45.2 yrds per punt, Scifrecs has shown that he can be an impact player in one of the most under appreciated aspects of the game.
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Brandon Flowers
4. Brandon Flowers (CB)- Enter his second year as a member of the Chargers, Flowers has shown that he can be the shutdown corner that the team needs. With the signing of Flowers, the Chargers secondary improved in coverage and in eliminating scoring opportunities while ranking in the top 5 of the NFL. If Flowers can having another strong season, then the Chargers should have one of the better secondaries in the league.
3. Orlando Franklin (LG)- Signed this off-season by the Chargers, Franklin is one of the biggest guards in the league. Having played for the division rival Denver Broncos, the Chargers know how dominate Franklin can be on the line and are hoping for similar production from the 5th year pro. With the addition of Franklin, the Chargers have one of the biggest lines in the league which should help in improving their play from last season.
2. Eric Weddle (FS)- Ranks as the best safety in the league last season by Pro Football Focus, Weddle is the leader and field general of the Chargers defense. Being one of the best athletes on the team, Weddle can play in the box, cover one on one and play deep zone defense. While this could very well be Weddle’s last season as a Charger, players and fans still expect him to play hard for his teammates while having another impressive year.
1. Philip Rivers (QB)- For almost a decade now, the San Diego Chargers have been Philip Rivers team. In contention for being a top 5 quarterback in the league, Rivers has had an outstanding career as the Chargers quarterback, making him one of the most respected players in the locker room. Once again, the Chargers will need Rivers to have another great season if they hope of having a winning record this upcoming year. Rivers has shown time and time again that he can carry the offense while being one of the most productive players on an injury plagued roster.
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This article San Diego Chargers: Top Ten players on the roster in 2015 appeared first on isportsweb by Ian Sunde